Tent stake showdown

[Wetwoodshunter]

Hey all! Recently got a hilleberg nallo 3gt and was wondering for all that use lightweight stakes what you are using.

I have always used MSR groundhogs are there better lighter stakes out there?

[CoryTDF]

Tagging to follow along. Had a catastrophic failure of stakes while on a backpacking trip in Hells Canyon and it resulted in my shelter flying.

[branches]

try a dead man anchor. you can use anything in the area for an anchor

[Karl Blanchard]

Groundhogs are top dog.  I went through this a few years back and I bet I spent $300 on various stakes.  Groundhogs are king and worth every penny 

[Jonathan_S]

  look no further, cheaper to buy a dozen or whatever you need and never worry again

[Knocker of rocks]

These

https://www.ispot.tv/ad/wlv4/tincup-whiskey-up-here

[bradslam]

These

https://www.ispot.tv/ad/wlv4/tincup-whiskey-up-here

  One of the most ridiculous ads in the history of television.  Cracks me up every time I see it.

[Wetwoodshunter]

Thanks, good to know someone already went through this. I have a bunch of groundhogs already so looks like you saved me a lot of testing.

Groundhogs are top dog.  I went through this a few years back and I bet I spent $300 on various stakes.  Groundhogs are king and worth every penny 

[Karl Blanchard]

Thanks, good to know someone already went through this. I have a bunch of groundhogs already so looks like you saved me a lot of testing.

Groundhogs are top dog.  I went through this a few years back and I bet I spent $300 on various stakes.  Groundhogs are king and worth every penny 

  I tried like hell to find a better stake or a less expensive stake but did not succeed.  I've only been able to break one over the years.  I've beaten them into some of the rockiest ground imaginable and while they get a bit beat up they always drive home and hold their ground

[addicted]

 DAC V stakes. Haven't bent one yet. They pack up to 1/4 the size of other stakes. Lots of traction and designed to be pulled out with another stake.
DAC V-Best tent stake size short-Medium, 8-pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077J6Z7LF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EqNhCbVGYT0SW

I have bent the heads on a few of the tri-wall style stakes like the ground hogs.

[Mtnwalker]

SO looks like the same thing as the Groundhog for half the price

[Karl Blanchard]

SO looks like the same thing as the Groundhog for half the price

lots of stakes look just like the groundhogs but I promise you they are not LOL

[Karl Blanchard]

DAC V stakes. Haven't bent one yet. They pack up to 1/4 the size of other stakes. Lots of traction and designed to be pulled out with another stake.
DAC V-Best tent stake size short-Medium, 8-pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077J6Z7LF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EqNhCbVGYT0SW

I have bent the heads on a few of the tri-wall style stakes like the ground hogs.

  I snapped the tips off almost all of mine in rocky ground.  Aluminum doesnt stand up to the abuse like titanium 

[bradslam]

What stakes came with the tent?  According to the website, it should have came with a V-peg, similar to a DAC, that is 6.3" long at 0.4 oz.  MSR Groundhogs are 7.5" at 0.5 oz and Mini-Groundhogs are 6" at 0.35 oz.
 
I use several different types of aluminum and titanium stakes from Easton, MSR, DAC, Vargo, and Lawson Equipment, and vary them based on the ground conditions and individual needs of the shelter.  I do use the DAC V-peg quite a bit and think they're great...tough and have decent surface area for holding power.  That being said, I don't think you would be getting much better performance or weight savings than what probably came with the tent (if you bought it new). As you probably know, Groundhogs have excellent holding power, but you have to be somewhat careful to not bend the necked down area while pounding them in.

[bradslam]

DAC V stakes. Haven't bent one yet. They pack up to 1/4 the size of other stakes. Lots of traction and designed to be pulled out with another stake.
DAC V-Best tent stake size short-Medium, 8-pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077J6Z7LF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EqNhCbVGYT0SW

I have bent the heads on a few of the tri-wall style stakes like the ground hogs.

  I snapped the tips off almost all of mine in rocky ground.  Aluminum doesnt stand up to the abuse like titanium 

I haven't had that experience with my DAC stakes. If I'm not certain of where I'll be making camp, I carry one Vargo Titanium Nail Peg to first create a hole in rocky ground, then pull it and place my V or Y stake in it's place.  They are tough.

[dreamunelk]

This a very interesting and educational topic!   

[Jason]

I also use the Dac V stakes and have had good luck and no issues with them.  I have not had one bend or break. I have no reason to switch at this point.

[Jonathan_S]

I would submit that I've driven more tent stakes then 99% of backcountry folks. I've tested my tents in weather conditions from -20 to 110 degrees and winds up to 50. During that time I've had the opportunity to drive thousands of stakes into soft loam, wet clay, dry clay, rocky mix, crumbly basalt or granite, pine duff etc.

The v stakes offer nothing over the groundhogs in my experience except for the fact that they cost a bit less UPFRONT.

[Karl Blanchard]

I would submit that I've driven more tent stakes then 99% of backcountry folks. I've tested my tents in weather conditions from -20 to 110 degrees and winds up to 50. During that time I've had the opportunity to drive thousands of stakes into soft loam, wet clay, dry clay, rocky mix, crumbly basalt or granite, pine duff etc.

The v stakes offer nothing over the groundhogs in my experience except for the fact that they cost a bit less UPFRONT.

pffff!!!!! You act like you design and build light weigh shelters or something 

[Mtnwalker]

DAC V stakes. Haven't bent one yet. They pack up to 1/4 the size of other stakes. Lots of traction and designed to be pulled out with another stake.
DAC V-Best tent stake size short-Medium, 8-pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077J6Z7LF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EqNhCbVGYT0SW

I have bent the heads on a few of the tri-wall style stakes like the ground hogs.

  I snapped the tips off almost all of mine in rocky ground.  Aluminum doesnt stand up to the abuse like titanium 

Please excuse my ignorance but you’re talking about the MSR Groundhogs right? From what I’m seeing they are aluminum as well.. not trying to argue, just wondering if I should upgrade from my stocker SO’s

[Karl Blanchard]

DAC V stakes. Haven't bent one yet. They pack up to 1/4 the size of other stakes. Lots of traction and designed to be pulled out with another stake.
DAC V-Best tent stake size short-Medium, 8-pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077J6Z7LF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EqNhCbVGYT0SW

I have bent the heads on a few of the tri-wall style stakes like the ground hogs.

  I snapped the tips off almost all of mine in rocky ground.  Aluminum doesnt stand up to the abuse like titanium 

Please excuse my ignorance but you’re talking about the MSR Groundhogs right? From what I’m seeing they are aluminum as well.. not trying to argue, just wondering if I should upgrade from my stocker SO’s

no you are absolutely correct.  Poorly worded comment on my end.  Made sense in my brain   

Titanium wont snap like aluminum.   All aluminum is not the same.  Groundhogs are gonna get you as close to titanium strength as I've used.  Dac's were fine until rocky hard pan and a 10lb rock for a hammer.  Then it was snap snap snap. 

Regardless of what a guy gets, carry a few extra because at some point even the best stakes will fail

[Karl Blanchard]

I'd say if what you are using is working, I wouldnt change just to change 

[jackelope]

I would submit that I've driven more tent stakes then 99% of backcountry folks. I've tested my tents in weather conditions from -20 to 110 degrees and winds up to 50. During that time I've had the opportunity to drive thousands of stakes into soft loam, wet clay, dry clay, rocky mix, crumbly basalt or granite, pine duff etc.

The v stakes offer nothing over the groundhogs in my experience except for the fact that they cost a bit less UPFRONT.

pffff!!!!! You act like you design and build light weigh shelters or something 

Such a show off.

[7mmfan]

I used aluminum gutter stakes last year worked great! Cant imagine a better product!   

[Karl Blanchard]

I used aluminum gutter stakes last year worked great! Cant imagine a better product! 

oh yeah!?!?!  Well I used unicorn horns so ha! I win!




 

[PlateauNDN]

 

[MtnMuley]

I find myself using my mini's more than my Groundhogs, because that way I can ounce count 2 more rounds of ammo.

[addicted]

You can get the V stakes in titanium

[7mmfan]

I used aluminum gutter stakes last year worked great! Cant imagine a better product! 

oh yeah!?!?!  Well I used unicorn horns so ha! I win!




 

Just had to go there didn't you

[Karl Blanchard]

I used aluminum gutter stakes last year worked great! Cant imagine a better product! 

oh yeah!?!?!  Well I used unicorn horns so ha! I win!




 

Just had to go there didn't you

they are organic free range gluten free kosher unicorns though so its ok