The humble tent stake may be the smallest item you take on your camping experiences but it's one of the most important items in your kit bag. This is what gives you the confidence and security you need in the lashing rain and the howling wind that your tent is well anchored and not likely to either fall down on you in the middle of the night or fly off into the hills.
So what's the most important elements of tent stakes?
Firstly, let’s work out what terrain you will be pitching your tent on – grass, firm soils, compacted sand, packed snow or from your car?
Knowing which tent stake to use in each environment will give you the ground security you need whether you are pitching on rocky ground and require a stake that gives superior ground penetration or anchoring your tent into soft compacted sand and require a tent stake that gives a more screwed in approach.
Are you on the move and re-setting your tent often or are you pitched from the car and hunking down for a few days?
Re-setting your tent every night or so means that your tent stakes are in for repeated pounding so it's essential that they're sturdy, durable and don't bend or snap. A larger head on the tent stake can often help and reduces the risk or bending.
If you're backpacking, lightweight but durable tent stakes make a huge difference whereas camping from the car allows you to consider a heavier version as weight is not so much of an issue.
Wherever you decide to pitch your tent, we are here to help you find the best tent stake so you can camp with confidence!
How Do We Choose the Best Tent Stakes?
It can be hard to know which tent stakes are the best ones to buy. You want something that is durable, versatile, and sturdy - but you also don't want it to weigh a ton or break the bank.
With all of the different options out there, it can be tough to know which tent stakes are the right ones for you. Not only do they come in all shapes and sizes, but they also have different features that can make them more or less desirable depending on your needs.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you by compiling a list of the best tent stakes currently available. Our list includes both the most popular and well-reviewed stakes as well as our personal favorites.
Whether you're looking for a tent stake that's lightweight and budget-friendly or something heavy-duty and long-lasting, we've got you covered.
MSR Mini Groundhog Tent Stakes (6 pack)
Best all-round tent stakes
What works for us
The MSR Mini Groundhog tent stake is the perfect choice for your next camping trip. Made from lightweight and incredibly durable materials, these tent pegs are built to last.
They also offer great versatility, being able to secure guy lines in soil, compacted sand or packed snow. Plus, they're easy to remove from the ground with the attached pull rope.
So whether you're looking for a tent stake that can handle all sorts of terrain, such as rocky ground or loose sand or a tent stake that's easy to use, the MSR Mini Groundhog is one of the best on the market
What you need to know
If you're looking for ultralight tent stakes that are both strong and durable, look no further than these aluminium stakes. Each stake is 6 inches long and weighs just 0.35 ounces, making them easy to carry in your backpack. But don't let their light weight fool you - these stakes are incredibly sturdy, and can withstand repeated pounding into the ground.
The Y-shaped design also helps to ensure deep penetration, so you can rest assured that your tent will be securely anchored. Whether you're car camping or backpacking, this tent stake is a great choice.
Wise Owl Outfitters Tent stakes (16 pack)
Best all-terrain tent stakes
What works for us
When it comes to camping, there are few things as important as a good tent stake. And when it comes to ultralight tent stakes , the Wise Owl Outfitters Tent Stakes are another absolute go-to for any camping trip.
This ultralight tent stake is sturdy and made from aluminium and have a three-sided angular design that helps them penetrate hard ground. Once in, they don't move or fall out, as these lightweight tent stakes have excellent holding power which makes them perfect for camping in all terrains, particularly softer soils or sand.
Their heavy-duty build means that this tent stake can take repeated mallet pounding and not bend under the stress, and they're easy to pull out with the attached red pull cord.
Best of all, they only weigh 13 grams each, making them ideal for backpackers who need to limit their weight load. So whether you're car camping with the family or backpacking through the wilderness, be sure to bring along the Wise Owl Outfitters Tent Stakes - they just might be the most important part of your trip!
What You Need To Know
Each tent stake is 7.25 inches long and only weighs 13 grams, making them easy to carry without adding too much weight to your backpack. The aluminium construction makes them tough enough to withstand repeated mallet (or rock) pounding, and the bright red cord is easy to spot so you can quickly remove them when it's time to pack up camp.
There are 16 stakes per pack, and they come in bio-degradable packaging so you can camp with a clear conscience.
Whether you're car camping or backpacking, these tent stakes are a great option for anyone who wants a reliable way to anchor their tent.
Read here to see how they fared when we used them in tandem with the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock Tarp.
ALL ONE TECH (12 Pack)
Best budget tent stakes
What Works For Us
The All One Tech tent stakes are a great camping staple. They may not be as robust as a galvanised steel option, but they hold well in stout winds and are able to take the additional pounding of foot pressure or a mallet without bending which makes them a great option for ultralight tent stakes.
Their key point, is how lightweight these tent pegs are which makes them the perfect fit for backpackers and they are secure in softer soils, sand or snow and hold up well in harder ground. The 3 sided design allows for penetration into harder soils and they are easy to pull out with the attached cords which are highly reflective. And at such a great price, they're a really solid buy for any camper.
What You Need To Know
The 12 pack of tent pegs with pull cord and carrying pouch is a great accessory for any camper or hiker. The tent stakes are made from ultralight and durable aluminium, and each stake weighs only 12.7 grams. The stakes are also 7" long, making them perfect for use with most tents.
The carrying pouch is handy for keeping the tent pegs together, and the pull cord ensures that you don't lose any of the stakes.
Whether you're setting up camp in the backcountry or pitching a tent in the backyard, the 12 pack of tent stakes with pull cord and carrying pouch is a great choice.
EURMAX USA GALVANIZED STEEL STAKES
Best heavy-duty tent stakes
What Works For Us
If you're looking for some serious tent stakes that can withstand high winds, the Eurmax Galvanized Steel Stakes are perfect for you. They're made out of heavy duty steel and are galvanized for extra durability, making them ideal for use in sandy or firm soils.
With a slightly heavier weight than some other stakes on the market, these steel tent stakes provide great ground security and are perfect for car camping and overhead protection. Installation is quick and easy with a hammer, so you'll be ready to weather any storm in no time.
What You Need To Know
These 10" long tent stakes are made from galvanised steel for 100% rust protection, and they have a large head for mallet driving. They also have rope stringing eyelets for anchoring guidelines, so you can be sure your tent will be securely anchored.
With extra guy lines provided within the 10 pack set, whether you're car camping or backpacking, these tent stakes will give you the security that your tent will stay in place, no matter what the weather throws at you.
Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor (4 pack)
Best Tent Stake for soft soils and compacted sand
What Works For Us
When it comes to pitching your tent on soft ground or compacted sand, you need a ground anchor that you can rely on. That's where the Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor comes in. These strong, sturdy, and versatile tent stakes are perfect for ensuring your tent stays securely in place, no matter what conditions you're faced with.
Made from extra-durable materials, the Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor will stand up to whatever you throw at it. Each stake is 9.5 inches long, and if you go with the camping rule, that in general, the longer the stake the better, then these fit the bill! These are some of the best sand stakes out there
Work best in soft ground or compacted soils so make a great partner if you are car camping or setting up next to the waves.
So whether you're setting up camp on the beach or lashing down your tarp over your car, the Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor is the perfect solution for good all round ground security.
What You Need To Know
These tent stakes are 9.5 inches long for really good ground penetration and are made from 100% recycled material.
Easy to use with the T-Grip tool which comes included, make the Orange Screw peg one of the best tent stakes for sand available.
Best Tent Stake Buyers Guide: What you need to consider:
It can be hard to know which tent pegs are the best fit for your camping needs, especially if you're a first-time camper.
There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing the right tent stake - size, material, weight, type of terrain. It can be tough to figure out which ones you need especially with the multitude of choices on the market.
We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions on the Best Tent Stakes to help choose the right ones for your camping needs. With this resource, you'll be able to find the best tent stakes for your next camping trip in no time and be secure in the knowledge that your tent, and you, are firmly anchored to the ground!
What type of tent stakes are best?
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing tent stakes. They include the material the tent stake is made from, the shape of the tent stake, and the size of the tent stake.
The most common materials used for tent stakes are aluminium, stainless steel, and titanium.
Aluminium is the lightest weight option and is therefore best for backpackers who are concerned about saving space and weight.
Stainless steel is more durable than aluminium and is a good choice for car camping or family camping trips where durability is more important than weight.
Titanium tent stakes are even more durable than stainless steel but they are also significantly more expensive.
The shape of your tent stake will also affect its holding power. Stakes with a V-shaped point will hold the ground better and offer a better ground penetration and the general rule of camping is the longer the tent stake, the better.
Are plastic or metal tent stakes better?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as each type of tent stake has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Metal tent stakes are generally more durable than plastic tent stakes , but they are also heavier and can be more difficult to drive into the ground. Plastic tent stakes are usually lighter and easier to install, but they may not be as sturdy in high winds or other inclement weather and may snap when driving into rocky ground
Ultimately, it is up to the individual camper to decide which type of tent stake is best for their needs and sometimes having a mix of both available is the solution to variable terrains.
Are screw in tent pegs any good?
If you're looking for a tent peg that will provide a little extra holding power, then a screw-in tent peg might be a good option for you.
These pegs are designed to be screwed into the ground, which gives them greater holding power than traditional stakes.
This type of tent stake is often used as either sand stakes or snow stakes as they have superior holding power in softer terrains. However, they can be more difficult to remove from the ground, so keep that in mind when choosing this type of peg.
Which tent stake will give the best hold on soft ground?
There are a few different types of tent stakes that can give you a good hold on soft ground, depending on the soil type and how much weight you need to support.
In general, thicker and longer stakes will give you more holding power, so consider those if you're pitching your tent in particularly soft or deep soil.
If you're dealing with sand or very fine-grained soils, shepherd's hooks or mallet-style stakes can work well. These have a wide surface area that helps to evenly distribute the force of the stake into the ground. This is also true of snow stakes. Anchor plates are also a good choice for sandy soils, as they help to prevent the stake from pulling out.
How much weight does a tent peg hold?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the type of soil, the size and weight of the tent peg, and how firmly the peg is inserted into the ground. In general though, most tent pegs are designed to hold between 15 and 20 pounds (6.8 and 9 kg).
How do you hammer a stake into the ground?
If you have a hand-held hammer, hold the handle with both hands and swing it in an arc towards the ground. The force of the impact will drive the stake into the ground. If you are using a larger hammer or mallet, hold it with one hand and use your other hand to guide and steady the stake as you strike it with the hammer.
Do tent stakes work in sand or snow?
Yes, tent stakes can be used in both sand and snow. However, it is important to choose the right type of stake for the conditions. For example, if you are using a sand stake , you will want to make sure that it is made of a material that will not rust easily.
In addition, it is important to ensure that the stake is long enough to go deep into the sand.
If you are using a stake snow stake, you should make sure that it is made of a material that will not break easily. In addition, it is important to make sure that the snow stakes are long enough to go through any layers of ice or packed snow.
Best Tent Stakes For You
Thank you for reading our blog post on the best tent stakes. We hope you found this helpful in arming you with the right information to choose the best tent stakes to suit your camping needs.
Be sure to check out our website for more outdoor gear advice and tips and check out the price of our recommended stakes by tapping the green button.
Happy camping!
