Nature. The great outdoors. Campfires. Starlit nights under the vast canopy of the stars, away from the bustle and drone of the city. As ideal for a family outing, a guy’s night out or a romantic getaway for two.
But there’s something you didn’t count on. The wind. The sudden downpours. And the plague of mosquitoes threatening to attack every inch of that expensive tent you bought.
A chain is only as good as its weakest link. And a tent is absolutely useless without proper support.
So how do you tell the weak from the strong?
Below, you’ll find an overview of some of the best tent stakes we’ve found on the market today, as well as a handy guide to tell you what to look for when choosing the right one.
Eurmax 11 Inch Galvanized Non-rust Camping Family Tent Review
11 inch galvanized steel stakes with milled points that can easily cut through the hardest soil.
These stakes have an additional bonus of oversized heads should you need the assistance of a mallet.
All one tech Pack of 12, 7075 Aluminum Outdoors Tent Stakes Review
Made of three-sided, high-strength 7075 aluminum, these 7 inch “Y” design aluminum pegs come in a pack of twelve.
Strong enough to hold fast in a wide variety of soils, this model has the additional bonus of being virtually invulnerable to bending.
30-Piece Galvanized Steel Tent Pegs Review
These 4 mm diameter steel rods are ideal for anchoring netting, fabrics, and other garden structures.
Approximately 9 inches long with a 1 inch hook for anchoring, this model is also capable of keeping in place lighter weight tents, canopies and tarps.
ABCCANOPY 10pcs Galvanized Non-rust Glow-in-the-Dark Canopy Tent Stakes Review
Coming in a package of ten with a bonus four-piece set of 10 ft ropes and made of threaded galvanized steel, each peg measures approximately 6mm in diameter; making it capable of prodding into even the toughest soil.
The polypropylene tops makes these stakes easy to remove, and are high impact enough to withstand a hammer or mallet.
Tent Stake Buying Guide – How to find the best tent stake for your needs!
If buying a tent is like shopping for a home, then choosing the right tent stake is like choosing the right inspection service. It’s not something you take into consideration during the process; but in the long run, it makes all the difference in the world.
If you’re like most campers, chances are you’ve forgotten to bring stakes along at least one time in your travels; only to rush out and get them at the last minute. And chances are you’ve wound up with some lightweight material that can barely strike through snow or had to select a budget brand which splits and bends on the first impact.
Preparation is the key to any successful camping excursion, but there are numerous factors to take into consideration.
Where are you camping?
While there are certain locations such as sand or snow in which any material could be used, for the more rugged terrain you’re going to need something much more durable.
Galvanized steel is generally the go-for, but there are aluminum brands out there which can be just as sturdy.
If you’re planning on an especially grueling hiking/backpacking trek, something more lightweight can minimize the strain on your back.
How strong is strong enough?
Carbon fiber and titanium are excellent lightweight alternatives; but placed against more demanding elements, they simply won’t do.
Galvanized steel and strong aluminum are kings in the durability department, but have the disadvantage of being both hard to remove and quite noticeable – and painful – should you bump them in the middle of the night.
And importantly, always ensure that your stake is rust free for maximum usage.
How do I properly set my tent stakes?
Surprisingly easily. It’s a two-fold process:
1. Place the stake tilted away from an angle of approximately 45 degrees.
2. While holding the stake, simply use the heel of your shoe to apply pressure to the top until it sinks all the way to the head (In some cases, you may need to use a hammer or mallet. If you realize the ground is impenetrable due to rocks or roots, relocate a small distance. But always make certain each stake is as on as even a level possible with one another.)
