If you frequently go on camping trips, chances are you often forget to get replacements for those old and rusty tent stakes. While that’s completely unsurprising, having the best ultralight tent stakes can actually make a huge difference to your overall setup. Whether it’s best tent stakes for hard ground or best tent stakes for sand, they’ll make your temporary shelter secure on the ground and protect you from a variety of types of weather. So, join in as we uncover some of the best tent stakes for backpacking available around. Discover some great deals and alternatives that you may not have known before!
How to Choose The Best Ultralight Tent Stakes
Contrary to popular opinion, the best tent stakes for backpacking are supposed to work best under specific conditions. So, you can say they’re anything but a one-size-fits-all solution. For example, the best tent stakes for rocky ground are supposed to have different characteristics and features. Especially compared to the best tent stakes for beach sand.
To help you find out which one best suits your needs, we’ve come up with three important factors that you can take into consideration. Thus, you should be able to get the best ultralight tent stakes that are worth your money and time.
Type
Best tent stakes for backpacking come in various sizes and types. Each of them is designed for a different type of ground surface and has a divergent level of strength. For example, J-Stakes are one of the most popular. They’re usually light, pack a lot of surfaces, and are made of aluminum. However, they’re also slightly weaker than Y-Stakes or nail pegs. Meanwhile, for a more demanding ground surface, you can go with snow/stand stakes. Please note, however, that these types of stakes won’t work great in different conditions.
And speaking of types, did you know that tents come in a variety of styles and shapes? If you’re all about portability, then you definitely need to check out our list of the . Find some portable shelters that will be perfect for your next summer trip or family vacation!
Material
It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for the best stakes for rocky ground or the best stakes for sand, material is the key. You see, most quality stakes are made of aluminum. They’re affordable and quite robust, especially when used appropriately. But if you crave added durability, opt for steel stakes. They’re definitely stronger, but a little heavier. And for the excellent light-strength combination, there are titanium and carbon fiber stakes. Some claim they’re the best, but they often come at a price.
Weight
Managing load weights is vital on any backpacking or camping trip. That’s why it’s crucial to get your hands on the best ultralight tent stakes. But remember, you should be getting a product that can actually keep your tent on the ground. There’s no point in having the best tent stakes for hard ground or best tent stakes for sand if they quickly flatten once they’re put on the surface.
How Do You Get Tent Stakes into Hard Ground?
There are a couple of simple solutions you can try. First of all, you can soften the soil surface by pouring a little water. After that, wait a few minutes before you try to stick in the stakes. They should dig more easily. If needed, you can use a bar or even your feet to push the stakes deeper.
And in case you don’t have an idea about which backpacking tent to pick, don’t worry. We’ve got you fully covered here. Just check out our list of for some of the coolest options you can find on the market today.
Can You Set Up a Tent at The Beach?
Well, most beaches allow you to do this. Especially on sunny or windy days. You can set up a simple canopy or even a tent. However, we recommend contacting local authorities for more in-depth clarification regarding this.
What Can I Use Instead of Tent Stakes?
First of all, we always recommend using the best ultralight tent stakes. That’s because they’re more durable and specifically designed to provide a secure grip on your tent. But if the situation demands, there are several alternatives you can try. You can use screwdrivers as a good substitute for stakes. Apart from that, woods and rebar steels will also do a great job.
MSR Toughstake
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Let’s start this list with a bold claim. The MSR Toughstake is said to offer 10 times more power than the best ultralight tent stakes. While we can’t be certain of that, these stakes are indeed designed to work great on snow and sandy surfaces. So if you’re planning to camp somewhere rough, these should be on your inventory list.
As for material, it looks like it’s safe to say that the MSR Toughstake is one of the best stakes for hard ground. They’re made of military-grade aluminum and are supported by a stainless steel cable. So if you want something that’s reliable, lightweight, and stable, you really won’t go wrong with this one.
What We Love
Claimed to be able to provide strength 10 times greater than most best tent stakes for backpacking
Pros:
- Spade-shaped head
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Stainless steel cable
- Work well in challenging conditions
Cons:
- It’s definitely not cheap
MSR Blizzard
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Coming in a solid 7000 series aluminum package, the MSR Blizzard is definitely one of the best ultralight tent stakes money can buy. Whether it’s a sandy beach or rocky floors, these stakes will do the trick. It’s no wonder that many campers often dub this tiny piece of equipment as the best tent stakes for hard ground.
If you take a closer look at the design, you should notice a few holes there. And they don’t exist just for aesthetic purposes, not at all. When you stick the stakes into the ground, the holes should fill up with dirt or sand. That way, your tent will be completely secured, even on the windiest of days!
And speaking of tents, did you know that there are some portable huts that are made for specific purposes? For those planning to stalk some elk in the near future, you can try checking out our list of .
What We Love
It comes in a solid 7000 series aluminum package, perfect for hard or gritty surfaces
Pros:
- Broad surface
- Extra length
- Concave shape
- 7000-series aluminum
Cons:
- Some have complained about the quality of the delivery service
Orange Screw
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Despite its humble name, Orange Screw is actually a solid product. Design-wise, this thing looks almost like something you often find in beach tents. And that’s precisely what makes this one worthy of being called the best ultralight tent stakes. They dig deep beneath the surface of the ground, making sure your tent stays in the desired spot.
Orange Screw is made from recycled polycarbonate. While it’s not the strongest material available around, you should be able to get more than enough grip for your weekend camping trip. Apart from that, these stakes are available in two different sizes. Depending on your needs, you can pick between the 9 or 12-inch versions.
What We Love
They dig deep beneath the surface of the ground to make sure your tent stays in its designated spot
Pros:
- Lifetime breakage guarantee
- Made from 100 percent recycled materials
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not recommended for hard surfaces
Sea to Summit Ground Control
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As we mentioned earlier, the material is a crucial key in determining the strength of the tent stakes. And that’s exactly what you get with Sea to Summit Ground Control. Made from anodized 7075 T6 alloy, the Ground Control isn’t only extremely light and has substantial durability. Coming in a three-sided design, each of these stakes weighs only about half an oz.
Being one of the best tent stakes for rocky ground, Ground Control can sink deep enough to provide satisfactory grip and leverage for your tent. And thanks to the multi-height guy lines, these stakes are truly a lifesaver when you’re out in the open.
What We Love
Best ultralight tent stakes made of anodized alloy, both light and strong at the same time
Pros:
- Made of hard Exodierten 7000 Series Aluminum
- Three-sided design
- Multiple attachment points
- Ultralight
Cons:
- The handle grip could be better
Vargo Titanium
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Vargo Titanium is the simplest you can get from the best ultralight tent stakes. They’re basically a long titanium nail with a reflective rope knot at the end. But despite their modest looks, these products are completely solid and functional. Thanks to their straight shafts and flat top, these nails won’t flatten when hit against the hard ground.
We know how crucial loads are for a backpacker. That’s why we’re happy to announce that each of the Vargo Titanium nails weighs just under 0.6 oz. And if you want it to be more portable, we recommend opting for the ultralight version. They only measure around 0.3 oz per nail.
What We Love
One of the best tent stakes for rocky ground, has a straightforward design, and is made of solid titanium
Pros:
- Great for hard ground
- Flathead
- Reflective loop
- Titanium construction
Cons:
- They’re slightly heavier than some of the other options
Coleman Steel
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These galvanized steel nails are simply hard to resist! As long as you have a decent mallet or driver, Coleman Steel stakes should be able to provide an impressive grip on almost any surface. Some of you may be a little disappointed to know that the top is made of polypropylene. But we can assure you that it’s really tough.
Our only complaint about Coleman Steel is the top handle. While they’re strong, they’ll likely break down over time. But calm down, because there’s already a solution for this situation. A user from Minnesota said that he decided to use a plier to pluck these nails from the ground. And as a result, he got a relatively long-lasting product! So, if you’re looking for the best ultralight tent stakes, or more specifically best tent stakes for rocky ground, don’t hesitate to go with this one.
What We Love
Provides decent grip on almost all types of surfaces, as long as it is paired with a decent driver
Pros:
- Stainless steel material
- Polypropylene top
- Fairly light
- Easy to use
Cons:
- An extra cord at the top would be nice
Nemo Airpin Stake
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When it comes to the best ultralight tent stakes, nothing can beat Nemo Airpin. Made of sturdy 7075 aluminum, these nails are among the favorites for seasoned backpackers. Apart from being reliable and functional, they’re also quite light. Each stake is measured at about 10 grams only. Great for those who prefer to pack lightly on their way.
We also love Nemo Airpin’s tapered geometric design, which prevents the stakes from bending due to excessive force. The only downside is that these spikes don’t come with a pull cable. But this isn’t a big deal at all. If you really need one, you can always attach your own. Overall, what an impressive product. No wonder many have dubbed it the best tent stakes for beach sand.
And since we’re on beach-related topics, why don’t you check out our list of ? Find some great temporary shelters to protect you during sunny or windy days!
What We Love
One of the most popular options among seasoned backpackers
Pros:
- Three-point locking system
- Premium 7075 aluminum
- Tapered geometry
- NEMO lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with pull cables
MSR Ground Hog
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Here comes another impressive offering from MSR. Crafted from robust Easton aluminum, the MSR Ground Hog Stake is something you’d describe as ultra-light but sturdy. So, we weren’t really surprised to learn that this tiny little piece of equipment ranks highly on many lists of best ultralight tent stakes. They really do deserve it!
In terms of design, the MSR Ground Hog has three sides and a top with nylon ropes. They’re strong enough to stay straight while you hammer them. Apart from that, they’re also capable of crushing some small underground rocks. However, we do notice some drawbacks. First, the tip jiggles a little when it hits a hard surface. And second, they can’t place a tight grip on your guylines. However, don’t let all of this put you off because Ground Hog is still one of the best stakes for hard ground.
What We Love
Stakes are great for backpacking and car camping, made of strong yet lightweight alloy material
Pros:
- Durable
- Versatile
- Three-sided Y-beam design
- Superior penetration
Cons:
- They don’t give the guylines a secure tight
MSR Carbon Core
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Praised by many as one of the best tent stakes for rocky ground, the MSR Carbon Core comes with tough alloy material and a carbon core construction. As for the head, MSR uses aluminum solid which is just as strong. Some users claim they have brought these nails to some of the most stubborn terrains and are satisfied with their overall performance.
Just like the other best ultralight tent stakes on this list, the MSR Carbon Core is available in two different sizes. The nine-inch type will be fine for most rocky surfaces. But if you want to carry the lightest possible load on your trip, we recommend going with the six-inch model. Each of them only weighs about 0.35oz.
What We Love
It has a carbon core construction and a solid aluminum head, made specifically to tackle some of the toughest surfaces
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Full strength carbon core
- Aluminum covering
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- They don’t come with pull cords
MSR Cyclone
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Dealing with the soft ground? Then the MSR Cyclone will be the right equipment. These nails have a threaded design, which should allow them to penetrate the ground easily. Whenever you need a steady anchor, these things will be reliable. So it’s only natural that many backpackers recommend Cyclone as the best tent stakes for beach sand.
Apart from reaching 10 inches in length, the MSR Cyclone still qualifies as the best ultralight tent skates. Each of them only weighs about 1.2oz. But of course, if you prefer something tinier and shorter, there are lots of other great alternatives available on the market. With this said, Cyclones are still impressive nails. They’ll do a good job of keeping your tent secure during windy situations.
What We Love
Has a threaded design, making it easy to penetrate the ground
Pros:
- Spiral design
- 7000-series aluminum material
- Reflective pull loop
- Weighs 1.2oz
Cons:
- Stuff sack isn’t included
Anygear 7075 Aluminum
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Beginners should stay away from AnyGear 7705 Aluminum. That’s because these tri-beam stakes have a design that takes a little getting used to. But just like any other intricate outdoor equipment, once you get the hang of it, they’ll perform flawlessly! Each of these nails weighs only about 0.48oz and measures 7 inches long. Let us tell you, it’s the perfect ratio for the best ultralight tent stakes.
As you’d expect from the tri-beam stakes, AnyGear 7705 manages to provide a decent amount of power and durability. Furthermore, the three different anchor points on the spine give you several different alternatives to adjusting the guylines. And thanks to this, you don’t have to stick the stakes all the way into the ground!
Planning to go on a backpacking trip in the near future? Then make sure you have a really solid temporary shelter. You can check out some of our great recommendations on our list of the .
What We Love
One of the best tent stakes for sand. They perform impeccably, once you get the hang of it.
Pros:
- 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
- Three-side Y-beam design
- Reflective cords
- Ultralight and portable
Cons:
- Takes a little getting used to
Fanbx F Tent Pegs
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Coming in a shepherd’s staff-inspired shape, the Fanbx F Tent Pegs are basically lightweight nails made of aluminum alloy with hexagon rods. Each one of them only weighs around 0.6oz, making it one of the best tent stakes for backpacking available on the market at the moment. Apart from being ultra-light, Fanbx F is also simple and approachable. The hexagon shape ensures that there’ll be no uncontrolled spinning when the pegs are embedded in the ground. Meanwhile, for easy removal, there are convenient hooks.
The only thing that might stop you from getting your hands on Fanbx F Tent Pegs is the installation process. Installing these nails without a hammer is going to be quite a challenge. In addition, there’s only one spot to place the guyline, which makes the stakes less versatile. But with this being said, the Fanbx F Tent Pegs are still one of the best tent stakes for hard ground. Definitely check them out if you can.
What We Love
Approachable design, easy to use, and ultra light
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Compatible with a wide variety of tents
- Affordable
Cons:
- Requires hammer for installation
Toaks Titanium
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For uncompromised strength, we recommend the Toaks Titanium V-shape tent pegs. These stakes are designed to remain stable, even in the most demanding conditions. Their V-shape design is great for penetrating soft ground surfaces, although we doubt these nails will work great in snow or sand. Weighing only around 0.42oz per stake, Toaks Titanium definitely deserves the title of best tent stakes for backpacking.
The stuff sack is an extra that’s often missing from best tent stakes for hard ground. Luckily, that’s not the case with Toaks Titanium! They include a convenient pouch. Wrapped in bright orange, it’s really easy to find in a crowded backpack.
Furthermore, the only drawback is that you need to be extra careful with Toaks Titanium. That’s because pulling them in the wrong direction will result in bending. Regardless, these nails are actually an impressive product
What We Love
Its V-shape design is great for penetrating soft ground surfaces
Pros:
- Titanium alloy material
- Stuff sack included
- Light
- Portable
Cons:
- Quite difficult to remove
