Best Tent Stakes of 2025

We independently test everything we recommend.
Buying through links on our site supports our work.

We are a reader-supported website and do not accept payment from manufacturers to promote their products. When you click on some of the links on our site and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. This keeps our website running and enables us to provide independent, high-quality outdoor resources free of charge.
A backpacker's hand holding a set of Vargo Titanium Shepherds Hook tent stakes in his hand with a NEMO tent in the background

Over the years, we’ve used more types of tent stakes in more types of terrain than the most dedicated outdoor gear nerds. We’ve researched over 80 models and tested dozens from the crusty earth of the high Sierra to the loamy soils of New England. For this tent stakes gear guide, we reviewed and ranked 13 top contenders for their weight, packability, durability, holding power, and ease of use. Whether you’re in the market to upgrade, replace a few bent or broken ones, or complete your ideal tent kit, we’ll help you find the best tent stakes for your specific needs.

And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:

Quick Picks for Tent Stakes

Check out this quick list of our favorite tent stakes if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Best Tent Stake Overall: MSR Ground Hog Stake ($6) / Mini ($5)

Best Bang for Your Buck: All One Tech Aluminum Stakes ($1)

Lightest Tent Stakes: MSR Carbon Core ($12)

Best Balance of Low Weight & Holding Power: Toaks Titanium V-Shaped Stakes ($4)

Most Packable Tent Stakes: ZPacks Ultralight Titanium Tent Stake ($3)

Most Innovative Tent Stakes: NEMO Sweepstake ($4)

Best in Snow and Sand: REI Snow Stakes ($6)

Best Hook Tent Stakes: REI Aluminum Hook ($2)

Most Durable Tent Stakes: REI Steel Stakes ($2)

Best for Anchoring Large Shelters: Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchors ($8)

Ultralight Tent Stakes with Great Holding Power: Zpacks V Stakes ($4)

Best Tent Stakes for Quick Adjustments: NEMO Airpin ($5)

Best Ultralight Tent Stakes for Rocky Ground: Vargo Titanium Shepherds Hook ($4)

What’s new

We’ve been stomping on stakes this year to revisit our stalwarts and test out some new contenders:

  • The REI Aluminum Hook is a classic, lightweight, hook-shaped stake that is easy to pull out of firm earth when it’s time to break down camp.

  • The NEMO Airpin is ultralight, durable for the weight, fits in tight spaces, and holds guylines really well.

Tent Stakes Overall Testing Scores

Stock image of MSR Groundhog

MSR Ground Hog & Mini Ground Hog

Best Tent Stake Overall

CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $6 / $5

Weight: 0.5 oz. / 0.35 oz.

Length: 7.5 in. / 6 in. (mini)

Best Use: Backpacking

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Great value
  • Excellent holding power
  • Very durable for how light they are
  • High-visibility
  • Pull cord for easy removal

Cons

  • Y stakes can be a little more difficult to use in rocky terrain
  • Pricey

The MSR Ground Hogs / Mini Ground Hogs have long been favorites among backpackers because they’re ultralight and they have excellent holding power. We’ve put both the standard and Mini versions through rigorous testing across diverse terrain conditions over multiple seasons. They continue to impress us with their exceptional performance-to-weight ratio.

Priced at $6 per stake, the Ground Hogs are on the pricier side compared to other alternatives. However, after experiencing their resilience during unexpected storms, we’ve found this is one area where ultralight doesn’t mean ultra-compromised.

The Y-beam construction is simply impossible to bend by hand. Although we were eventually able to get them to bend after whacking them with a hammer, we never experienced any lack of structural integrity over years of real-life use.

Where these stakes truly distinguish themselves is their exceptional holding power for their weight. The Y-shaped design provides excellent resistance in soft soil and herculean strength in compact, rocky soil. Their decent length provides adequate stability in sand – though, they still don’t compare to specialized options in this area.

Each stake comes with a high-visibility pull cord attached. The visibility is handy for finding your stakes in the morning. Plus, the pull cord makes them easier to remove.

If the best holding power possible in a lightweight package is your goal, go with the full-size Ground Hogs. If saving every last gram – and a little money – is most important to you, the Mini Ground Hogs are a great choice.

The CleverHiker Editor's Pick Badge Logo with a backpack picture in the middle

All One Tech Tent Stakes

Best Bang for your Buck

CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $1

Weight: 0.5 oz

Length: 7 in

Best Use: All-around

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Versatile
  • Good holding power
  • High-visability pull cord for easy removal
  • Stuff sack included

Cons

  • More difficult to use in rocky terrain
  • Not as durable as other Y stakes

For those on a budget, the All One Tech Aluminum Stakes are an excellent choice for all around use. These 7-inch Y-shaped stakes provide sufficient holding power across a range of soil types and are light enough for backpacking.

These aluminum stakes offer solid structural integrity in most camping scenarios. They aren’t flimsy enough to be bent by hand, but they’re fragile enough to bend under multiple whacks of the mallet. Their Y-profile provides more strength than shepherd’s hooks. Although, they’re not quite as strong as some other Y-shaped options.

The holding power of the All One Techs is pretty balanced across various soil conditions. The 7-inch length and Y-shaped cross-section create impressive stability in soft, loamy environments and adequate performance in sandy terrain. In compact, rocky soil, they maintain good holding power once in the ground but getting them in requires some effort.

At 0.5 ounces per stake, these stakes are heavier than ultralight titanium options but significantly lighter than traditional steel stakes. The included stuff sack is a handy addition that helps with packability.

These stakes are easy to use, thanks to their Y-shaped design. The wide head surface also makes for an easy target for a mallet. Plus, the integrated pull cord provides something to hold for yanking.

The All One Tech Aluminum Stakes offer an incredible value for their performance. Their balance of durability, versatility, and weight comes at a cost that’s hard to beat. When performance matters but so does affordability, these stakes deliver remarkable reliability without breaking the bank.

The CleverHiker Budget Buy Badge Logo with a tent picture in the middle

MSR Carbon Core

Lightest tent stakes

CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $12

Weight: 0.2 oz.

Length: 6 in

Best Use: Ultralight backpacking

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • High-visibility top
  • Easy to drive in compact soil

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Holding power isn't as good as others
  • Can be hard to remove
  • Carbon fiber breaks instead of bending under stress

The MSR Carbon Cores are some of the absolute lightest tent stakes on the market – which means you’ll pay a premium price for them. These 6-inch stakes weigh just 0.2 ounces and cost a whopping $12 per stake. 

These carbon fiber stakes hold extremely well in compact or rocky soil and go in easily thanks to their pointed tip. They excel in firm soil, but their holding power isn’t great in soft or loose ground – that’s where a longer, V- or Y-shaped stake would perform better. In soft soil, the limited 6 inch length and nail-shaped design doesn’t provide much surface area for extra security.

The high-visibility, plastic top is easy to see and provides a nice flat surface for driving the stake into the ground. Although it doesn’t come with an attached pull cord, there is a hole for adding one or even permanently attaching it to guylines. The down side to the plastic top is its fragility. We don’t recommend whacking this stake with a giant rock.

Although carbon fiber is very rigid and strong, it tends to break under stress instead of bending. These stakes may snap if you try to drive them too hard or if they encounter heavy resistance in a severe storm. 

While these are the lightest option for gram counters, we don’t recommend using them as the sole stake type in your kit. For trips where saving every gram counts, we might bring four or five of these and two or three titanium or aluminum stakes to account for varying soil types. 

TOAKS Titanium V-Shaped Stakes

Best Balance of Low Weight & Holding Power

CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $4

Weight: 0.4oz

Length: 6.5 in

Best Use: Backpacking

Holding Power: 4.6

Pros

  • Excellent holding power
  • Durable for the weight
  • Comes with a stuff sack

Cons

  • Hard to drive into rocky soil
  • Doesn't include pull cord

The Toaks Titanium V-Shaped Stakes strike an impressive balance between weight and holding power. They weigh in at just 0.4 ounces per stake and perform among the best in both soft soil and compact soil. The V-shaped design penetrates most soil types with ease and contacts with ample surface area. They even come close to rivaling the REI Snow Stakes in the loosest substrates.  

Despite being ultra-light, these stakes are tough enough to hold up in less than ideal conditions. Though we weren’t able to bend the stakes by hand, the neck proved to be a weak spot that can buckle under the stress of a rock or mallet.

In addition to being very lightweight, these stakes pack together nicely and come with a small stuff sack to keep them organized and protected.

Unfortunately, they can be difficult to drive into rocky soil. Unlike thinner stakes, they can’t slip as easily between rocks and roots and don’t have the durability to withstand blows from a mallet. The V-shape does a great job of holding if you can get them in, but in tough ground, you might find yourself struggling to get them deep enough. Also, the Toaks V-shape doesn’t come with a pull cord, but it’s easy to add your own. 

At $4 per stake, the Toaks Titanium V-Shaped Stakes are a solid, affordable, and versatile option for backpacking in most conditions. 

Zpacks Ultralight Titanium Tent Stake

Most Packable Tent Stakes

CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $3

Weight: 0.2 oz

Length: 6 in

Best Use: Backpacking

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Very packable
  • Good in compact/rocky soil
  • Easy to remove

Cons

  • Not the best holding power
  • Bends easily

The Zpacks Ultralight Titanium Tent stakes are among the lightest you can find, making them ideal for ultralight ounce counters. Despite their minimal weight, they still offer solid performance in compact or rocky soil, which is where they really shine. The titanium construction provides strength without adding bulk, and their classic shepherds hook shape is tried and true.

One of the biggest advantages of the Zpacks Ultralight Titanium Tent Stakes is their thin profile. It makes them ideal for slipping between rocks or roots, where bulkier stakes struggle. The stakes go in with ease, even in moderately firm soil, and they pack down incredibly small. The bright orange heads are a thoughtful touch, making the stakes highly visible and less likely to get lost in the dirt.

The short length and lightweight design do have some drawbacks. They have minimal holding power in loose or soft soil, so you’ll likely need to use rocks or additional weight to hold them down. They’re also not the most durable stakes in the world. They’re very easy to bend, so care should be taken when pushing them into hard ground – never pound on them with a rock. Although it bends easily, titanium is incredibly strong for its weight, so it will take a lot of bending before breaking. 

At $3 per stake, the Zpacks Ultralight Titanium Tent Stakes are a great value for backpackers seeking to lighten their load. They’re ideal for compact, rocky soil but may need additional weight for loose conditions or high winds.

NEMO Sweepstake

Most Innovative Tent Stakes

CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $4

Weight: 0.6 oz

Length: 7 in

Best Use: Tenting in mud

Pros

  • Great holding power
  • Uniquely designed stake cleaner
  • Glow-in-the-dark top
  • High-visibility pull cord
  • Very durable

Cons

  • Heavier than other backpacking stakes
  • Slightly bulky

The NEMO Sweepstake features one of the most unique and thoughtful designs we’ve seen in a tent stake. It’s ideal for backpackers that get their kicks from gear that is particularly easy and fun to use.

These stakes are designed with a built-in pull cord and glow-in-the-dark stake cleaner. The glow-in-the-dark feature is obviously nice for packing up in the dark, and the stake cleaner eliminates carrying any extra pack weight in the form of mud. Just pull them out of the ground, slide the cleaner to the end of the stake, and carry on with clean stakes and clean hands.

The Y-shaped design is one of the most durable of its kind, holding up to every bit of abuse we put it through. Even after multiple blows with a mallet, the stake retained its straight shape. At 7 inches long, the Sweepstake has excellent holding power in various terrains, especially in compact soil.

The trade off for the Sweepstake’s impressive durability and extra design features is weight. Although it’s not the heaviest stake in the world at 0.7 ounces, most ounce counters would turn up their noses at a weight approaching a full ounce.

Despite its intelligent engineering, the NEMO Sweepstake maintains an affordable price point at $4 per stake. Its superior durability, usability, and excellent holding power deliver tons of value for this affordable stake. Its unique design is a bit niche, but the right gear nerd will surely consider it a tent stake dream come true.

The CleverHiker Editor's Pick Badge Logo with a tent picture in the middle
Stock image of REI Snow Stake

REI Snow Stake

Best snow stake

CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $6

Weight: 1 oz.

Length: 9.6 in

Best Use: Camping in snow/sand

Pros

  • Durable
  • Good value compared to other snow stakes
  • Excellent holding power in loose sand/snow
  • High-visability color

Cons

  • Not suitable for compact ground
  • More expensive than less specialized stakes

The REI Snow Stakes are a must-have for anyone planning to camp in snow or sand, offering exceptional holding power where traditional stakes struggle. With a weight of just 1 ounce and a length of 9.6 inches, these stakes strike a great balance between weight and performance in loose terrain. 

Designed with a flat top, the REI Snow Stakes are easy to drive into soft sand or snow with your shoe. Their high-visibility color is easy to spot – which is handy in snowy or sandy conditions when losing a stake is easy. Some members of the CleverHiker team even carry one of these stakes on almost every backpacking trip, as they can double as a cathole digging trowel.

The REI Snow Stakes don’t thrive in compact or icy ground. Although they can easily penetrate some softer soils and pine duff, we struggled to get them into the rocky soil of Colorado’s high desert. In some cases it was virtually impossible. Their wide tip makes them impractical for such situations unless you’re willing to go through the hassle of digging out a hole to use them as deadman anchors.

At $6 per stake, the REI Snow Stakes are more expensive than some standard stakes. Considering their specialization for snow and sand, however, they provide excellent value as a must-have. In their element, they offer exceptional durability, practicality, and solid performance, making them a great addition to your winter or beach camping gear.

The CleverHiker Editor's Pick Badge Logo with a tent picture in the middle
Stock image of REI Aluminum Hook

REI Aluminum Hook

Best Hook Tent Stakes

CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $2

Weight: 0.6 oz.

Length: 7.25 in

Best Use: All-around

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Length/width means they'll hold well in most terrain
  • Easy to drive in/pull out

Cons

  • Not as good in loose sand

We’ve tested the REI Aluminum Hooks across diverse backcountry environments to evaluate their real-world capabilities against more specialized alternatives. At $2 per stake, these classic shepherds hooks provide versatile performance at a reasonable price.

These 7.25-inch aluminum stakes are both lightweight and quite durable. Although we were able to bend them slightly by hand when we gave it our all, the stakes stayed pretty solid when driving them in with a rock or foot. As long as you don’t go crazy trying to pound them into rocky soil, they should keep their basic shape for a long time.

At about 0.5-0.6 ounces per unit, these stakes occupy the middle ground between ultralight options and robust car camping anchors. While dedicated gram-counters might prefer featherweight titanium or carbon alternatives, we found the minor weight penalty entirely acceptable given the enhanced reliability and significantly lower investment. The 7.25″ is a bit on the longer side, providing plenty of meat to increase holding power. Unfortunately, the stakes do not come with an included stuff sack.

Extensive field testing revealed moderate-to-good holding power across terrain varieties. The shepherd’s hook design penetrates soft, loamy soil with ease and offers moderate holding power. On more challenging compacted ground, the width of the stakes makes them significantly harder to drive in. 

The classic shepherd’s hook provides simplistic functionality. While the head is difficult to hit with a mallet, the hook makes secure attachment to guylines easy. 

The REI Aluminum Hook is best suited for environments with soft soil full of rocks and roots to navigate through. At $2 per stake, they’re a reasonable buy and offer a decent range of performance.

The CleverHiker Budget Buy Badge Logo with a tent picture in the middle
Stock image of REI Steel Hook

REI Steel Stake

Most Durable Tent Stakes

CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $2

Weight: 2.4 oz.

Length: 8.25 in

Best Use: Car camping

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Easy to drive in/pull out
  • Lenght provides good holding power

Cons

  • Heavy for backpacking
  • Difficult to drive in without a mallet

The affordable and durable REI Steel Stakes are our go-tos for car camping when weight savings takes a backseat to bombproof stability. These heavy-duty stakes are over eight inches long, giving them excellent holding power in pretty much any type of terrain, from soft soil to rocky ground. Whether you’re dealing with wind or heavy rain, these stakes are built to keep your tent securely in place.

What really sets these stakes apart is their strength. You can pound the heck out of them with a mallet without worrying about them bending or breaking, even in tough, rocky soil. The 8.25-inch length provides extra holding power, especially in windy conditions, where shorter stakes tend to fail. However, the blunt ends do require more force to drive them into the ground, and that’s where a mallet comes in handy. Without one, it can be a struggle to get them in deep enough, particularly in compact soil.

Although they do a great job securing your tent, the simple right-angle end design doesn’t hold guylines as securely as some other stakes. It’s a little inconvenient but not a deal breaker. 

For the price, the REI Steel Stakes offer excellent durability and performance, especially for car camping. They’re heavy for backpacking, and their blunt ends benefit from a mallet. That is, they’re not the best option if you’re counting every ounce. But for anyone looking for strong, reliable stakes for a base camp, these stakes are a solid choice and a great value for the performance they deliver.

The CleverHiker Budget Buy Badge Logo with a tent picture in the middle

Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor

Best for Anchoring Large Shelters

CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0

Cost Per Stake: $8

Weight: 1.8 oz.

Length: 9.5 in

Best Use: Anchoring large shelters

Pros

  • Excellent holding power in soft ground
  • Easy to screw into soft ground
  • Eliminates need for stake mallet

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Difficult to screw into rocky soil
  • Too heavy/bulky for backpacking

For windy days on the beach, we wouldn’t be caught without our Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchors. These stakes are perfect for anchoring down your camping tent or sun shade in loose sand or sediment, providing a more secure hold than any other stake type. We also like that the screw design means we can leave the stake mallet at home. Likewise, there’s no need to drive a stake into the ground with our flip flops. Their screw-in design is both a time-saver and a comfort.

The large heads provide ample space to secure multiple guylines. The stakes also come with a helpful plastic tube to add more leverage for screwing in.

These ground anchors work best in moderately compact soil. In super firm soil, they tend to upheave the ground and can take a few tries to seat properly. In loose sand or snow, it’s best to tamp down the area with your foot first. Once the anchors are seated firmly, they’ll hold down heavy shelters in significant wind.

At 1.8 ounces per stake, the Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchors are surprisingly light – considering their holding strength – but not ideal for backpacking trips. The plastic material is durable, but it can snap under high stress, mainly if the screw isn’t fully buried and is torquing at a severe angle.

At $8 per stake, the Orangescrews are more expensive than most standard stakes and best reserved for car camping with larger shelters. If you’re camping in conditions where severe weather is a concern, these stakes are worth their weight for peace of mind.

Closeup of a hiker's foot pressing an MSR Ground Hog tent stake into the dirt
MSR Ground Hog Stake – Photo credit: Casey Handley (CleverHiker.com)

Product Comparison Table

Product CleverHiker Rating Cost Per Stake Weight Length Best Use Durability Weight & Packability Holding Power Ease of Use
MSR Ground Hog & Mini Ground Hog
View Ground Hogs View Mini Ground Hogs
4.6/5.0 $6 / $5 0.5 oz. / 0.35 oz. 7.5 in. / 6 in. (mini) Backpacking
All One Tech Tent Stakes
View at AMAZON
4.5/5.0 $1 0.5 oz 7 in All-around 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.6
MSR Carbon Core
View at Amazon View at Backcountry
4.5/5.0 $12 0.2 oz. 6 in Ultralight backpacking 4.4 4.9 4.3 4.4
TOAKS Titanium V-Shaped Stakes
View at AMAZON
4.5/5.0 $4 0.4oz 6.5 in Backpacking 4.3 4.6 4.6 4.3
Zpacks Ultralight Titanium Tent Stake
View at ZPACKS
4.2/5.0 $3 0.2 oz 6 in Backpacking 3.8 5.0 4.0 3.9
NEMO Sweepstake
View at AMAZON View at GARAGE GROWN GEAR
4.6/5.0 $4 0.6 oz 7 in Tenting in mud 4.7 4.2 4.5 4.8
REI Snow Stake
View at REI
4.4/5.0 $6 1 oz. 9.6 in Camping in snow/sand 4.5 3.8 4.8 4.3
REI Aluminum Hook
View at REI
4.3/5.0 $2 0.6 oz. 7.25 in All-around 4.5 4.3 4.2 4.1
REI Steel Stake
View at REI
4.3/5.0 $2 2.4 oz. 8.25 in Car camping 5.0 3.5 4.5 4.3
Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor
View at Amazon
4.5/5.0 $8 1.8 oz. 9.5 in Anchoring large shelters 4.5 3.7 4.9 4.7
Zpacks V Stake
View at Zpacks
4.3/5.0 $4 0.4 oz. 6.5 in Backpacking 3.8 4.6 4.2 4.5
NEMO Airpin
View at Amazon View at Backcountry
4.5/5.0 $5 0.3 oz. 6 in Backpacking, especially in compact/rocky terrain 4.5 4.7 4.2 4.6
Vargo Titanium Shepherds Hook
View at Amazon View at Garage Grown Gear
4.2/5.0 $4 0.3 oz. 6.5 in Backpacking; good in packed soil & rocky terrain 3.8 4.7 4.3 3.9

How We Test & Methodology

Gear Analyst Brett Kretzer has spent countless nights using tent stakes in the field. For this gear review, he tested and reviewed 13 tent stakes side by side to evaluate their weight, packability, durability, holding power, and ease of use.

DURABILITY

Most people have experienced the frustration of using a tent stake that is severely bent from excessive use. To determine a stake’s durability, we noted whether or not we could simply bend it by hand and then took our frustrations out on it with the heaviest mallet we had. 

Though durability might hold little to no importance for ultralight backpackers tenting in mostly soft to moderately compact soil, it’s paramount in other situations, such as car camping with large shelters on tough ground – where you have to muscle your stakes in with a heavy duty mallet.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

For the ounce counters out there, this is always a favorite metric. It’s one that is important almost exclusively to backpackers. When you’re hoofing it through the mountains for ten to twenty miles day after day, each and every ounce makes a difference. Our score for this metric is a combination of the stake’s measured weight and how small it packs down. Some stake sets even come with a handy dandy stuff sack.

A hiker holds three green tent stakes in his hand.
These 6-inch stakes are lightweight and super packable. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

HOLDING POWER

Shape and length will tell you a lot about what terrain a tent stake will excel in. Y-shaped stakes don’t bend easily and hold really well in packed soil, but their wider shape may make them tougher to get into rocky terrain. V-shaped stakes – especially the kind with holes running along the shaft – and screw stakes do very well in sand and snow. Hook and nail stakes can be easier to use in rocky soil, because they’re narrow. But their holding power isn’t as good. Generally, the longer the tent stake and the more surface area it has, the better the holding power.

EASE OF USE

Most tent stakes are pretty straightforward to use, but some are designed to make your life just a little bit easier. They may have integrated pull cords, a wide flat top for hitting with a mallet, high-visibility elements, or even a dedicated stake cleaner to sweep off the mud. We consider this the lowest priority metric, but a practical design gains a few bonus points.

Four NEMO Sweepstakes sit on a rock.
The NEMO Sweepstakes are easy to use and have excellent holding power. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

Why Trust CleverHiker

Gear Analyst Brett Kretzer has spent years backpacking through diverse landscapes, from the rocky terrain of the Spanish Pyrenees to the mossy, rooted Boreal forests of New England. He’s completed thru-hikes like the Long Trail, Colorado Trail, and the GR11, along with sections of the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Trails. Brett also has spent over half a decade testing and scrutinizing backpacking gear across the entire spectrum. His vast backcountry experience, combined with a keen eye for detail, makes him uniquely equipped to offer reliable, well-informed gear advice that adventurers can depend on. With this wealth of experience, Brett knows how important reliable gear is, from water filters to tent stakes.

Analysis & Results

In this section, we highlight the top tent stakes for each category we assessed through our field testing.

VALUE

We interpret value as the average of all testing metrics compared with price to find the absolute best bang for your buck.


Without question, the All One Tech Aluminum Stakes deliver the most value for their incredibly affordable price point. Not only are they the least expensive stakes on our list, but they also have decent holding power in various soil types, are impressively lightweight, easy to use, and reliably durable.

A similar stake to the All One Techs – but with a touch more practical functionality – is the MSR Ground Hog. It’s more expensive but notably more durable and stable in various substrates, likely due to its extra half inch of length.

DURABILITY

As with most ultralight gear, durability is almost directly correlated to weight. More durable gear is usually made from thicker and heavier material, thus the trade off.


It doesn’t get more durable than the solid steel of the REI Steel Stakes. Although their blunt tips hinder them from easily penetrating the earth, they make up for it by being able to handle severe abuse from a heavy mallet.

The most durable of the lightweight tent stakes on our list in the NEMO Sweepstake. The Y-shaped design is incredibly rigid. It won’t show much wear beyond some scratches from normal use, and we couldn’t even get it to bend significantly after hammering it into rocky soil.

The MSR Ground Hog also impressed us with its balance of weight and durability. As a similarly Y-shaped stake, it’s slightly less durable than the Sweepstake and slightly lighter.

WEIGHT & PACKABILITY

The lightest tent stakes are typically made of titanium or carbon fiber, but the most common is lightweight aluminum. Heavier metals like steel are usually reserved for applications where weight is less important like car camping.

The lightest and most packable stakes on our list are the Zpacks Ultralight Titanium Tent Stakes, featuring a classic shepherds hook design with a high-visibility orange top. A full kit of eight stakes will only add about 1.6 ounces to your overall pack weight. The MSR Carbon Core stakes are of similar weight, but don’t pack down quite as small due to their thicker construction and wide top.

The aluminum NEMO Airpins and Vargo Titanium Shepherds Hook, although different materials, are about the same weight. However, the Vargo Shepherds Hooks are a half inch longer and carry a little extra weight from their painted top. Both stakes pack down very neatly.

HOLDING POWER

When planning a backpacking trip, it’s important to take into consideration the type of soil (and weather) you’ll be encountering, so you can choose the proper stake to secure your gear. 

It’s not surprising that the corkscrew shape of the Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchor has the best holding power to anchor the heaviest shelters in the harshest storms. They prefer moderately compact soil, but once seated properly are all but bombproof. 

The REI Snow Stakes have the second best overall holding power with their 9.6 inch length and U shape. They are specifically designed for snow and sand but they will hold fast in any type of soil you can get them into. 

Amongst the unspecialized tent stakes, the MSR Ground Hog performed the best all around. Their Y-shaped construction provides enough holding power in all conditions for most backpacking purposes and they go in pretty easily too.

EASE OF USE

The NEMO Sweepstake is one of the most unique and practical tent stake designs we’ve ever seen. First of all, its Y-shaped profile with a pointed tip makes it easier to get into firm, stubborn ground. The shape also naturally creates a wide, flat top for pushing on with a rock or shoe. However, the most unique element of the Sweepstake is its dedicated, glow-in-the-dark stake cleaner. It not only helps you find your stakes in the dark, but cleans the mud off the stake in a fraction of a second. 

While many stakes may have you trying a slew of methods to get them to penetrate the earth – stomping with your shoe, pushing with a rock, taking your frustrations out on it with a hammer – the Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchors are built with a corkscrew design that requires nothing more than a turn of the wrist. They even include a little handle for more leverage.

Our favorite shape for hassle-free tent stakes is the Y-shape. They hold strong in most soil types, are easy to hit with a rock, and are durable. The All One Tech Aluminum Stakes and MSR Ground Hog are both designed with this shape and even come with a high-visibility pull cord pre-attached. 

NEMO must have some brainy engineers. In addition to the Sweepstake, they’ve created NEMO Airpin which utilizes a unique head shape that eliminates the need for knots or automatic tensioners. It takes a little getting used to, but with a little practice, it enables lightning fast adjustability.

These unique stakes will likely be popular amongst the hammocking community. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

How to Choose a Tent Stake

PRICE

The material of a tent stake will generally determine the cost:

  • Steel stakes are an affordable option for frontcountry camping, and they’re super durable.
  • Plastic stakes are typically the cheapest, but they’ll also be some of the least durable and versatile.
  • Aluminum stakes are a great value because they balance low weight, durability, and versatility.
  • Ultralight tent stakes made from titanium and carbon fiber often weigh just fractions of an ounce but can get pretty spendy.

WEIGHT/DURABILITY

Steel stakes are the strongest, but they’re heavier than we prefer for backpacking. Aluminum has a great balance of weight and durability, so these types of stakes are typically a good choice if you’re not concerned with saving every gram of pack weight. Titanium stakes are ultralight, but they will bend relatively easily. Carbon fiber stakes are usually the lightest, but the tradeoff is that carbon fiber snaps rather than bends. Once you press too hard in the wrong direction, there’s no going back.

A close up of a tent stake anchoring a tent corner in piney soil.
The Zpacks V Stake has good holding power for such an ultralight option. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

SHAPE

The length and shape of a tent stake will tell you a lot about what type of terrain it will be most effective in. Generally, the longer the tent stake and the more surface area it has, the better the holding power.

  • Y stakes – These stakes provide excellent holding power in all types of terrain. They’re more durable and harder to bend than other stake shapes, but they may be harder to get around rocks buried in the ground. (Example: MSR Groundhog)
  • V stakes – Sand and snow settle into the holes in the shaft of these stakes, giving them excellent holding power in loose terrain. V stakes made from aluminum or titanium may bend easily if driven too hard into compact ground or rocks. (Example: Zpacks V Stake)
  • Shepherds hook – These stakes are typically very lightweight. They’re thinner than Y and V stakes, so they’re easier to slip in between roots and rocks. That said, the thin diameter reduces their holding power and bends more easily. (Example: REI Aluminum Hook)
  • Nail – These stakes are typically very lightweight, but they usually have a less prominent notch for securing a guyline. Nail stakes with thicker diameters will have decent holding power, but generally this type of stake will need to be reinforced with a rock. (Example: MSR Carbon Core)
  • Screw – A specialized stake shape that will provide excellent hold in any type of ground you’re able to drive them into. We typically use these for car camping or securing sun shades in sand. (Example: Orangescrew Ultimate Anchor)
A hiker screws a corkscrew tent stake into piney soil with a tent in the background.
Although they work best in soft soil, these ground anchors will hold strong in any soil you can screw them into. – Photo Credit: Brett Kretzer (CleverHiker.com)

cONCLUSION

Choosing the right tent stakes is more important than it might seem at first glance. When the weather turns unexpectedly or the ground gets tricky, having the right stakes can make all the difference in keeping your shelter secure. Whether you’re looking for lightweight options for backpacking or heavy-duty stakes for car camping, the right tool for the job is out there. With our thorough research and hands-on testing, we’ve highlighted the best options to ensure your tent stays put, no matter where your adventures take you.