Vargo Ascent Tent Stake

[b d]

Update: I originally rated these as 5. After testing in very rocky volcanic soil the top bent too easily when trying to drive them into the ground for a test. The deep slit for holding line goes far enough back into the spine that the top part bent forward without really hammering hard.

Also, on testing briefly in packed snow it held when pulled on but tilted forward, I believe because of its short length. I would not trust it to hold if the line were fibrating from wind tensions over several hours.

I believe this is a great little tent stake, but I am looking for a stake that can go into volcanic rock filled soil and/or be used in snow — if such a combination is possible. Therefore, for my purposes it is not a good stake.

Modified Version of Original Review and Rating:

The small is short. So, IMO as with all stakes, I have to know the terrain and density of soil mass I am going into if I expect the stakes to work.

Low weight at 10 g, or about 1/3 oz.

They are short which is great because they will pack easier and I am already designing a wind screen around them with aluminum foil or reused plastic bag, like in a potato chip or Fritos bag.

The holes are a plus in the snow because I can run line through them for a lot of purposes, if they would hold in the snow.

The top slanted notch in the top is deep and I cannot envision a line coming out of the deep slit in the top under high wind.

These are a bit pricey.

All that said, because of the short length I would not trust the stake in a high wind condition unless the snow it was buried or packed in had hardened (they sell a longer one, I bought the shortie).

In a low or no wind summer scenario I would trust this stake if I could bury it or get it in solid ground.

Cost was $4 per stake at my local mountaineering store, so again, I think they are pricey.

There is a Forum thread on this topic which is illuminating:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/2413/index.html

[Author]

Posts