Cyclone stakes (MSR)

Doug,

Too gimmicky for my taste. And at my age my sweeth tooth might get me confused with these lookalikes.

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Even though they are designed for snow I'd think that you would fare better with the MSR Blizzard stakes on the beach. They are 9.5" long and have a wide cupped design that might give better performance in the sand.

Another option is to tie your guyline in the middle of your stakes and bury it deep in the sand. You could also use small stuff sacks filled with sand and also buried if their weight alone isn't up to the task.

Enjoy your trip.

Party On,

Newton

Put large rocks or driftwood on top of stakes to keep them from pulling out in sand

Check out the SMC 11 3/5" Perforated Tent Stake: http://www.smcgear.net/smc-products?page=shop.product_details&flypage=garden_flypage.tpl&product_id=576&category_id=185

Just like the MSR stake pictured above, but longer, so it may give a better anchor in sand/snow. I'll be trying them out in sand this summer on kayaking trips.

Just an fyi, I was never too impressed with the 9.5" SMC Perforated Tent Stake in terms of their holding power in snow or sand, so I'm hoping the 11 3/4" will make a difference.

Now, the similar MSR stake is much more expensive and the reason why is that it is made from the much more durable and stronger and expensive 7000 series aluminum as the MSR video says.

For the ultimate snow/sand hold from a commercially made tent stake that I've seen, check these out: http://www.moontrail.com/tents/hilleberg-snowpegs-x6.php These things are about 3" wide and 12" long–that's some serious holding power. I've seen 'em. They are not well known. Very expensive and not particularly light.

When I know I'll be in sand, I don't bring stakes, just tie a line to a stick and bury it and put a rock on top, same as in snow.

I agree with the others – no stakes, use a deadman. Here's a quick video.

http://www.backpacker.com/skills-make-a-deadman/slideshows/156