Tarptents and stakes

Sean, I find I like both the Easton and the MSR stakes. Really, it is up to what I have on hand at the time, which is a mix of both. The longer stakes are supposed to hold very well, just like the Groundhogs.

Check out this article on stake holding power: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/tent_stakes.html

Note this comment in particular :
I constructed a wooden Right Triangle (see photos above and below) to use as a guide to uniformly insert the stakes at a 45 degree angle and pull them out at a 45 degree angle.
Also note that it is much easier to pull them out if you start by giving them a bit of a nudge with your foot .

These are the best imo, get the ones that are slightly wider and your good to go.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Clayton, thanks for linking that beautiful article. Looks like the Tarptent Easton stakes (which I believe are 8", not 9") are roughly comparable to the MSRs or the Y stakes.

My Tarptent Notch came with 4 of the Blue 6" Eastons. I really didnt think they held any better that my old standby MSR GroundHogs and the way the top was attached not only gathered up mud and such, but seemed like they might pop off (as reported by many others).

I ordered the Ruta 9" carbon stakes (http://www.rutalocura.com/Tent_Stakes.html) and couldn't be happier. On an AT section hike in PA they held up to rocks and scrapes with barely a mark. Can't imagine what it would take for them to let go. Add to the functionality the fact that they are light (7.5g each) and cheap ($12 for 4) and you have a winner. I pack 4-6 TI shepherd hook stakes for auxiliary use.

Ruta also sells these in the 6" form factor, but I have never used them. I assume they would work well too.

the Tarptent Easton stakes (which I believe are 8", not 9")
They are the same stakes, just measured differently.