favorite stakes

Before you select stakes, you probably want to decide what kind of ground you will be using them in. Some stakes are good for rocky ground. Some are good for soft ground. Some are better for holding in high wind.

–B.G.–

Read this

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/tent_stakes.html#.UcuG5hanq8s

and this since you've got this posted in SUL

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/ditch_your_stakes.html#.UcuHLxanq8s

I am in NY, east coast. I think I have a little bit of it all here..and let's say I was thru hiking or planning it..I would be covering different terrain..so I guess I'm looking for a good all round ul stake for a tarp..

Some reason I can't check those links on my phone..and I'm on a train right now..so I will look later tonight when I get home

I really like MSR Needle Stakes. Apparently everyone else doesn't feel the same way because MSR discontinued them.

I really like needle stakes as well. IMO they're the perfect compromise for every type of ground regarding weight, holding power and durability. I generally carry three needles and three shepard hooks or all needles depending on the shelter. Plus they'll last a thru hike and are reasonably easy to find. Sucks to hear that they discontinued them.

"Sucks to hear that they discontinued them."

Yeah, At least I was able to buy a bunch on closeout sale.

Apparently, if you live in the States, they're still available from Amazon.

I like ti shepherd hood stakes, because they are light and cheap, and will go into any hard soil the easiest.

If they wont work alone in soft soil or duff, there is usually rocks and sticks available to help them out.

Carry the minimum you have to carry.

My favorite steak is a rib eye followed by a porterhouse. 16-20 ounce preferred.

For backpacking stakes it depends on the trip. Ti hooks, MSR Groundhogs, 6" and 9" aluminum Easton, SMC snow stakes for snow and some desert trips.

I like the DAC V stakes. They hold well in sand and are really strong.

There are a few good blog posts out there (Section Hiker and Brian Green come to mind) on carrying a variety. My new favorites, are Ruta Locura CF stakes. I have four 9" (kinda overkill) and 4 6". On most trips, I suspect that I'll take the four short ones, paired with two snow stakes and two Ti hooks. I used to use only hooks, but when there's a soft spot, I'd much rather change stakes than locations, or deal with a stake coming loose again and again.

I use a MLD cuben Patrol most of the time and do much of my hiking in the NY, NJ, CT area, with a little UT, AZ, NM from time to time.

My favorite all around stakes are the 9 inch or longer ti-hooks.

Where 6 inch shepherd hooks pull out in loose soil in strong winds, the extra length of the longer stakes seems to hold much better in a variety of soils.

I was amazed at how the 6 inch Ground Hog type stakes didn’t hold as well in loose rocky soil.

I especially like these:
Silly Stix

They are long, lighter than most stakes and the extra hook on the end works better when you want to stack a big rock on top in windy weather.

They are also multi-use.

I have a set of 6 and use them for ridge and corners. I use the Lawson 8″ ti-stakes(no longer available) for mid stake points. The Lawson hold almost as well, but the extra hook on the Silly-Stix allows for better holding power when combined with rocks.

I also carry 4 – 6 inch ti-hooks to tie the corners of my bug bivy. They are also spares, but that is a different story:-)

P. S. Joe, since you live in NY. I plan on hiking this Monday through Wednesday in Harriman or further north. In case you want to check out my setup.

— I just realized that this is an old post and that you probably already decided.

Oh man. Wish I could. I love Harriman for a quick getaway. I actually got my patrol shelter (cuben) last week. I love it and I am gonna try to get to Harriman hopefully in 2 weeks or so..thanks for invite though..

When I bought my TT Rainbow it came with Easton Alu stakes. They have performed without fault!! They have a large flat top so you can press with your shoes and not get stabbed. They are as light as I anything else on the market while being more user friendly than a simple hook end Ti stake.

Ive used the easton stakes as well for my main ridgline which is under a lot of tension.

But they arent the lightest. Ruta Locura carbon fiber stakes are light and CHEAP. The MSR carbon are much more $$$.

MSR now makes a smaller version of the famed Ground Hog stake. Best holding non- snow stake I've ever used. And very strong.

I use the DAC V stakes too. Around 11 grams each (with a loop of Z line on it), but I've pounded them into compacted gravel filled designated camp platforms with a rock, and all it did was take off the blue paint, or anodizing, or whatever that stuff is. They seem to hold pretty good in my mole infested backyard where the soil is very soft as well.

Great question! I've been working on this a bit recently, and depending on the conditions, generally use a combination of MSR groundhog stakes (not the little ones, but I want to try these out), and tri hook stakes (made by Vargo).

I will say, however, that there are times that these are all totally when I'm on really hard packed desert ground here in southern California. Sometimes the titanium stakes sort of work here, but, ideally you'd find some rocks (I seem to have bad luck with these though).

I have had great success with the GG Tite Lite Ti Shepard hooks in all kinds of 3-season ground conditions. Like someone else already mentioned, I just use rocks to add some weight if I feel the ground warrants this. I also put them in the ground at a slight angle.

This year, I plan to start experimenting with as many 2g Terra Nova Ti skewers as I can get away with while using the rock adding technique when necessary.

I have been using a MLD Patrol Shelter for about 5 years and love it. I think it makes a great first tarp as it is a bit easier to set up and it gives me a bit more warmth due to the enclosed rear end.

None. I like to use sticks found at the campsite. Sometimes I sharpen the ends if needed depending on soil conditions.

Far and away the best and lightest stakes I've used are Easton Metal jackets. (0.19oz per stake) Per the name – constructed with a high strength carbon fiber core, wrapped in a thin aluminum jacket. Nothing like it. They also make a nice clinking sound when hit together in camp. :)

http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/accessories/easton-8in-nano-aluminum-stakes-66.html

Cheers,
Gary

a full set of those stakes would cost more than my entire shelter!