I have tried more than a dozen types of stakes in the last ten years and the only one I trust to not bend/break are MSR’s full size Groundhogs.
I backpack in Arizona and the Sierra. The ground is almost always compacted and full of rocks. Without exception, I have bent every other type of stake I have ever used (inlcuding MSR’s Mini Groundhogs). I have stopped experimenting with other stakes. I have found what works for me and their weight is absolutely worth it to me to have a reliable piece of gear that just works. I’ve used these with trekking pole supported shelters, mids, tarps and hammock tarps. I’ve used them with an oversize 12×12 tarp when car camping.
I rate their holding power as excellent. I can’t remember the last time I had a stake pull out.
