STAKES?

[MichHiker1]

I am looking for some ideas and thoughts on the types of stakes everyone uses for the tarps.
I currently have aluminum stakes similar to these:

stakes.jpg

They seem to work ok. But I wonder if there are better options, and options that allow for a faster setup and take down.

[Bubba]

That type is fairly common. Some weight conscious people use Ti Sheppard hook stakes. I have MSR mini ground hog stakes which are mini versions of what you have pictured. They work fine but may not work in all types of soil.

[Otter1]

I use "Y" or "V" stakes (aluminum) on the corners where wind stress is highest. Then I use Ti Shepherd hooks elsewhere to save weight.

[OCDave]

I typically carry 4 MSR Mini Ground Hog stakes and 2 REI Snow stakes. Snow stakes double as a trowel when needed and extra holding power in duff or higher winds.

I purchased a few of the Dream-Hammock Staple style Sidewinder tent stakes last fall. I've have only used them on a few trips but, they have not failed me. I really like the size/weight but, I do fear losing them. They are harder to spot on the forest floor.

http://www.dream-hammock.com/shop.ht...tegory=4019214

[Caminante]

I carry 4x REI snow stakes. Not the lightest, but not the heaviest and are so far bombproof. Make a serviceable trowel as OCDave mentions and work in any conditions I've come across. However, they do weigh 1oz each, so I'm considering swapping out two of them for something UL. To be honest, there aren't that many sites where I absolutely need four stakes. I often wind up tying off to tree, limb, rock, etc., so 4oz of stakes is probably overly conservative.

[cmw6300]

I got the Titanium Ultralight Ascent Stakes that Dutch sells. I don't think Dutch makes them but hey, you can never have enough things that Dutch sells.

[jcdflint]

I got the Titanium Ultralight Ascent Stakes that Dutch sells. I don't think Dutch makes them but hey, you can never have enough things that Dutch sells.

Yes He's the best on service too..

[DuctTape]

I use whatever saplings, roots and rocks are available to tie off to. In rare cases, I push a stick into the ground. Haven't carried tent stakes in years. Not a weight thing, but a more simplistic approach and one less item to lose.

[Singingcrowsings]

I'm a non-stake person too. I hang my hang in the denser areas and that give me plenty to tie my tarp down onto.

I just never got around to buying any and discovered I didn't really need them.

[SpitballJedi]

MSR Groundhogs work for me. Mine are getting a little bent, but still totally functional.

I'm not an expert on this, but in my research, if you get aluminum stakes, you want to get 7000-series aluminum. My understanding is that it's an alloy that makes them stronger while still light. Seems like brands such as Coghlan's, often seen at walmart and other box stores, are softer series aluminum and so bend easier.