MSR Groundhogs vs LiteOutdoors: Ultimate Backpacking Tent Stake Face-Off!

[@flutingaround]

I learned something new today. I've never thought about hammering my stakes in with a stick. 😂

[@WanderingSwitchback]

There were no rocks around when I was filming those shots! 😂 I was just glad it worked!

[@andymytys]

Probably more breakage reported on the MSRs because they’ve been around for over a decade and come stock on many tents. It’s the most popular lightweight stake out there, as a result. I switched to the minis as soon as they were available and have had no issues relying on it as my main stake in a wider variety of conditions. Pretty much everything but snow and sand. I use the minis for 1-3 person tents. Anything larger and I’d probably want something with more holding power like the full-sized stake offers.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I considered the time on market for the Groundhogs, and there are almost certainly more of them in use in the world. They're definitely solid stakes, and I'm glad you've had good experiences with the Minis!

[@UnlikelyHiker]

I love my MSR stakes but I think blue is a better color for the backcountry. Easier to spot. I like that the lite outdoor stakes comes with all kinds of extra stuff you will likely need.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

The blue plus the bright yellow makes them super easy to spot for sure! I just used the ones I bought this week for our 10-person tent and our shower tent, and I was SO glad I got them.

[@alanstrange2421]

I've been using the mini-groundhogs for a while now and really like them. I've only had one instance where a night of insane wind and constant rain resulted in one pulling free. I think the curved design helps prevent bending and breaking. Prior to these I'd been using cheap Y stakes from Walmart which wound up bent and broken all to Hell. The Lite Outdoors set seems like a good deal though, so thanks for the heads up.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I'm glad the Minis have been working well for you! I'd imagine under the right conditions, ANY stake can get pulled up.

[@matthewsinger]

I'm glad I got my groundhogs back in 2007. Mine are before the curve, and they were $2 a piece back then. I have 14 in total.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Awesome that they've been holding up for you so well! Good stakes will last a long time!

[@melindalaubscher9447]

Thanks. I’ve been thinking about new stakes and got the Lite Outdoors.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I hope you love them as much as I do!

[@melindalaubscher9447]

@@WanderingSwitchback I’m sure I will. You’ve never steered me wrong

[@bwestney3]

Thanks for adding this review. Looking to replace my current stakes and thank you for providing informative information!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I hope whatever you end up with works out well for you! 🙂⛺

[@benjaminblackmon9130]

i have bent multiple msr stakes & broken two. for the price, and the positive reviews… i expected much more and was pretty letdown.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Oh man! That’s really frustrating. I’m sorry to hear it. Have you used anything that’s worked better for you?

[@jeromebullard6123]

MSR/cascade has unmatched customer service. They’d probably send you replacements for free. They sent me new poles for my hubba hubba tent because I got one tiny splinter. Free of charge.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@jeromebullard6123 that's fantastic! For anyone curious about MSR's warranty, you can see it here: www.msrgear.com/msr-warranty.html

[@ldavis4428]

I learned about Lite Outdoors from a previous video of yours. I have them saved on Amazon to buy later hoping that they would someday go on sale. I think they got more expensive. I didn't consider that! Haha. I now also have a Durston tent and think I will likely benefit from adding some cordage to that. As always, thanks for the reviews!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I hate when stuff goes up when I let it sit! I don't know if they will be going on sale for Prime Days or not, but that's coming up.

[@ldavis4428]

@@WanderingSwitchback I've been watching...

[@brisketchick]

Thank you for this! I have the groundhogs and like them, but between gifting some to my son and recently buying another tent that needs more stakes, I'm going to want to buy more soon. I would have just gone for more groundhogs, but I may consider these.

[@jonnytentpeg]

Love your vids check out the MSR hammer I can now confidently say after a few good outings using it in various terrains it does actually do what it says on the tin...keep up the good work atb from Lancashire UK 😀👍

[@WanderingSwitchback]

It looks like a solid hammer for those tough ground situations! And thank you!

[@flippinwithamy3397]

I bought some of those orange ones at REI and they bent.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Oh no! The Groundhogs did?? I'm sorry to hear it!

[@SafetyTrainingGuy]

Long term reviews FTW!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Agreed! Too many reviews of something fresh out of the package out there. I have a tough time with some reviews because I want to ACTUALLY test things before recommending them, and then half the time, the design has changed or been discontinued by the time I'm ready to sing its praises! 😂🙃