Should you upgrade your tent pegs? Tent stakes explained.

Should you upgrade your tent pegs? 100% YES! There are still lots of new tents with really poor tent stakes. Personally, I hate the traditional hook end tent pegs as they bend and come out of the ground easily. This tent peg review tests different types of tent stakes with a summary at the end. These can be purchased for as little as £10 set.
I have used all of these tent pegs on various tents (except the snow / sand tent stake). In fairness, all of these have performed well and certainly out-perform the traditional hook peg.
Whatever tent stake you use remember to put them in the ground at a 45 degree angle and push them deep down into the ground. You will also need a rope loop attached to put them back out of the ground.
Remember to properly tighten all of your guy lines and remember to use all your guy ropes, don't just leave them hanging! There's nothing worse than being woken up by a flapping fly sheet that could of been avoided.
The tent stakes that I believe need to be replaced are those use for guy ropes. These take the strain of high winds, loading and keep your tent taut. Other pegs such as those located at the bottom of the tent poles are not so important as they simply keep the tent in place.
For instance, my Hilleberg Soulo uses 12 tent stakes. If I were to upgrade the pegs it would be the 6 that are used for the guy lines.
In summary the V-shaped peg and heavy duty tent stake performed the best. Interestingly, these are the ones chosen by Hilleberg for their original equipment tent pegs.
DAC and MSR make some great high-end tent pegs. DAC V-Shape and DAC Y-Shape. MSR Groundhog and MSR Cyclone.
If you are camping rather than backpacking and wild camping I would also recommend the use of steel pegs too as weight is not such a deciding factor. Plus you can take a hammer with you.
Pegs tested:
V-Shape Dac Tent Peg - 12 grams
DAC £38.99 for 10 www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co....
DAC £22.97 for 6 amzn.to/2Wt8wyL
BUDGET OPTION - £14.69 for 6 amzn.to/3opagoy
NOTES: easy to put in and take out of the ground whilst staying in securely
Y-Shape Naturehike Tent Peg - 9 grams
NATUREHIKE $9.14 for 10 www.naturehike.com/collection...
NOTES: good all rounder
Triple Spiral Tent Peg - 9 grams
MSR £25.99 for 4 www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co....
MSR £22.10 for 4 amzn.to/3utEqaY
NATUREHIKE $10.42 for 10 www.naturehike.com/collection...
NOTE: difficult to get in and back out of the ground
X-Shape Tent Peg - 12 grams
BUDGET OPTION £7.69 for 12 amzn.to/3opC4Js
NOTE: moves around fairly easily once in the ground.
Traditional heavy-duty tent stake - 16 grams
HILLEBERG hilleberg.com/eng/tent/tent-a...
BUDGET OPTION £6.95 for 6 amzn.to/3ip1m6y
NOTES: easy to put in and take out of the ground whilst staying in securely
Delta Ground Anchor - 46 grams
ORIGINAL £12.50 for 4 deltagroundanchors.co.uk/coll...
NOTES: poor for hard ground use
Snow and Sand Stake - 51 grams
HILLEBERG - £87.99 for 6 www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co....
BUDGET OPTION - £16.99 for 6 amzn.to/3zZMRw3
NOTES: ground must be very soft ground such as sand or snow
Any questions just ask. If you have any alternatives please put them in the comments box.
If you like your hiking, backpacking and wild camping then please SUBSCRIBE ‪@BackpackingUK‬
Thanks, Andy.
#camping #backpacking #tents
Please note I receive a tiny finders fee when people use the affiliate link. However, any commission received goes straight back into backpacking gear and helps keep the channel going!

[@BackpackingUK]

For full details and links please see description 👍

[@hypo345]

If you had put the Delta ground peg in properly your results would have been different, the top must be pushed flush to the ground. Many reviews I have seen with the Delta pegs being tested in most they haven't used them correctly. I have used them for many years and have found them to be very good. One big advantage is that they are safe for feet. They are relatively bulky and heavy so I use them when car camping, they have held our Tipi tent securely without fail in strong winds.

[@BackpackingUK]

To be fair you can see how much force I was putting on the anchor. If I’d pushed it in any further I’d have struggled to get it out. Also, remember this is a quick demo 😁

[@hypo345]

@@BackpackingUK I appreciate it was a quick demo, you are correct they don't come out easily and I have a paracord loop so I can yank them out.

[@Yhoothoob]

That’s not really being fair though, it the peg isn’t in the ground properly then its not a test or a demo. The whole point is that they will be difficult to get out of the ground. Thanks for doing the video to show different styles.

[@curtriceennis2924]

Such an informative video about different pegs. I know there are many other kinds out there, but, this video has shown me a few pegs that I do not prefer to get and try out. TYSM for sharing this video with us 😻

[@aquaish]

Boom tingz! Great review buddy... Keep em' coming 👍

[@BackpackingUK]

Cheers 👍

[@FunsizedEarthling]

I was considering getting some delta pegs for my Big Agnes as the pegs it came with failed on me..glad I watched this first. Very helpful, thank you! 👍🏼 Mari

[@BackpackingUK]

Delta pegs just need softer ground to work well. Once in, they're great. However, I think there are better options out there which are smaller and still so a great job..

[@FunsizedEarthling]

@@BackpackingUK that’s a primary concern for me, it’s not always easy to find soft grounds especially when summit camping. I guess I’ll have to try a few different pegs myself to see which one will work best for the tent.

[@David_Rafuse]

Interesting to see those plastic Delta ground anchors. The 4-man tents we used in the Canadian Army originally came issued with a similar type, but steel skewer-wire. They mostly (ignorantly) got rid of them because their shape made them awkward to pack, but when properly set they held very well. Due to their thin, round profile they were also easy to set in rocky ground. Never since seen their like anywhere else which is a shame.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@Choccytube]

I've just come across this as I was looking at delta pegs. I will say that you did put the v pegs in the ground the wrong way, the other way around has more bite. I always carry different types of pegs, I have titanium v pegs and titanium nails, this covers soft ground and rocky ground. The naturehike pegs are great for soft campsites, but they are very brittle and I've lost a number of heads trying to get them seated. This is why I always use titanium now as they also less affected by the cold. Like you mentioned, you don't need to spend a fortune, but you do need a good selection. I can't remember the last time I've been on a wild camp and used stock pegs, I just work out how many my tent needs and then add 4-6 extra incase of damage or loss. Love your enthusiasm, happy hiking...

[@yourpersonaldatadealer2239]

You just saved me money on the Delta pegs. Great content :)

[@BackpackingUK]

Cheers 👍

[@mulreid]

He hasn’t saved you anything. He didn’t even install it correctly. If he had I can assure you it beats all other pegs hands down.

[@BackpackingUK]

@@mulreid I’ve had 3 failed attempts of using these. I just can’t get them in the ground unless it’s soft. For camping they’re great because you can use a mallet. However, for backpacking getting them in and out of the ground is a genuine concern. They’re huge so take up a lot of space and they weigh a lot too. In summary, camping in the wind with soft ground - perfect. Camping in the wind with hard ground - epic fail.

[@deanoboland]

Great work on video mate 👍👍👍

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks 👍

[@irmasanchez5274]

Thank you for this video! I would like to purchase the DAC v shaped tent pegs. Any idea why they are so hard to find? I see them available for purchase from one European website. Why? Thank you.

[@blissoutdoors8829]

Hi Andy I’ve just been on a two day forest wild camp with my new msr elixir 2 , I used the j pegs which came with the tent . I ended up bending 2 pegs as well as a y peg bought from Amazon . The ground was not particularly hard , I done the same as you in your video by hand then used my foot . They don’t seem to last that long . I do like to buy the branded names and I believe you get what you pay for . I did look at the dac pegs but I’m not sure if these are any stronger then the cheaper brands .

[@BackpackingUK]

Those MSR J-pegs aren’t great. I really rate the Elixir 2, it just needs better pegs!

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

Great video Andy.. for me the delta pegs really do bolt the tent to the ground but only if the ground conditions allow it. I’ve had them before on a camp and couldn’t get them all in the ground due to the rocky terrain, I actually use some lightweight Shepard hook pegs from Amazon due to the fact they’re longer and can get into the ground whilst camping in the mountains.

[@DemiGod..]

Used these hilleberg stake pegs, the tops came off a few of them, probably didn't like being driven in with a mallet, fortunately they came off in the bag and not in a storm.

[@BackpackingUK]

I wouldn't recommend using a mallet on any backpacking tent pegs, they're not designed to withstand that sort of impact.

[@ianrudd7442]

Interesting. I actually replaced the bog standard V pegs that came with my Akto with the tri shaped Alpkit pegs and swear by them. I was interested by the ground anchor. One must have for me is the cord at the end to get them out when striking camp.

[@BackpackingUK]

No way! My DAC v-pegs that came with my Soulo have been faultless. I would only upgrade them for ground anchors if it was stormy (and the ground would take them).

[@bcamping1]

​ DAC V pegs are the best pegs I ever had. Yellow label mini Y pegs are not worth 2,3g weight savings per peg.

[@colinme2672]

I use the titanium nail pegs. Of the dozens of pegs I've tried they are by far the best.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@elviscloss8913]

great video mate

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks 👍

[@drytool]

Renegade Scot did some pull testing and the deciding factor was the length of the peg. The Delta Peg pulled right out.

[@BackpackingUK]

No way, that surprises me. Was it fully planted in the ground?

[@maggi666]

Hi. We've just bought some of those anchors and some other yellow ones that resemble your best choice red one, v shaped!

[@BackpackingUK]

Great purchases 👍

[@maggi666]

@@BackpackingUK thank you 😊

[@mphigham1963]

Hi Andy. I`m a great believer in the Delta ground Anchors for normal ground conditions. You would typically only need them on corner points. They are however designed to be hammered in with a mallet and they should be flush with the ground ie all the way in. I knew the bloke who invented them, great bloke but he sadly die a few years ago Give them another go but hammering them in flush with the ground, you will notice a big difference !!

[@BackpackingUK]

There's no doubt they work exceptionally well when hammered in the ground. They're not going anywhere. However, for the purpose of backpacking, are you going to be able to get them in and out of the ground properly? This was my issue with them. Personally, I would rather take a different style peg with me that I'm confident I can use properly.

[@mphigham1963]

Indeed, they were primarily designed for larger tents, I have stainless as well as nylon and swear by them but they are not a peg I`d take on an over nighter !

[@xjessukx]

I think it depends on the soil type ground anker are great for the loose peaty soil of the peak district but not so good for the rocky ground of the lakes

[@BackpackingUK]

100% agree 👍

[@maggi666]

My hubby agrees with you, hence he ordered them from Amazon and they're fab!

[@Im_With_Stupid]

I have a bunch of those MSR Cyclone stakes. In anything but really sandy or really wet ground you have to hammer them in as they basically screw themselves into the ground. Real mothers to get them back out, too. Definitely not the kind of stakes you want to use for normal conditions, but in high winds I don't think you can get a better performing stake without going ridiculously overboard with something like a snow stake. I bought a Wild Country tent a while back and it came with some of the best factory stakes I've seen. I guess that doesn't surprise me, though, since they're a UK company where high winds and squishy ground is so common.

[@jamiesmith2152]

Very late to the party, but for me Delta pegs are AMAZING if your car camping in a family tent knowing what your going to be pitching on and not too worried about space, but I find the nature hike T style pegs are best for backpacking. But Delta pegs will not move a millimetre if they are put in right, but when I use them I always have a mallet with me and it's just not practical to carry the extra weight and bulk in the pack to make them worth using if your carrying them.

[@BackpackingUK]

I think you're right, once they're in the Delta pegs are moving at all. It's just getting them in that's the problem.

[@MrPwor]

Came here because on my last trip I snapped 3 Hilleberg tent pegs. Definitely not worth replace with brand name after import duties. Love their tents and products though

[@BackpackingUK]

There's plenty of cheaper options out there. If you're after a brand name MSR sell a large variety of pegs and are still a lot cheaper than Hilleberg. Also, if you buy DAC pegs elsewhere (not off Hilleberg website) they are cheaper too.

[@TimmyBobinson]

You need to push the Delta pegs in further Andy. All the best.

[@BackpackingUK]

I know but I couldn’t. The only time I have ever had success with these was in really soft ground.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Them 4 pegs on the left have become thick dark long and narrow at the bottom

[@drytool]

Lawson makes Heavy Duty 9" long titanium Shepherd hook stakes.

[@gustaveriksson9091]

great video!! :)

[@BackpackingUK]

Thank you!!

[@gustaveriksson9091]

@@BackpackingUK You are my favourite youtuber, great learning videos 👍👍

[@wad6216]

its all about getting the pegs in the ground for back packing, its no good having the best pegs going and needing a massive rock, rigger boots or a huge mallet to get them in the ground!. I just bought The full length original MSR Groundhogs and despite the great reviews and them being super holding pegs at a great weight, they are such a pain in the arse to get in hard summer ground without the mentioned, boots, hammer or heavy rock at hand. All of which I don't have I use trail runners or light walking boots, I'm not going to carry a bulky heavy mallet and big rocks are not even easy to find most times, plus you end up bending them hitting them in hard or stamping on them really hard to install into hard ground. I managed to bend one on a three night trip, the bladed pegs are all the same in that they have super sharp ends so its hard to even just set them off an inch or two in the ground with hand to line them up even and they also take a lot of resistance to get them in with thick boot soles, or something to pound them in as I mentioned above! Your analysis is correct and I suspect you are trying to make this point. We are basically looking for the peg that is easy to get in the ground, lightweight with strong holding power for back packing style of camping. Its going to be a compromise like all light back packing it throws up this criteria most times, with tents, back packs, stoves, sleep system etc etc. I think something like the Easton tube, pipe pegs or the MSR carbon core ones are going to be maybe the best bet overall and all things considered , but again like all the other ultralight back packing things they are pricey as hell !

[@TranceHeed]

Msr or Oex stakes seem good

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, there also a lot of MSR clone pegs out there for a fraction of the price.

[@summittaedae2323]

Here for the comments 😂. Helps the algorithm

[@markhawkins2723]

im sorry Andy but the delta peg was not in the ground properly so was not able to work in the designed way. iv used Delta pegs in winter stormy conditions on my guy ropes and they worked well, they are only really for more extreme cond,

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s a shame they only go into soft ground. Strong winds don’t just happen in winter! However, they are obviously really good in certain conditions.

[@pscoppernob]

Use a mallet on the delta ! 🙈

[@BackpackingUK]

Or a sledge hammer if it hasn’t rained for a few weeks 😂

[@marcuswilson9381]

Just watched your vlog. For a realistic comparison you should try this comparison in rocky crap ground that most of use camp on! Id be more interested in seeing how these pegs perform in realistic condition. Not a great review. Sorry

[@BackpackingUK]

That’s fine I’m not offended. Sounds like you don’t know how to find a good pitch though!

[@markfarren7016]

You didn't place the ground anchor properly

[@BackpackingUK]

That’s because I couldn’t get it in the ground! It highlights it’s main drawback.

[@Jim553just]

Read the instructions for the delta pegs 🙄

[@chaigasho775]

Mate. You need to look at the instructions for the Delta peg. It needs to be right in the ground with the hook buried as well. Also you would not need to take 10 delta pegs for a tent. You might use 3 or 4 at most on the main anchor points, generally placing them on the side from which the wind is coming. Try using your gear for a while before preaching on its use to the viewers! 😊

[@BackpackingUK]

Nonsense! If you can’t get them in normal ground (as per the video) they’re not suitable for normal ground conditions. Use some common sense before commenting!

[@steveb1972]

The delta pegs are really overrated.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’m inclined to agree. Maybe they excel in soft ground?

[@mulreid]

Helps if you install them properly lol

[@andrewwalpole7401]

honestly that was a poor effort at putting in pegs!! Andy your normal content is good but this was a poor effort. You really made a meal of putting in all the pegs to be honest.

[@BackpackingUK]

That’s a bit over the top, it’s not my fault some pegs are harder to get in than others. I’ve since had lots of complains over Delta Pegs in particular. The ground needs to be soft otherwise they’re impossible to get in without a mallet.

[@andrewwalpole7401]

@@BackpackingUK Sorry Andy I really didn't mean to upset you. I was just being honest with my feedback, Maybe the ground was a lot harder on this occasion then it looked. What works in one place doesn't always work in another I guess.

[@rthompson884]

I purchased the pegs from Delta...I use these on my guy lines for windy days and when the ground is not rock hard. The technology is well planned for windy applications or when a more secure anchoring is needed. I ordered 8 to cover my several different tents and what I could encounter. Just keep them in a yellow bag to grab and toss in the pack. They are very light and sturdy. I use a rubber mallet or a piece of wood to put them in with. They have an area that can be used as a strike zone. This is physics at its finest. The come from UK so there is a mailing wait but, be patient because they have to pass through customs which takes a few days. Personally, I think the tent will tear before the pegs would ever pull loose. I used a boot pull to pull them out of the ground. You can purchase basically the same tool from Delta. I just went to my western boot store and purchased a couple of the boot pulls for under $15. You can also get a small version of a rubber mallet if you want to carry it. Just use common sense on pegs. Like everything know what you're getting into when camping and remember "Murphys Laws", plan for them. Here is the link: deltagroundanchors.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/delta-strong-tent-pegs

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@GearTutorials]

is it actually a good thing for the tent to tear before the pegs are pulled out? I'd say one means a restless night and the other means the trip is over as your shelter no longer works. Had a guy rope snap on a camp on Friday and the main tent pole bent as well. First thought was perhaps get some delta ground anchors but then it's easier to replace a pole/guy rope than repair the tent fabric.... Interested in your thoughts on this. Thanks