What's The BEST Tent Stake? Groundhogs, Y-Stakes, Shepherd's Hooks & More

Nobody ever wants to talk about stakes : (
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[@robertcurrey1929]

had me at "I like bananas"

[@clarkansas6590]

Good information. I have y-style and was thinking about trying shepherds hook but you saved me the money and frustration.

[@djsomers100]

Still have my steel twisted "7" stakes for my REI Expedition "70's" edition tent. Nice review. You guys rock.

[@dovahkiinsadventures7632]

KUNGIX Tent Stakes, 7" Aluminium. Got mine from Amazon. Treated me fine so far. Light. Pretty stout. I use the red so I can see them. Comes with the reflective pull cord.

[@rageoid]

Great stake points. I too am a groundhog user - I switched to the mini-groundhog, little smaller and a little less holding power than its parent, but has done a fine job and offers a nice weight savings. Z-packs makes a blue colored mini groundhog replica that is nearly as light as their titanium hook - tried those on my hammock tarp in place of the mini hogs and was happy with the result (but only two outings so far, so not all variables encountered yet). Yes, the glow cord tops are essential equipment to reduce the frustration level - thanks for a good overview !

[@OutLan]

Great vid! I have the nail stakes and the shepherd hooks in Titanium. Gonna go back to the MSR’s or the ones from Dutch.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Dutch ones seem to work just fine and you can save a bit of $$$

[@kevchard5214]

Perfect timing guys I was just looking on Amazon for stakes for my new hammock. I just ordered ground hogs. Thanks!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Fantastic Kevin!

[@freddonelson5505]

Somehow I missed this review in December. This an awesome video and very helpful. I have always used Y stakes ... after this I won't be considering changing. I'm gonna try to get one of my science students to do some testing on this with electronic force sensors. Try to get some actual numbers to back this up! Again ... GREAT review. Sorry so late in letting you know!! 😎😎

[@Dogggbk]

The titanium nails are great for winter (frozen ground) camping. They are strong enough to drive in and hold well. A quick tap on the top and they pull out easily unlike the aluminium. Great vid guys.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Good to know!

[@pulitz09]

That opening was great! “I like bananas!” 😆

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@mclostinthewoods]

I've gone through the tent stake rodeo as well and made a lot of the same observations about the same kinds of stakes. Ultimately, I settled on the Groundhogs. On a whim, when I needed to replace a handful of stakes last year, I did the old Amazon search and found a knock off aluminum stake with the same weight and spec as the Groundhog, but they are 12 for $9. So far, they have performed great. I bent one up hammering it into the rocky ground in Arkansas last Fall, otherwise they have held up very nicely. It's really work the extra ounce or two to have really solid, reliable stakes.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great timing for this video I set up my system the other day and the wind was blowing at about 15 MPH gusting to over 20 MHP and it was a disaster. Needless to say I decided not to sleep out that night. I was using a combination of (4) 6" ground hog stakes with shock cord and zing it and (2) Sheppard hooks on zing it for the middle tie outs. Lucky I looked out my window because several stakes had popped and the tarp was whipping. Do you use 7" ground hogs? Thanks for all of your great videos.

[@dwayneg8486]

Great video guys. Hope y’all have a Merry Christmas 🎄

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Dwayne!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friends. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. You handled this topic quite well. Take care and be safe out there. Have fun. See you on the next one. 🤗

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Ronald!

[@xmetal280]

I love my Ruta Locura carbon stakes. Metal tip and head lets you step on it easily and they seem to hold really well while being super light. Other than those, the cheap Aluminum Y's are reliable and easy to find.

[@steves3760]

Love all 5 or 6 sets of MSR Groundhogs but was thinking about trying the MSR Cyclones.

[@DragonRoams]

I'm with you on the Y-style stake I've been sticking to them for a long time. I still have one shepherd hook that gets used with the doors on my tarp. I like the idea of the Vargo V it would be interesting to see how that would perform in an aluminum option.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

That’s a good point, I’ve never thought about that before TBH.

[@ScarOT]

Very pleased with MSR’s carbon-core stakes! Really like the top cap/end for your palm. Bent several ti nails, skipped right over Shepard hooks. Ground hogs are the ole’reliables, but wanted to try new primo stuff.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Very interesting, I will add those to the list.

[@davishlamburnt3734]

Way late to the game here but Kelty Triptease is the the best reflective guyline I've found and I use it for my stake pulls. In the dark this stuff lights up like its electric. Thanks for the videos guys.

[@FredArd1954]

I use the Nube shelter for hammock camping. They supply a “Y” type stake with the shelter, and I have never had one of those pull out or fail in any way. I’m not sure of the material, but it’s quite rigid and durable. Probably not the lightest material, but hey, it stays put no matter the soil conditions.

[@outdoorstransient1498]

I have been using the ruta locura carbon fiber stakes, 4 small 2 large. I like them, funny thing is I just picked up 2 ground hogs and 4 mini ground hogs yesterday to round out my stakes.

[@benjaminjonholman]

Sea to summit makes a great Y stake as well. A friend had them on a trip recently. I wasn't able to weigh them but they seemed lighter than the ground hogs I have and they come with a great reflective pull on them already.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for the tip!

[@WildlandExplorer]

"you drop one of these and it's gone" .. Yes - every single time I go out I find at least one old rusty shepherd stake hanging out when I setup.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Groundhogs = done. I'll watch the video now.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Pretty much. We’re going keep going down this rabbit hole though.

[@FrozensAdventures]

@@SchillBrothersOutdoors I had the same conclusions and bought the same crap as you, broke a stake on the QT and that was the end of my journey. On the flip side I had to leave a ground hog behind because I couldn't get it back out of the ground. I pulled on the line so hard that it broke the rope and some of my extra 550 paracord at the time.

[@MrTmax74]

Word. They are the way!

[@MrTmax74]

wow!@@FrozensAdventures

[@benhauber1979]

Watched this literally minutes before buying the vargo shephard hooks. You saved me just in time.

[@jdc9023]

I'm gonna be car camping and hiking (hopefully some off-trail backpacking and backcountry camping) in the deserts of New Mexico, Arizona, and California just after New Year's. I think I'll have to check those groundhogs out. I already have stakes that'll do the job, but they're not ultralight by any means. The ground is typically hard as a rock out here!

[@backkat9475]

I used the mini groundhogs tent camping in the SoCal desert and they held pretty well. Still might need to hold with rocks in some spots

[@JeffMeadowsOutdoors]

I use the shorter aluminum Y stakes that came with my tarp. They are lighter because they are almost half as long. So far they have withstood 40+ mph wind and rain and snow.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yep. I’m gonna grab some mini ground hogs at some point too.

[@dummkompf]

I typically camp on ground that has more rocks than dirt, here in AZ. the sheperds hooks that came with my tent are such garbage. it's almost impossible to get them into the ground without bending them. planning to try the titanium nails, I think they should work well

[@jacobsobell4751]

Love MSR Groundhogs but sometime a little longer stake is needed for sponge ground like alaska or a bit looser soil or thick pine needles. I picked up aluminum groundhog-style stakes at Walmart (hate supporting them) that are 8” and weigh .6oz each with a short cord loop. $.85/each

[@GrimesMusic]

I got Y stakes from Warbonnet when I got my Thunderbird and they've been great

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

That’s great! Glad that style is work well for you

[@chuckcrookshanks847]

I have been using Titanium Shepherd hooks for 3 years with few if any problems when hammock camping. Have not bent any stakes yet even in rocky soil, periodically I have had issues when in loose dirt and that would be the only issue. I have considered other stakes just because I like to experiment.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

That’s great they are working well for you. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

[@flashmanv3260]

I do a bit of winter camping (north east), the TI nail stakes are awesome driving into frozen ground. You can beat the cr*p out of them with a rock to drive them in.

[@midwestoutdoors3286]

You guys should try the new MSR needle stakes. I got them with my new MSR tent and they hold great but they’re hard to get out of the ground

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

I saw those on their website. I might pick one up at some point.

[@bucklaporte7591]

Good subject for video

[@redwhiteblue7831]

100% true... great video and topic.

[@benevolution1338]

This video just saved me money. Thank you

[@elced01]

MSR Groundhog 2 main tie outs, MSR mini groundhog for corners and sometimes MSR carbon core if known to not be rocky ground to save a few grams. Done, story over and very reliable setup. Big Rock little rock trick on site can sometimes come in handy if ground is really hard.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Seems like a great setup and very dialed in

[@elced01]

@@SchillBrothersOutdoors have a great Xmas, I'm off to ski in interior BC and visit with fam. Keep up your running miles in the new year!

[@markkathbier1]

Any mention of a loop of 'stretchy' cord on the end. It makes a HUGE difference

[@MrTmax74]

I've come to the same conclusion. Tx for the vid!

[@backkat9475]

I'm a mini groundhog fan. Would be interested in a future video of a carbon fiber "Y" and a spiral style. Great video! Thanks.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yeah the mini ground hogs are great! I’m gonna get a few of those too.

[@DaimyoD0]

I'm waiting to find someone who makes a Y-shaped titanium stake.

[@karlzaunbrecher8241]

Best stake ever, Easton tubes by Easton aluminum. Used them in every kind of surface including gravel. Not very light but rugged and reliable. Unfortunately no longer available but you might be able to find them if you look around

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for the tip Karl!

[@Loduwijk]

I've crumpled lots of aluminum stakes, some pushing with just my hand. They can be weak too. The Y aluminum is stronger because of shape, not because it's aluminum. A Y titanium stake of the same thickness would be even stronger.

[@KrizAkoni]

Stake wars! Anything but carbon fiber...I break those left and right. I've broken the titanium V also and squished a bunch. I've found a bunch of standard Big Agnes aluminum v stakes and seem to like those.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Great feedback on the carbon fiber steaks. We’re going to try them at some point, we’ll see what happens.

[@KrizAkoni]

Mine were the tubular kind that are similar to arrow shafts and were from Zpacks. I’d be interested in beefy flat ones.

[@05chmps]

Hey guys. From OH too. You have the right stakes and can get MSR Groundhogs through REI easily. Good idea about the fluorescent ties.

[@chapinb18]

The dutch groundhogs are my go to but I wish the top was a bit mushroomed out, it's a little rough on my hands or even my shoes in one case. REI did (or does) have an aluminum v stake I really liked but the holding power just isnt the same as the y

[@konagolden3397]

Anyone try the screw in style stakes like the Orange Ground Anchors?

[@donmartin9567]

First, I would have liked to seen your comments on Carbon Fiber. But, I'd also like to see some comments on what to use (and how) when you are on rock. No "ground" per se, just rock (or some ground but can't get a stake in because there is just too much rock). Finally, what happens if you are stuck in higher elevations and have to camp in Snow and have a tent (like the Duplex) that needs a decent stake out but don't have specific snow stakes?

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

We can’t really comment much on carbon fiber right now as we don’t really have experience with them. The other situations I have limited experience as we primarily hammock camp these days. Winter - I would turn a steak sideways and bury in snow to snowsteak.

[@fr33rid3r33]

I love my Groundhog, and Groundhog Mini steaks, thanks for the "Glow Wire" idea, i might have a bit of *COLORBLINDNESS* and its a pain to find the steaks sometimes.

[@alexphoenix6041]

InstaBlaster...

[@GtsAntoni1]

5:03 - Can someone explain this to me? I always thought that v stakes should be oriented with the spine facing the tent or load. Wouldn't the orientation here mean the stake easily flexes, lifting out the ground? Or worse yet bend/break?

[@bretthikez6567]

I like bananas too...groundhogs are the best..ive snapped most of these before,mostly in winter conditions but,some of them are wayyyyy better than others..Cool idear for a video guys..

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Brett!

[@davidsturms612]

Have you tried the HMG aluminum nail stakes? If so, interested in your thought.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

I have not, I had no idea they existed. Thanks for letting me know.

[@jacobpoucher]

just scrape the duff away untill you find solid ground, i do it all the time. also i think stake placement technique has alot to do with how well the stake holds its intended load. i 3d printed some stake tops and bottoms to push into a piece of carbon fiber arrow shaft im experimenting with. 4 are just under a oz.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Jacob - in a lot of situations you can definitely do that but TBH in a lot of places you have to get down REALLY far to get to good soil

[@nickkanakis3469]

I bought the Toaks V stakes a few years ago. They are a lot stronger than the vargo. Probably a little heavier but not noticable.

[@Brockdorf]

Do you have a glow wire recommendation?

[@LionAstrology]

For Canadians if you want cost effective y stakes canadian tire has affordable ones. @ 2$ cad a piece. sold in a 4 pack @7.99 cad

[@brentmiller2598]

Even less sexy than the stakes themselves, but what glow wire are you using attached to the stakes?

[@danbezak6595]

Have to defend the shepherds hooks for a moment. They are great for rocky PA soil. Just have to angle them correctly. Place rocks on them if it’s extra windy. Never a shortage of rocks in PA.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

No problem Dan. There’s a reason why everyone makes them and buys them. Respect.

[@colnagocowboy]

In case of dire need whats the best tent stake to use on vampires?

[@pluggothesluggo5509]

try delta pegs

[@MikeNeri1]

Are you sure those Shepard's are titanium and not aluminium? I've gotten away from those and now use the "Y" stakes for most terrain; I also use the Titanium Spikes for desert hiking only. They are the only thing that works in really hard ground.

[@karmaclanton5544]

Not dumb at all I have issues with stakes too. I'm always bending them.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Hopefully this video help then. Thanks!

[@armandoveloz5644]

I like the twisted shepperd stakes. Tough, rigid and has that almost oger effect

[@alanwilliams5836]

I use only MSR Groundhog Stakes for 1-2 person tents and all tarps... I throw all others away when I get them. DD Tarps has some shitty stakes... be sure to replace those. Once into bigger tents, ABS stakes for sure.

[@ajbones22]

Hahahaha... Adorable! You must be the proudest father ever, that's awesome! Came here for the Groundhogs review, I might buy them!

[@seanoconnell6735]

Amazed you don't include DAC stakes in your review. I am a groundhog and groundhog mini lifetime fan, but the DAC stakes may take their place. I have used the DAC for 2 years as a secondary stake and have been happy.....and a bit lighter than my GH minis. Just recently bought a new tent and bought a set of the DAC short/mediums for this year's test. I have high hopes.

[@6974Royce]

Which type of stake worked best for you guys on your isle royale trip? Was the ground very rocky?

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Some places were rocky, but most was hard dirt. Some type of Y stake is best (msr groundhog)

[@6974Royce]

@@SchillBrothersOutdoors Awesome thanks for the info heading there in May for the first time. Keep up the vids some of the best on youtube.

[@april906outdoors3]

Thanks for the question and response. I'm heading to Isle Royale May 11. Will leave my Shepherd hooks at home!

[@woodchip2782]

I know I’m late but I would drive a Shepherd’s hook through a hole in the Vargo stake diagonally from the rear...

[@jasonbockelman2054]

Titanium is actually heavier than aluminum, but ti is stronger, so uses less material for the same strength. Weight savings comes from using far less material. I've used every tent stake known to man and always fall back to the DAC medium stakes. They are lighter than the msr and hold just as well. In sand or loose soils, they do just fine. They are longer than the vargo and far more rigid.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Jason!

[@WildlandExplorer]

I switched to the DAC small V-stakes and never looked back. DAC aluminum just seems to be a cut above, and stronger than groundhogs, which I always break the heads off of.

[@GrandpaFatmouth]

I like to use the groundhog mini's.

[@OldPackMule]

“I like bananas “. LOL. Perfect.

[@glhxturbo]

The stake shape is the most important part as you know. The strength of the aluminum....would be second. If you drill small holes into the MSr ground hog.. you will lighten them, create more friction, and not lose the strength if you do it right. Hard to even do that wrong

[@coolwheelz5190]

"I like banana's".......LOL!!! Just wondering, in the grand scheme of things, are aluminum stakes that much heavier and how much? Is it even a whole oz? Seems like it would be good weight, if you can call an extra oz. or two extra weight, to avoid the aggravation of the other types of stakes!

[@jasholden9741]

The best stakes are the yellow ABS plastic ones. They are more bulky but that's what makes them work best. VERY light weight.

[@francoisvermaak1764]

Well, there goes 13min and 02sec of my life I will never get back.

[@chrisdaugherty9030]

Riveting video about stakes. Lol! Only backpackers can appreciate this. Every backpacker has had stake failure...Coghlans has cheap “y” that I use. Going to step up to groundhogs Good stuff, keep it up!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@DaimyoD0]

"We want the lightest stakes possible, but we also don't want to sacrifice anything." I think I found the right video lol It seems like people almost never do reviews of carbon stakes, like the enlightened equipment or ZPacks round stakes, or the carbon fiber dutchware stakes. I'm really curious about them.

[@JPerry-hv8os]

Walmart has the “Y” stakes for super cheap. For a budget option.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Great callout!

[@DavyRayVideo]

Cheap, they are. I have bent them and torn them in two trying to get them out of desert playa in Nevada. Y stakes should be sturdy. Good grade aluminum, and thick enough to hold up.

[@jmminmn]

I have the Walmart ones and they have held up well in Minnesota.

[@alexwbanks70]

Yep! Same verdict for me. Groundhogs all the way. Shepherd hooks just suck and I'm glad I've lost several.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Agreed!

[@arcana1973]

I just splice my guyline onto the stake. Then I just wrap around the stake when done.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

I’m confused

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

1400 AT miles using MSR Groundhogs. Zero issues!

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Yeah they seem to be tanks for sure!!

[@smkwhatsnext3411]

I've come to the same conclusion, at this time there's nothing better than the y style

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Totally agree

[@commonsensecamper]

Aluminum y stakes are best.....we are talking grams, getting wet in a hammock sucks....don't cut weight with your stakes.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Agreed. But we are firm believers in saving weight where possible. Not sure if it can be done reliably with stakes yet.

[@commonsensecamper]

Or bananas:)

[@walk-tall-hikes]

Your kids are too cute! Oops found out from another video they're your sisters kids.

[@Lue_Jonin]

Best stake ? I prefer T-Bone or Ribeye.

[@jonathanjessop9977]

I also backpack/hammock camp in Ohio and surrounding areas and have encountered the same issues as you. My favorite stake, believe it or not, is carbon fiber. The 9 inch variety of the Ruta Locura carbon fiber stake seems to get through all the duff and down into the more solid ground to hold surprisingly well. I know you’re skeptical of carbon fiber “tube” stakes, but I’ve tried all the stakes you showed, as well as the now discontinued Easton nail style stakes and these 9 inch carbon fiber stakes are my favorite for all-round performance and weight as well. Give them a try and let me know what you think. It’s only $15 for a 4 pack, so you really can’t go wrong, trust me. I don’t work for them or anything; just a very satisfied customer. www.rutalocura.com/Tent_Stakes.html

[@blidderbla]

A bit funny. I came here to find out what the best stake is, but when i heard the talking about all problems like weight, loosing them, breaking and so on. Do what we did as kids, sharpen a stick and stake it.

[@kene3431]

aluminon is lighter than titanium of the equal size, not as strong or resistant to fire.

[@oldunion]

Groundhogs, the best. Mini or normal.... Everything else is trying to better the mouse trap that already works.

[@stevendyk]

I like bananas, too.

[@dudeymcduderson]

I'm just gonna go ahead and try using some bananas

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

Yep...Groundhogs...

[@danbezak6595]

I prefer a bone in ribeye when camping.

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Hahahaha maybe we’ll do another “steak” review

[@ozzieparrillajr3140]

that's right... tent stakes, "are bananas"

[@SchillBrothersOutdoors]

Lol!

[@Lee-70ish]

Stronger lasts longer, ultra lightweight is always a compromise. if you can string up a hammock that means wood. Wood means make as big as you like stakes no weight problem. Titanium is light but make things too thin and it will still bend so you end up carrying things for no reason as they don't do the job may as well not bother how ever light they are. MSR are good but over priced that's why the Chinese knock offs Which are just as good sell so well. Carbon fibre either work or break nothing in between can't even straighten them on the trail. Avoid

[@TheGiraffehead]

You seem to have the idea that aluminum is heavier but stronger than titanium. These are both not true. Aluminum is lighter and weaker. If you weigh them and find them to be heavier it is because there is more material or the alloy has a higher mixture of non aluminum. But I would guess from these different stake types it is the shape of the stake that is lending the stake its strength. titaniumprocessingcenter.com/titanium-vs-aluminum/

[@davidsawmandave8731]

Zpacks carbon fiber stake SUCK, they break easy in rocky conditions , don't waste ur money , period , that's why I'm here watching this video because I had mine out two times and two of them broke I think I'm going to go back to groundhog

[@PrimalRenegade17]

I like bananas too. Bananas are good.

[@samdaman916]

The first thing i thought was the “I like turtles” kid classic.

[@rammur1]

Make stakes when you get to your campsite.

[@hermeticallysealed]

ALWAYS WORK WITH CHILDREN AND PETS

[@stevec5576]

If you really want the best tent stake ask the viet nam vet who used them every day for a year in the worst rain & heat we’ll tell you .

[@ryanshawhan9848]

I have had great success with some stakes I made myself. I don't want to toot my own horn too much but I designed and fabricated these for backpacking and they are light and practical (5 grams each @ 6" long carbon fiber shafts with the blunt nose tip). They are nearly free to construct but you will have to have a 3d printer to make the plastic parts. The design files are here www.thingiverse.com/thing:2858568 for free for everyone as long as you don't use it for commercial purposes.