Top-Rated Buyer’s Guide: Best Heavy Duty Tent Stakes

Rilor Staff
Update: September 14, 2020
Table of Contents

The best tent stakes are essentially sought amenities for various outdoor goers. When the going gets tough, they can rely on these stakes to nail their tents or tarps into unadulterated stability. 

You, too, will realize the importance of these rugged stakes. You will encounter areas and terrains where the structural rigidity of the peg is crucial. If you pick stakes that are flimsy, they will not be able to pierce through hard surfaces. Moreover, they will bend or deform if you pound them forcibly.

Best Heavy Duty Tent Stake Reviews

1. MSR Groundhog Tent Stake - Editor's Pick

The MSR Groundhog Tent Stake is a kit of six ultra-rugged pegs that you can use on any camping ground. They are all constructed from 7000-series aluminum, which is rated to be tough but lightweight at the same time. 

These stakes are ideal for rough and hard terrains. They can penetrate hard surfaces due to their pointed heads. Moreover, pounding them with a hammer would not break or bend them. They are simply durable and can survive any harsh elements. 

The Y-shape construction of these tent stakes contributes to the overall stability it provides to your shelter. Basically, this design prevents them from moving and rotating once they are on the ground. 

There are also pull ropes attached to the head of these tent stakes. Even if you bury them deep, you can still put them conveniently. The holding power of the Groundhog tent stakes works for every soil type. 

Pros:

  • Structurally rigid
  • Holds tents and tarps steadily
  • Will not move even in windy conditions
  • Not susceptible to warping or deforming
  • Lightweight construction

Cons:

  • The notch on the head is not that deep

2. Kelty Nobendium II Stake - Runner-Up

I admit that the Nobendium II Stakes are not that popular as compared to contemporary stakes in the market today. However, when it comes to durability and rigidity, these stakes will not embarrass you at all. 

Each of the stakes is made from high-strength aluminum. Hence, you can expect that they can survive strong pounding. They do not get blunt on the head if you drive them with force.

The stakes have a shepherd's hook design. It is an ideal setup for ensuring the tautness of your guylines. Its holding power is pretty decent, too, thanks to its hexagonal shape. Once set in the ground, it will serve as a stable anchor for your tent. 

Another interesting aspect of the Nobendium II Stakes is their long tapered tips. They allow you to drive the stakes quickly, making staking a simple task. 

Pros:

  • Made from rugged material
  • Hexagonal shape prevents it from wobbling
  • Can be staked to the ground conveniently
  • Ensures a secure knot for your guylines
  • Enables quick removal

Cons:

  • May wobble if the ground is pretty loose

3. SE Heavy-Duty Metal Tent Pegs - Budget-Friendly Pick

If you want an affordable set of heavy-duty tent stakes, you should check out the SE Metal Tent Pegs. Each of these stakes is made from galvanized steel for guaranteed strength and imperviousness to corrosion. 

These tent stakes have versatile functions. They can be used in both backpacking and camping purposes. Moreover, they are suitable for various terrains. Their tips are pointed enough so that they can pierce through hard ground. They are long, too, ensuring that they can have a deep and stable hold. 

Meanwhile, the head of these heavy-duty tents is broad. You can hammer them without missing them. The PVC head also acts as stoppers so that the stakes will not be buried to the ground fully. There are stringing and hooking eyelets on the head, too, for adjustment versatility.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable construction
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Lightweight and backpacking friendly
  • Easy to anchor guylines tightly
  • Can be used on hard grounds

Cons:

  • They are pretty heavy

4. MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes - Premium Pick

MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes - Package of 4
  • Constructed of lightweight 7000-series aluminum, the Cyclone stakes offer strength and holding power in a wide range of conditions
  • A reflective pull loop allows for easy removal

The MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes are arguably one of the most robust stakes that MSR has produced. These tent stakes have exceptional performance, especially if we are talking about their rigidity. They are extremely rugged and can take a beating. 

The Cyclone stakes got their name from their unique body construction. They are a single piece of metal that has a spiral design, which allows them to have a better hold and stability to the ground. 

It also contributes to the quicker driving of the stakes on the ground since you can just push them like a drill. You can also pound them without the worry that they will bend. By the way, these stakes are made from 7000-series aluminum, which is extremely rugged.

Of course, these tent stakes are ergonomic, too. They are lightweight and great for backpacking purposes. Moreover, they have reflective loops for quick removal.

Pros:

  • Can be driven to the ground easily
  • Generates exceptional holding power
  • Lightweight and ideal for backpacking
  • Offers relentless stability
  • Durable and rugged construction

Cons:

  • May not be stable on sand and snow

5. Eurmax Galvanized Non-Rust Tent Stakes

Another heavy-duty option for tent stakes is the Eurmax. Basically, the Eurmax tent stakes are designed for camping purposes. But at the same time, they have notable durability, enabling it as a reliable stake for other outdoor purposes. 

These stakes are crafted from galvanized steel that features excessive rigidity. They are impervious to rust and corrosion, too, which guarantee that their lifespan wouldn't be whittled even if they are exposed to different external elements. 

Driving the stakes to the ground is pretty convenient, thanks to the sharp and pointed tip that they have. They have the piercing power that you need so that you can deal with hard and rough grounds. 

Pros:

  • Extremely rugged construction
  • Provides a stable hold to the ground 
  • Can be driven on hard surfaces
  • Large head enables quick and hassle-free pounding
  • Offers a convenient platform for attaching guylines

Cons:

  • They are quite heavy

How To Choose The Best Heavy Duty Tent Stake

Not all stakes have the same quality. You need to be aware of that fact. 

A lot of people have already complained about how some stakes break or deform whenever they hammer them. This kind of nuisance is something that you don't want to experience, especially if you are camping on hard grounds. 

Fortunately, there are several means on how to identify a durable tent stake. Several factors can determine the rigidity of pegs, and you should be aware of them, especially if you have a high prioritization of their structural strength. 

Material

One of the essential factors in choosing a tent stake is the material it was built from. Of course, knowing the material can help you decide if a particular stake is rugged or not. Sure enough, there's no one-size-fits-all solution for this matter. You cannot compare a wooden stake from a metal stake, right? 

One of the most popular materials for constructing rugged tent stakes is steel. This one is guaranteed to last long without suffering from flimsiness. It is tough and can be hammered mercilessly, especially if it is high-grade steel. However, keep in mind that steel is not lightweight. For backpacking, it might not be a suitable option.

The next material typically used in constructing stakes is aluminum. It has a decent construction and possesses lightness. Bringing them on the field is not problematic. From time to time, I hear people that aluminum does not exude enough durability. This doesn't mean that the structural rigidity of this material is not good. However, you must be extra careful in choosing and handling it. 

Titanium is more robust than aluminum. It is light, too. But the main issue about this material is its price. It is not as budget-friendly as steel or aluminum. 

If you want an extra-rugged option, I recommend that you get carbon fiber. This material is indeed robust and durable. But just like titanium, carbon fiber is not the cheapest option available out there. 

Design

The design of the stake can also determine its durability. Some stakes are definitely constructed for simple applications like leisure camping and beach trips. Others are meant to deal with hard surfaces and difficult terrains. 

As you can see, there are numerous designs for stakes. Some are plainly straightforward, while there are those that have spiral bodies. 

The first thing that you need to look at is their width or thickness. As of now, stakes that have broad bodies feature extra durability and holding power. When you pound them to the ground, they don't break as the force is evenly distributed to their body. It is not the same for those extra thin stakes where there's a minimal distribution of force. 

Next, you should look at how the body of the stake is constructed. Numerous designs are available as well. For durability, our top options would be V-shape and Y-shape stakes. 

  • The V-shape stakes have more surface area because of their unique formation. The shape prevents itself from rotating and wobbling, enabling more stability in your tents. They are an excellent choice for hard surfaces because of their impressive penetrating power. 
  • You can say the same things to the Y-shape stakes. Because of their innovative shapes, their surface area has been expanded. Hence, they are not susceptible to breaking at all. They generate a stable hold and ensure that you can remove them anytime you want.
  • Meanwhile, shepherd's hooks and needles are also decent variants for stakes. They are among the most common designs for tent stakes because of their simplicity. If the material and construction are both right, these stakes can hold pretty decently.

Overall, the combination of material and design can actually determine the rigidity of a particular stake. 

Tips In How To Make A Durable Staking

  • Make sure that you loop a cord on your stakes. These cords are different from the guylines. They are essential for the quick removal of the stake. Moreover, they also enable you to bury the stakes as deeply as you want without the fear that you won't be able to retrieve them.
  • Don't forget to include a tensioner to the guylines to ensure that you can tighten the line on the stake. Alternatively, you can also choose a suitable knot to the guyline to further strengthen the hold of the stake. 
  • It is also necessary that the area you want to put the stakes is clear from debris and leaves. In this way, you will be able to see if the ground is suitable for staking. 
  • When driving the stake, make sure that it is on an inclined angle. The stake should face away from the tent or tarp. The recommended angle is around 90 degrees. This is possibly the most secure position for the hold to be durable. 
  • Put a rock or heavy object on top of the stakes. In this way, they won't be blown by the wind. 

Conclusion

It is essential that you get the best heavy duty tent stakes, especially if you deem that your campground is difficult to deal with. With these rugged stakes, pounding would be a guilt-free task. You will be able to hammer them as firmly as you want. 

Furthermore, durable stakes are long-lasting companions in the field. Even after numerous uses, their quality will not whittle. 

Do you have additional questions? Feel free to drop them in the comment section below. 

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