We tested the holding strength (the pounds of force required to extract a tent stake) for four of the most popular and commonly used tent stakes. Each tent stake was tested in the same type of soil within 30 minutes of each other. The experiment was reproduced five times to obtain an average holding strength for each stake.
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Y-Stake
The Y-stake gets its name from the Y shape of the stake from the top view. The shape of the Y-stakes makes it resist bending and more durable. Because of the Y-shape the stake is less likely to spin in the ground. Y-stakes are commonly constructed from high grade aluminum. Y-stakes are very durable because of the Y type construction.
We tested the popular 6 inch MSR Mini Ground Hog Y-stake that weighs 9 grams and retails for around $3. The stake was placed straight in the ground and a guy line (cord or string that is used to secure a tent or tarp to the ground) was attached at a 30 degree angle from the ground. The force to extract the tent stake was then reproduced five times to obtain an average.
It took on average 23 ±4 pounds of force to extract the Y tent stake.
V-Stake
The V-stake gets its name from the V shape of the stake from the top view. The V-stake resists bending and does not easily spin in the ground. V-stakes are commonly constructed out of titanium. However, V-stakes are not as durable as Y-stakes.
We tested the popular 6.5 inch Toaks Titanium V-stake that weighs 11 grams and costs around $3. The stake was placed straight in the ground and a guy line was attached at a 30 degree angle from the ground. The force to extract the tent stake was then reproduced five times to obtain an average.
It took on average 32 ±4 pounds of force to extract the V tent stake.
Shepherd’s Hook Stake
The Shepherd’s hook stakes tend to be lightweight, but tend to spin and bend.
We tested the popular 6.5 inch TiTo Titanium Shepherd’s hook stake that weighs 6 grams and costs around $3 each. The stake was placed straight in the ground and a guy line was attached at a 30 degree angle from the ground. The force to extract the tent stake was then reproduced five times to obtain an average.
It took on average 14 ±1 pounds of force to extract the Shepherd’s Hook tent stake.
Nail Type Stake
Nail type stakes tend to be lightweight, but tend to spin in the ground. They also lack a prominent hook. As a result you are more likely to lose your guy line under windy conditions.
We tested the popular 6 inch MSR Core stake that weighs 5 grams and costs around $8. The stake was placed straight in the ground and a guy line was attached at a 30 degree angle from the ground. The force to extract the tent stake was then reproduced five times to obtain an average.
It took on average 20 ±1pounds of force to extract the Nail Type tent stake.
Summary
The Shepherd’s hook stake and MSR Core nail type stake were the easiest to drive into the ground. The thin Shepherd’s hook stake showed the lowest holding strength. The best and strongest holding strength was from the Toaks titanium V-stake. However, it took extreme caution not to bend the Toaks titanium V-stake when driving it into the ground. The great holding strength of the V-stake was likely due to the large width of the stake. Surprisingly the best performing stake per unit weight was the MSR Core stake. The MSR Core stake had a holding strength of 20 pounds and only weighs 5 grams. However, the MSR Core stake costs almost three times the cost of the other stakes tested.
It is difficult to declare a clear winner. The best stake for your hike will depend on your individual needs that may include weight, cost, and holding strength.