Our top 10, at a glance.
Choose stake shapes and lengths that fit the campsite ground, shelter attachment and carrying weight.
- #1MSR Groundhog Tent StakesBest starting point for ordinary soil
- #2NEMO SweepstakeBest for muddy pack-up
- #3Snow Peak Solid Stake #30Best steel option for car camping
- #4MSR Cyclone Tent StakesBest spiral profile for soft soil
- #5MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent StakesBest compact Y-stake
- #6MSR Blizzard Tent StakesBest dedicated sand and snow shape
- #7Sea to Summit Ground Control Light Tent PegsBest light peg with low attachment points
- #8Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 10-inchBest long aluminum shelter stake
- #9NEMO AirpinBest built-in guyline adjustment
- #10REI Co-op Aluminum Hook Tent StakeBest simple hook for tent loops
All 10 picks, in order.
- #1
Best starting point for ordinary soil
MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes
Campers who want a versatile core set for common dirt campsites.
Why it fits
Model: Groundhog Tent Stakes, six-pack · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
- #2
Best for muddy pack-up
NEMO Sweepstake
Campers who dislike putting dirty stakes back beside their tent fabric.
Why it fits
Model: Sweepstake, six-pack · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
- #3
Best steel option for car camping
Snow Peak Solid Stake #30
Vehicle campers staking a large tent or tarp on firm campground soil.
Why it fits
Model: Solid Stake #30, R-103 · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
- #4
Best spiral profile for soft soil
MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes
Campers expecting loose dirt where a short straight stake is a poor match.
Why it fits
Model: Cyclone Tent Stakes, four-pack · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
- #5
Best compact Y-stake
MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes
Backpackers choosing a lighter set for medium-to-firm soil.
Why it fits
Model: Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes, six-pack · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
- #6
Best dedicated sand and snow shape
MSR Blizzard Tent Stakes
Campers who need a wide anchor for sand or seasonal snow rather than ordinary dirt.
Why it fits
Model: Blizzard Tent Stakes, four-pack · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
- #7
Best light peg with low attachment points
Sea to Summit Ground Control Light Tent Pegs
Backpackers who want several tie-off heights in a lightweight stake.
Why it fits
Model: Ground Control Light Tent Pegs, six-pack · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
- #8
Best long aluminum shelter stake
Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 10-inch
Campers who want a long I-beam instead of a short backpacking peg.
Why it fits
Model: Single Dirt Dagger UL Stake, 10-inch · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
- #9
Best built-in guyline adjustment
NEMO Airpin
Backpackers who value quick cord adjustment on a compact stake.
Why it fits
Model: Airpin Ultralight Stakes, set of two · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
- #10
Best simple hook for tent loops
REI Co-op Aluminum Hook Tent Stake
Campers wanting an uncomplicated spare for loop attachment on ordinary dirt.
Why it fits
Model: Aluminum Hook Tent Stake, 7.25-inch · Exact named stake length and pack count; confirm selection before buying · US
The details, side by side.
| What matters | #1MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes | #2NEMO Sweepstake | #3Snow Peak Solid Stake #30 | #4MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes | #5MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes | #6MSR Blizzard Tent Stakes | #7Sea to Summit Ground Control Light Tent Pegs | #8Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 10-inch | #9NEMO Airpin | #10REI Co-op Aluminum Hook Tent Stake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 7000-series aluminum Y-beam with guyline notch and reflective removal loop; sold as six stakes. MSR describes use across a wide range of soil. [1] | 7075 aluminum Y-section with a tethered polymer scraper that slides along the stake to remove mud; scraper glows in the dark; six stakes per pack. [4] | Hand-forged S55C steel stake for standard to firm ground, with a head and guyline attachment eye; sold individually. [7] | 7000-series aluminum with a spiral profile and reflective removal loop; maker targets soft soil and large shelters; four stakes per kit. [10] | Shorter 7000-series aluminum Y-beam with a removal loop; MSR describes medium-to-firm soil use; six stakes per kit. [13] | Broad-profile 7000-series aluminum stake for sand or snow; maker also permits use as a buried deadman anchor; four per kit. [16] | Anodized 7075-T6 aluminum TriPoint shape with multiple guyline notches and reflective pull cords; six pegs per pack. [19] | Patented aluminum I-beam construction with cord removal loop; 10-in variant marketed for car camping and shelters; sold singly. [22] | Tapered 7075 aluminum stake with a three-point cord-locking head that avoids a separate tensioner; sold in sets of two or four. [25] | Heat-treated 7075-T6 aluminum stake with a simple curved hook; sold individually. [28] |
| Packed size | 7.5 in / 19 cm stake length; maker does not publish a separate packed-kit size. [2] | Maker lists 1 x 1 x 7 in / 2 x 2 x 18 cm product dimensions; no separate packed dimensions. [5] | 12 in long with a 0.6-in head; no separate packed size published. [8] | 9.5 in / 24 cm stake length; no separate packed-kit dimensions published. [11] | MSR describes a compact stake but does not publish a separate packed-kit size or stake length in its current specification table. [14] | 9.5 in / 24 cm stake length; no separate packed-kit dimensions published. [17] | 15 cm peg length; maker lists packed size 4 x 4 x 15 cm for the product. [20] | Selected stake is 10 in long; no separate packed dimensions published for that variant. [23] | 6-in stake length; NEMO lists packed size 8.5 x 4.0 in for the selected two-stake set. [26] | 7.25-in stake length; no separate packed dimensions published. [29] |
| Weight | 13.95 g / 0.49 oz per stake; this is not the six-pack weight. [3] | 120 g / 4.2 oz packed weight for the six-stake product, including accessories. [6] | Maker lists 6 oz / 180 g per Solid Stake #30. [9] | 36.01 g / 1.27 oz per stake, not the four-pack total. [12] | MSR lists 9.40 g per stake. [15] | 27 g / 0.95 oz per stake, not the four-pack total. [18] | 7 g per peg; this is not the weight of all six pegs and their packaging. [21] | The current page does not clearly publish an exact weight for the selected 10-in single stake; confirm before building a weight-critical kit. [24] | NEMO shows 10 g / 0.4 oz minimum weight on the two-stake listing without a clear per-stake or kit basis; confirm the scope before comparing weights. [27] | REI lists 0.5 oz per individual stake. [30] |
Build a kit around the ground
Start with a general Y-stake such as Groundhog for ordinary soil. MSR targets Cyclone’s long spiral at soft soil and Blizzard’s broad profile at sand or snow. A mix of shapes can cover more campsite conditions than ten copies of the lightest peg. [1] [10] [16]
Keep individual and kit weights separate
Groundhog’s 13.95 g is per stake, while Sweepstake’s 120 g is the packed six-stake product. Snow Peak lists 180 g for one Solid Stake #30. Compare the number of anchors your shelter needs using the same weight basis. [3] [6] [9]
Attachment matters as much as shape
Airpin locks cord at its head, Ground Control Light provides several attachment heights, and the REI Aluminum Hook has a simple curved head for loops. Test the chosen design with your own guyline or fabric loop before relying on it at camp. [25] [19] [28]
How we compared.
Source-based research reviewed September 30, 2026, using current maker specifications and focused Outdoor Life and CleverHiker field reports. The ranking favors useful differences in ground use, attachment and carrying weight. The field reports informed topic selection; specifications come from makers. We did not test holding force or claim wind ratings. Store availability changes and should be checked for the selected length and pack.
How we chooseSources
Official product documentation, reviewed September 30, 2026.
MSR · US · Read September 30, 2026
NEMO · US · Read September 30, 2026
Snow Peak · US · Read September 30, 2026
MSR · US · Read September 30, 2026
MSR · US · Read September 30, 2026
MSR · US · Read September 30, 2026
Sea to Summit · US · Read September 30, 2026
Big Agnes · US · Read September 30, 2026
NEMO · US · Read September 30, 2026
REI Co-op · US · Read September 30, 2026
REI Co-op · US · Read September 30, 2026
Outdoor Life · US · Read September 30, 2026
CleverHiker · US · Read September 30, 2026
Detailed source notes
- MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes: 7000-series aluminum Y-beam with guyline notch and reflective removal loop; sold as six stakes. MSR describes use across a wide range of soil.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
7000-series aluminum Y-beam with guyline notch and reflective removal loop; sold as six stakes. MSR describes use across a wide range of soil.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes: 7.5 in / 19 cm stake length; maker does not publish a separate packed-kit size.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
7.5 in / 19 cm stake length; maker does not publish a separate packed-kit size.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes: 13.95 g / 0.49 oz per stake; this is not the six-pack weight.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
13.95 g / 0.49 oz per stake; this is not the six-pack weight.Checked September 30, 2026
- NEMO Sweepstake: 7075 aluminum Y-section with a tethered polymer scraper that slides along the stake to remove mud; scraper glows in the dark; six stakes per pack.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
NEMO Sweepstake official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
7075 aluminum Y-section with a tethered polymer scraper that slides along the stake to remove mud; scraper glows in the dark; six stakes per pack.Checked September 30, 2026
- NEMO Sweepstake: Maker lists 1 x 1 x 7 in / 2 x 2 x 18 cm product dimensions; no separate packed dimensions.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
NEMO Sweepstake official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
Maker lists 1 x 1 x 7 in / 2 x 2 x 18 cm product dimensions; no separate packed dimensions.Checked September 30, 2026
- NEMO Sweepstake: 120 g / 4.2 oz packed weight for the six-stake product, including accessories.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
NEMO Sweepstake official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
120 g / 4.2 oz packed weight for the six-stake product, including accessories.Checked September 30, 2026
- Snow Peak Solid Stake #30: Hand-forged S55C steel stake for standard to firm ground, with a head and guyline attachment eye; sold individually.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
Snow Peak Solid Stake #30 official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
Hand-forged S55C steel stake for standard to firm ground, with a head and guyline attachment eye; sold individually.Checked September 30, 2026
- Snow Peak Solid Stake #30: 12 in long with a 0.6-in head; no separate packed size published.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
Snow Peak Solid Stake #30 official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
12 in long with a 0.6-in head; no separate packed size published.Checked September 30, 2026
- Snow Peak Solid Stake #30: Maker lists 6 oz / 180 g per Solid Stake #30.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
Snow Peak Solid Stake #30 official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
Maker lists 6 oz / 180 g per Solid Stake #30.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes: 7000-series aluminum with a spiral profile and reflective removal loop; maker targets soft soil and large shelters; four stakes per kit.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
7000-series aluminum with a spiral profile and reflective removal loop; maker targets soft soil and large shelters; four stakes per kit.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes: 9.5 in / 24 cm stake length; no separate packed-kit dimensions published.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
9.5 in / 24 cm stake length; no separate packed-kit dimensions published.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes: 36.01 g / 1.27 oz per stake, not the four-pack total.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
36.01 g / 1.27 oz per stake, not the four-pack total.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes: Shorter 7000-series aluminum Y-beam with a removal loop; MSR describes medium-to-firm soil use; six stakes per kit.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
Shorter 7000-series aluminum Y-beam with a removal loop; MSR describes medium-to-firm soil use; six stakes per kit.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes: MSR describes a compact stake but does not publish a separate packed-kit size or stake length in its current specification table.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
MSR describes a compact stake but does not publish a separate packed-kit size or stake length in its current specification table.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes: MSR lists 9.40 g per stake.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Mini-Groundhog Tent Stakes official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
MSR lists 9.40 g per stake.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Blizzard Tent Stakes: Broad-profile 7000-series aluminum stake for sand or snow; maker also permits use as a buried deadman anchor; four per kit.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Blizzard Tent Stakes official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
Broad-profile 7000-series aluminum stake for sand or snow; maker also permits use as a buried deadman anchor; four per kit.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Blizzard Tent Stakes: 9.5 in / 24 cm stake length; no separate packed-kit dimensions published.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Blizzard Tent Stakes official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
9.5 in / 24 cm stake length; no separate packed-kit dimensions published.Checked September 30, 2026
- MSR Blizzard Tent Stakes: 27 g / 0.95 oz per stake, not the four-pack total.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
MSR Blizzard Tent Stakes official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
27 g / 0.95 oz per stake, not the four-pack total.Checked September 30, 2026
- Sea to Summit Ground Control Light Tent Pegs: Anodized 7075-T6 aluminum TriPoint shape with multiple guyline notches and reflective pull cords; six pegs per pack.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
Sea to Summit Ground Control Light Tent Pegs official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
Anodized 7075-T6 aluminum TriPoint shape with multiple guyline notches and reflective pull cords; six pegs per pack.Checked September 30, 2026
- Sea to Summit Ground Control Light Tent Pegs: 15 cm peg length; maker lists packed size 4 x 4 x 15 cm for the product.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
Sea to Summit Ground Control Light Tent Pegs official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
15 cm peg length; maker lists packed size 4 x 4 x 15 cm for the product.Checked September 30, 2026
- Sea to Summit Ground Control Light Tent Pegs: 7 g per peg; this is not the weight of all six pegs and their packaging.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
Sea to Summit Ground Control Light Tent Pegs official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
7 g per peg; this is not the weight of all six pegs and their packaging.Checked September 30, 2026
- Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 10-inch: Patented aluminum I-beam construction with cord removal loop; 10-in variant marketed for car camping and shelters; sold singly.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 10-inch official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
Patented aluminum I-beam construction with cord removal loop; 10-in variant marketed for car camping and shelters; sold singly.Checked September 30, 2026
- Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 10-inch: Selected stake is 10 in long; no separate packed dimensions published for that variant.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 10-inch official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
Selected stake is 10 in long; no separate packed dimensions published for that variant.Checked September 30, 2026
- Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 10-inch: The current page does not clearly publish an exact weight for the selected 10-in single stake; confirm before building a weight-critical kit.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL 10-inch official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
The current page does not clearly publish an exact weight for the selected 10-in single stake; confirm before building a weight-critical kit.Checked September 30, 2026
- NEMO Airpin: Tapered 7075 aluminum stake with a three-point cord-locking head that avoids a separate tensioner; sold in sets of two or four.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
NEMO Airpin official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
Tapered 7075 aluminum stake with a three-point cord-locking head that avoids a separate tensioner; sold in sets of two or four.Checked September 30, 2026
- NEMO Airpin: 6-in stake length; NEMO lists packed size 8.5 x 4.0 in for the selected two-stake set.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
NEMO Airpin official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
6-in stake length; NEMO lists packed size 8.5 x 4.0 in for the selected two-stake set.Checked September 30, 2026
- NEMO Airpin: NEMO shows 10 g / 0.4 oz minimum weight on the two-stake listing without a clear per-stake or kit basis; confirm the scope before comparing weights.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
NEMO Airpin official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
NEMO shows 10 g / 0.4 oz minimum weight on the two-stake listing without a clear per-stake or kit basis; confirm the scope before comparing weights.Checked September 30, 2026
- REI Co-op Aluminum Hook Tent Stake: Heat-treated 7075-T6 aluminum stake with a simple curved hook; sold individually.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
REI Co-op Aluminum Hook Tent Stake official product page · construction field or observation in retained note.
Heat-treated 7075-T6 aluminum stake with a simple curved hook; sold individually.Checked September 30, 2026
- REI Co-op Aluminum Hook Tent Stake: 7.25-in stake length; no separate packed dimensions published.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
REI Co-op Aluminum Hook Tent Stake official product page · packed-size field or observation in retained note.
7.25-in stake length; no separate packed dimensions published.Checked September 30, 2026
- REI Co-op Aluminum Hook Tent Stake: REI lists 0.5 oz per individual stake.
Exact named variant and scope; published dimensions and weights are not our measurements.
REI Co-op Aluminum Hook Tent Stake official product page · weight field or observation in retained note.
REI lists 0.5 oz per individual stake.Checked September 30, 2026