How to Choose Tent Stakes
Tent stakes are a very important investment when preparing for an outdoors adventure. The choices made on stakes can determine whether your outdoor home is a wonderful base camp or a literal flop. There are a wide variety of stakes made of different materials and cast in a large number of shapes and sizes. Often, the choices may seem overwhelming. Solid knowledge of the campsites you plan to frequent and basic details of your tent are the main requirements for determining the tent stakes that will best suit your needs.
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Instructions
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Determine the soil composition and texture for the areas where you are most likely to camp. Sandy, dry areas require different stakes from clay hillsides or forested regions. Websites such as Trails.com can provide this information if you do not have firsthand experience.
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Use your knowledge of the area's local soil composition to determine the necessary material for the stakes. Metal stakes are required for packed soil and clay. Choose plastic for low-impact camping in forested regions or grassy areas where metal is likely to slip loose.
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Choose the type of stake based on the weather conditions of your campsite. Hook stakes are necessary in areas where winds may blow tents off their moorings. Use double-headed stakes in areas where the weather may be rainy or snow-packed as they will hold better against these conditions. Auger stakes are a special type of stake that burrows deep in loose sand or grit.
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Pick the length of stake based on the height of your tent. Tents under four feet tall can use smaller stakes, around 18 inches in length. Tents between four and six feet typically require 24- to 32-inch stakes. The largest tents, those over six feet, may need stakes up to 42 inches to safely anchor them.
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Purchase quality tent stakes from local distributors or stores. This will allow you to make good use of their warranties and policies should you find flaws such as cracked stakes or need to make a return. Many stores carry multiple lines of stakes, all with their own warranties on top of those of the store.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to drive your stakes so that any hooks or heads point away from your tent. This will give the best leverage against winds or changing weather patterns.
Never pull a stake from the ground using the flap or catch from the tent. This will rip the catch and can lead to costly replacements. Use a mallet with a stake remover if the stake will not come out with a simple pull.
