Take a bite out of this stake and it will take your tooth! Rocks beware!
Written: Jun 15 '04
Product Rating:
Pros: Unbendable, cheap, Y design, holds the ground like no other stake.
Cons: None that I could find.
The Bottom Line: If a hurricane takes your shelter these stakes will remain in the ground. Mother Nature ain't got nuthin' on the MSR Groundhog Stakes.
wvabackpacker's Full Review: MSR Ground Hog Stake Kit
MSR Groundhog Stakes
*Some sites list them as Ground Hog.
~Introduction-
When it comes to foul weather a properly staked tent can make the difference between an enjoyable trip or a bad trip. The cheap needle stakes provided with most tents bend easy, don't bite or hold the ground very well, and are easy to lose. MSR has an economical solution to the classic cheap tent stake problem, the MSR Groundhog.
~Field Test-
I've used these stakes in a variety of soil and weather conditions including light snow. In loose or wet soil the Y shape of these stakes offer a superior hold to needle stakes. In such soil they might move slightly but not enough to affect the pitch of your tent or tautness of your guylines (whereas needle stakes would move quite a bit). The length of the stakes also contributes to the firm hold. While they work well in loose soil, they aren't the greatest stakes to use in snow but are far superior to needle stakes. For snowy conditions I would suggest wider snow stakes as these stakes are primarily ground stakes.
In hard, dry, or rocky soil putting these stakes (as any) into the ground can be a challenge. However, don't fear using a heavy rock to pound them into the ground as the manufacturer claims they are unbendable. So far so good as I haven't bent one even when I've pounded them into underground rocks by accident. I've tried to bend one in my hands and so far it has proven impossible. These stakes hold too well sometimes in hard soil which might make them rather difficult to remove. I suggest pouring .25L of water over each stake which doesn't come out easily. This will loosen the soil and make it easier to remove. The attached pull-cords really are a blessing as they greatly aid in the removal of the stakes.
Compared to my old needle stakes, these stakes are much easier to pound into the ground since they don't bend. In addition they hold remarkably better and the bright red color and reflective cord make them easy to spot so no more lost stakes. On top of all that they are lighter and I expect they will last much longer than the average stake.
~Tips-
For a better hold pound the stakes into the ground at a slight angle ( about 30 degrees, no more) away from the pull of the guyline or tent loop. It is easier for a taut line to pull a stake out of the ground that is perpendicular (straight up and down, 0 degrees) to the ground. So aim the stake away from the tent or guyline, not towards it. If you put it in at an angle it requires more force to move the stake and adds some security to the guyline (no slipping off). Also aim the Y (shapewise) of the stake towards the tent or pull of the guyline. This prevents the stake from moving. Imagine dragging a knife through butter. It cuts well because it splits the butter. A needle stake does the same to the ground. Now imagine cutting butter using the wide side of a spoon—this makes it a lot harder as the surface is much wider and not smooth. The Y shape of the stake works on the same principle, it is wider and designed to not cut the ground. Use it correctly and it won't move, even in bad weather when the ground softens.
~Price-
Most kits which include 8 stakes are priced around $19.95. I bought mine at REI for only$1.95 per stake, cheaper than the kit. REI also supports the outdoors with over $2 million in donations each year.
~Specs-
Each stake is made 7075-T6 anodized Easton aluminum and is 7 ½" in length (which is about 1.5" longer than the average needle stake). The stakes are .5" wide and weigh a little more than .5oz each. Eight stakes weigh in on my scale at a mere 5oz, which is 1oz lighter than the six needle stakes that came with my REI Half Dome Plus 2. According to the manufacturer each stake weighs .71oz which is slightly heavier than what my scale recorded. Each of the three fins are symmetrical.
The bright red aluminum makes them very visible and easy to find on the ground. In addition each stake has a reflective pull cord to increase nighttime visibility. The top of the stake is notched for easy attachment of guylines or tent loops.
~Contents-
The kit includes 8 stakes. Each stake comes with a preattached reflective nylon pull-cord.
~Storage-
Wash in mild soapy water to remove all the dirt. Air dry and then store.
~Customer Service-
MSR/Cascade Designs has excellent customer service. I own many of their products and they handle repairs and replacements in a timely manner. They can be reached by calling 1-800-531-9531. On a side note, a dedicated MSR/Cascade Designs employee hangs around several of the popular backpacking and hiking forums on the internet. If you post a complaint on one of their products often this individual will offer you any assistance you need over the internet without waiting—to me that is A+ service.
~Conclusion-
How could you not buy these? They are cheap, light, unbendable, and most importantly they grip the ground and don't let go. Next time you're in a wet, windy storm if you have the Groundhogs holding your shelter in place you can sleep like a baby not worrying that your shelter might lose its grip on the ground and fly apart. But if you're the other guy with the needle stakes, your night might just not be very pleasant.
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