Why does my tent stake bend when I hit it?
Every seasoned camper has faced the frustration: you’ve found the perfect spot, you’re ready to set up, and you swing your hammer—only to watch your tent stake crumple like aluminum foil. It’s a deflating moment that can turn a peaceful getaway into a…
How do I protect my stakes when using a heavy hammer?
For most campers, the “heavy hammer” is a double-edged sword. You bring it because you know that in places like the baked clay of Texas or the rocky granite of the California Sierra, a gentle tap with a boot just won’t cut it. However,…
Will a claw hammer ruin my aluminum stakes?
If you’ve ever stood in a campsite in the Texas heat or the rocky soil of California, hammer in one hand and a tent stake in the other, you’ve likely hesitated. You know that steel hammer is meant for nails, and that aluminum stake is… well,…
Are titanium stakes worth the money?
When assembling your camping kit, tent stakes are rarely the most glamorous purchase. You are much more likely to obsess over the denier of your rainfly or the fill power of your sleeping bag. However, when a midnight squall rolls through your campsite,…
How many extra stakes should a beginner pack?
For any beginner camper, the sound of a flapping tent wall in the middle of a windy night is a rite of passage—one you would likely prefer to avoid. Whether you are planning a trip to the rugged coastlines of Washington, the high-altitude terrain of the…