MSRÂ Ground Hog Stake
This sturdy aluminum tent stake is nearly indestructible.
- Three-sided design provides extra holding power
- Notch at top for securing guylines; attached nylon pull-cord allows easy removal
Imported.
View all MSR Tent Stakes| Best Use | Camping |
|---|---|
| Material(s) | Aluminum Easton |
| Dimensions | 7.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.5 ounces |
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Most durable stake I know of!
I purchased a number of these stakes at the recommendation of an REI employee. I needed something light weight, but durable enough to stake down the rainfly for my hammock. I was immediately impressed by the weight and design, however it was not until they were put to use that I really began to respect the Ground Hog. A fellow camper bent one of his tent stakes when setting up and I had an extra Ground Hog which I let him borrow. I heard him hammering away, but did not pay much attention. At the end of the weekend I went to go pull the stake. Despite my best effort, the stake would not budge. We eventually had to take an axe to chop the ground around the stake. It turns out, my friend had driven the stake into a thick tree root. Neither this driving force nor the axe chops put the slightest bend in the stake. The only damage is a few paint scratches from where the axe hit the stake.
Great little upgrade!
Time to throw away those little J-hook stakes that come standard with your tent! These MSR Groundhog stakes are far more superior, both in construction and durability. They are lighter to pack, grip better in any type of soil, and can take hammering without bending. I originally purchased a couple to go along with my hammock rain fly (none were included), and I was so impressed I purchased a few for my tent. Since then, I've found myself going out in less-than-favorable conditions more frequently. From days of rain showers, to snow and frozen ground, These stakes drive in and hold very solidly. And when it comes time to pack up, you use the pull tab and they come right out. I highly recommend anyone to try these. Even if you dont replace all stakes for your tent footprint, you'll definitely notice their performance for your rain fly and tie-outs.
Lightweight and doesn't bend
Most tents come with poor quality weak round tent stakes. Given enough use (especially in hard soils), they eventually get pretty bent. However, these MSR Groundhog stakes work great! The total surface area required to pierce the ground doesn't seem as much as those round "freeby" stakes, making them much easier to pound in to hard soil. Given the 3-sided design, it's inherently stronger and unlikely to bend. I've replaced ALL my tent stakes with these MSR GroundHog stakes. The red color is very helpful, too. If I accidentally drop one, I'm a lot more likely to see the bright red stake on the ground than a thin silver stake.
Groundhog vs Needle
I bought a few groundhog stakes to supplement the needle stakes that came with my MSR Mutha Hubba tent. The needle stakes work fine, but are smaller and more difficult to pull out. The groundogs are bigger in every dimension, but still fit in the Mutha Hubba stake diddy bag. See the picture for comparison.
Great, but with a weakness
When I first started using this product, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. However, there is a fatal flaw to its design. Its weakness is the notch at the top of the stake. I've had several bend and eventually break at that point. This may not be an issue for many people, but the earth here in Southern California is generally really hard and rocky, so after a while the stakes just can't take the abuse anymore. I would still recommend this product, but just be careful. If it starts to bend at the notch, get rid of it before it breaks.
GOOD BUT SOME ISSUES
The stake is good for most soft earth applications. When driving the stake into rocky ground, it will break off near the top when the tip hits a rock and the user attempts to drive the stake deeper. This was experienced in an open space location, not on an expedition. I was very happy with this stake until the tops broke off, that was a problem, fortunately always carry backup stakes. Once this stake is in it grabs hold and even high winds won't pull it out. Recommendation is to use care when driving the stake into the ground and if a rock is encountered, do not continue banging on the shaft of the stake, it will break off and render the stake useless.
Great stake but hard to push in ground
These are great looking stakes that are very light but tough. Going to replace original tent stakes. Hurt my hand when trying to push in ground. I found this tool on another site that the stake fits into and makes it easier to push into the ground.
Will Destroy a Rubber Mallet
I bought a lot of these to replace all of the old tent stakes I had - which were mostly the silver hook shaped ones, but also a few plastic yellow ones as well. The hook shapes ones were easy, but would always bend after a couple of uses. So I bought a ton of these and took them camping. The ONLY problem I had was that the rubber mallet I used for my old tent stakes didn't work too well with these new stakes. The reason is because of the 'sharp' head of these stakes. It literally destroyed my rubber mallet, breaking off little pieces of it every time I whacked a stake further into the ground. So be warned - use a metal hammer, a flat rock, or your own hands if possible to drive these bad boys into the ground. Rubber won't cut it!
Great Tent Stake!
I have similar stakes that came with a tent that I own, and after acquiring a new car camping tent recently, I decided to upgrade the stakes that were supplied with the new tent. I have used the MSR Ground Hog Stakes on 4 trips so far and they have held up well. They work well in all kinds of soil from lightly packed to hard-packed soil Overall I like the design. The corded loop makes for easier removal, but stake removal can be difficult when the stakes are hammered into hard-packed soil no matter what stake you are using. So far I would recommend these stakes for use with small car camping and backpacking tents.
Zero disappointment
So far, I love these stakes! I have had zero issues with them so far and used them in some rocky ground and they went in with little effort and did the job. Being super lightweight is a huge plus too