What kind of stakes do you use?

**tritan** · 04-03-2011, 14:22

I just got my first bb hammock and need a few stakes for my future tarp and staking out the hammock. What are some popular brands of stakes to look at for what I am doing. Lightweight vs durability? I backpack mainly in the forest of MI.

thanks

**Joey** · 04-03-2011, 14:27

Easton makes some pretty good stakes. Light, and moderately durable. I've never had a problem with mine, which have been used a lot over the past 3 years. I have known folks to bend/break them.

Titanium stakes are stronger, but cost a lot more.

http://www.hammockforumsstore.webs.com/ has some cool HF stakes that work great too!

**pizza** · 04-03-2011, 14:33

I use MSR Groundhogs when I remember to put them in my pack. I forgot mine yesterday and ended up making me own out of sticks

The sticks worked just fine though.

**Joey** · 04-03-2011, 14:37

Originally Posted by pizza

I use MSR Groundhogs when I remember to put them in my pack. I forgot mine yesterday and ended up making me own out of sticks

The sticks worked just fine though.

What tree/branch would make the best stake, that's also readily availble in the Eastern woods?

Several times I've used sticks and they've always worked great. Made me think I should quit carrying stakes and go this route permanently! At least for summer time, when the ground isn't so hard!

**Kallorne** · 04-03-2011, 14:42

I'm a fan of the aluminum tri-fold type stakes. Several good brands of these are out there. I've tried to intentionally bend them with my hands and can't and they hold well in everything short of sand. I was able to use them in wet snow and just pack them in. They are heavier and take up more space than many of the ti stakes but they get full marks for function and bomb proofness, I cut up the shepherd's hooks they replaced for toggles and a hanging stove set up