I've been using Al shepherds hooks for a good while, but like many, I usually end up bending a few each trip. I take at least 4 per trip just in case the weather turns ugly and I'm too lazy to make some on site. So a few weeks ago I noticed WallyWorld sold a facsimilie of the MSR Groundhog 4 for $3. Don't know how they'll do but I'll post the results when they're in.
Last edited by AT4ever; 04-17-2012 at 20:12.
Interesting thread......I "lost" my stakes at the last NEHHA two weeks ago (found them again misplaced in the bottom of my pack when breaking camp down), so I MADE some from tree branches to use. I generally use ten - 8 for my Superfly with doors, and 2 for the WBBB tie-outs. Was fun carving them using my hatchet and a bushcrafting knife. They worked just fine in the duff of Boreal forest in New England.
I left them there in a neat pile for the next campers through. Especially once I located my stake bag! LOL!
I am thinking that for an extended backpacking trip, the stakes may not be necessary at all after this experience! Just carve em up! One advantage would be to manufacture longer ones for the softer ground, and flatter ones for beter 'holding power'.
Disadvantage would be setting-up in the rain, so that might be a decision point to take them or not.
Weight saved is distance earned.
~ Sky
Live Purposefully; Dare Greatly; Land Gently
If you're going to do something wrong, go for it! - Beryl G.
"Never knock on Death's door - just ring the bell and run. He hates that!"
I replace every stake of anything I get with groundhogs. I beat the crap out of them, driven them through the stone surface hardpan at the MD state campgrounds (really made to back an RV into), with everything from a hammer to rock to lumber laying about. I've tied them and use them as deadmen bury stakes in sand and snow both, used them as an impromptu trowel and pot lifter. I wouldn't think of anything else, really.
Need to get them out of your notepad, and try them. You'll be hooked.
I'll look for them in local shops.
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MSR Groundhogs rock, as do the Easton Aluminum stakes - I use both. I have more Easton than MSRs, but that may change soon. Most plastic stakes are a joke, and not worth considering. But these two really do the jobs they were designed for, with a very little weight penalty!
One note:: After having left several behind in the woods a few times, I am painting them bright blue. Studies have shown that that color catches the human eye quickest in the woods, as it rarely occurs in nature, unlike the red of the MSRs, or even the gold of the Easton stakes. Bright blue it will be. Hopefully save some lost stakes!
~ Sky
Live Purposefully; Dare Greatly; Land Gently
If you're going to do something wrong, go for it! - Beryl G.
"Never knock on Death's door - just ring the bell and run. He hates that!"
Thanks for all the great info here
Ride fast
Live fun
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