Staking Tarp in Soft Soil

[Avenger]

Deadmen. Dig an hole, place your stake down into it horizontally with the tarp line tied to the middle of the stake. Fill the hole in. Repeat as needed.

Hope it helps!

I plan on watching the video of this in the previously mentioned thread.

[Avenger]

heavy rocks work well if they're avail. the twisted msr stake seems like a huge gimmick to me. maybe if the pull was straight up the screw action would help, but forces are generally perpendicular to the stake, not in line with. surface area would be the main factor in how it holds, twisting the stake doesn't seem like it changes the surface area...making it bigger does though

No big rocks were available but could have probably used some heavy logs.

I am with you that the twisted stake looks gimmicky.

BTW, was sleeping nicely in my WB Traveler until half the tarp 'blew away'.

[millergear]

I try to find something heavy to lay on top of the stake and line. A rock, a log, whatever I can find.

Ditto That!

If yoy do use Snow Srakes (I always carry) they are also great Potty trowels

[Avenger]

I agree with Caveman..in soft soil OR rocky soil- any place the stake has questionable purchase, I place a rock on top of the stake. I live in PA, so
rocks are typically not in short supply.

Up until recently, the soft soil wouldn't have been in an issue in my part of Texas.

Prior to the record rains, the issue would have been how to pound the stakes into the ground!

[Avenger]

Ditto That!

If yoy do use Snow Srakes (I always carry) they are also great Potty trowels

Dual purpose gear. A definite plus!

[BillyBob58]

Lot of good tips already mentioned, but my favorite, when possible: use no stakes. I tie to bushes, trees,roots or logs if I can reach them and if they will allow my tarp to be pitched in storm pitch when needed. I always have the stakes with me, but use as few as possible. The strength of these anchors almost always beats the pants off anything I can do with UL stakes. I often carry some extra line to enable me to reach some natural anchors.

[raiffnuke]

Lot of good tips already mentioned, but my favorite, when possible: use no stakes. I tie to bushes, trees,roots or logs if I can reach them and if they will allow my tarp to be pitched in storm pitch when needed. I always have the stakes with me, but use as few as possible. The strength of these anchors almost always beats the pants off anything I can do with UL stakes. I often carry some extra line to enable me to reach some natural anchors.

+1 to this. Or failing this method, I have been able to place my stakes in the ground tucked right up tight to a sizeable tree root. They sure don't pull out when you do that!

[gargoyle]

What Billybob said
Once the roots start coming loose, its time to bail.

[Black Wolf]

I found nothings perfect .. the right (or wrong) gusts .. the right ( or wrong) angle .. something is subject to failure .. I've had stakes pulled and thrown ..to a point where I couldn't find them .. rocks picked up and heaved .. lines break just from the one spot where it's in contact with a rock and vibrating at super sonic speeds .. a corner tear out .. If you're fighting Mother Nature .. she's gonna win a few bouts .. but then that why we go on adventures .. seems the wildest storms and craziest nights are the memorable ..

[I hear banjos]

As gibson indicated... snow stakes work great, I have used these for years to hold tarps, flies, tents and anything else I need to nail down.