what do you guys use to drive in stakes?

**leeinmemphis** · 02-27-2013, 22:46

Hey everyone,

I'm in the process of getting my backpack together for hiking and am trying to figure out what to use to drive my stakes in? I have been carrying a rubber mallet that I shortened the handle on but was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions? I often seem to find spots that are hard to drive stakes so not carrying anything isn't a good idea.

**MAD777** · 02-27-2013, 22:49

If the ground is soft, i use the heel of my shoe by stepping on the stake, being carful to stay lined up with the shaft of the stake.

If the ground is rocky, I usually don't have to look far to find a rock to use as a hammer. I also can use the butt end of my knife.

**Gresh** · 02-27-2013, 22:50

Originally Posted by MAD777

If the ground is soft, i use the heel of my shoe by stepping on the stake, being carful to stay lined up with the shaft of the stake.

If the ground is rocky, I usually don't have to look far to find a rock to use as a hammer. I also can use the butt end of my knife.

+1 to this. This is exactly what I do.

**G.L.P.** · 03-22-2013, 22:52

Originally Posted by MAD777

If the ground is soft, i use the heel of my shoe by stepping on the stake, being carful to stay lined up with the shaft of the stake.

If the ground is rocky, I usually don't have to look far to find a rock to use as a hammer. I also can use the butt end of my knife.

Same here

**Bonesat97** · 03-25-2013, 13:26

I use a 10lb sledge hammer if available...if not i just use my hand and some persuasion with colorful language...the stakes seem to like that.

**Kyle** · 02-27-2013, 22:49

I can't say I've ever heard of anyone carrying something specifically to drive stakes. Seems like a ton of weight for a single-purpose item. If you can't push it in with your boot, you're probably in rocky terrain; grab a rock and smack it. ;p

**MDSH** · 02-27-2013, 22:50

The poll of my hatchet.

.

**SoundWitness** · 02-27-2013, 22:51

IMO a mallet is way to heavy for me to just serve one purpose. My Varga titanium stakes go in the ground easily with my boot, or a rock, or a downed tree limb.