When it comes to tent stakes, the ones that come with your tent often aren’t the ones you want to rely on in the backcountry, or even at a lot of car camping spots. Over the years, we’ve picked up a few extra sets to have on hand for different setups: tarps, shelters, or backup when original stakes bend or vanish into the void. This isn’t a flashy gear comparison—it’s just what we’ve been using, abusing, and packing along because they work.

Assorted Y-beam stakes

In this post, we’ll share the three types of stakes we keep in our kit: the MSR Groundhog Stakes, MSR Hook Stakes, and most recently, the Sea to Summit Ground Control Tent Pegs. These weren’t included with any tents; they were all purchased separately because we needed better options. And spoiler: one of these has quietly become our new favourite.

Technical Specs

Stake Type Weight (each) Length Material Included Quantity Extras
MSR Groundhog 16 g 19 cm (7.5 in) 7000-series aluminum 6 Reflective pull loop
MSR Hook Stake 10 g 15 cm (6 in) Aluminum Varies Hook-style top
Sea to Summit Ground Control Peg 14 g 20 cm (7.87 in) Hard anodized 7075-T6 aluminum 8 Glow-in-the-dark cord pull, storage bag

For more information on the material between the MSR Groundhog and Sea to Summit pegs, see our Aluminum construction section near the bottom.

Features

MSR Groundhog Stakes
The classic Y-beam design that bites into a variety of ground types. Reliable, lightweight, and includes a reflective pull loop to help you see them at night.

A 6-pack of MSR Groundhog Stakes

MSR Hook Stakes Simple, straight, and better for harder ground. The small hook helps catch your guy lines but won’t hold as well in loose or soft soil. We use these mostly for basic shelter pitches or where hammering something beefier just won’t work.

A 4-pack of MSR Hook Stakes

Sea to Summit Ground Control Tent Pegs
These surprised us. They’re also a Y-beam style like the MSR Groundhogs, but the details are dialed. The top features three guy line attachment points for better flexibility, plus a glow-in-the-dark cord pull that makes them easy to find in the dark. They also came in an 8-pack with a little stake bag, which is more than the MSR set and a few dollars cheaper.

An 8-pack of Sea to Summit Ground Control pegs with carry bag

Durability & Use

We’ve put the MSR Groundhogs through the wringer. We’ve hammered them into all kinds of soil—clay, chip, sand, you name it. They’ve held strong and earned a permanent spot in our kits. That said, they can be tricky to get into rock-hard ground, so you might have to dig them in a bit. They have no signs of bends or breaks, so we’re confident in their longevity.

MSR Groundhogs

The MSR Hook Stakes are our go-to for those exact conditions: hard, rocky soil where Y-pegs just won’t go. They’re less aggressive in grip but great for situations where getting anything into the ground is the win. It looks like these might be discontinued—we haven’t been able to find them anywhere recently.

MSR Hooks

This year we picked up the Sea to Summit Ground Control Pegs, and they’ve instantly become our go-to for shelters and tents alike. They go in smooth, hold tight, and the usability upgrades (like the extra loops and padded pull cord) just make sense. We haven’t had them for years like the MSRs, but so far they’re holding up beautifully.

Sea to Summit Ground Control Pegs

Pros & Cons

MSR Groundhog Stakes
✅ Excellent grip
✅ Lightweight & durable
✅ Long-term proven
❌ Pricey for a 6-pack

MSR Hook Stakes
✅ Easy to drive into tough soil
✅ Lightweight and simple
❌ Poor holding power in soft ground

Sea to Summit Ground Control Pegs
✅ Great holding power
✅ Thoughtful features (glow pull cord, multiple hooks)
✅ 8-pack with bag = good value
❌ Newer to us—still proving long-term durability

Final Thoughts: Who Are These For?

If you’re someone who camps in varied terrain, or just wants peace of mind having a few spare stakes on hand, any of these could be a great backup (or upgrade) to the ones your tent shipped with.

  • The MSR Groundhogs are tried-and-true workhorses for most conditions.
  • The MSR Hooks are better for rocky soil or ultralight minimalist setups.
  • The Sea to Summit Ground Control Pegs are a strong contender if you want clever design and a little more versatility, especially for shelter systems or variable guy line angles.

We expected the Sea to Summit pegs to feel like just another version of the MSR ones—but the extra features genuinely impressed us, and they’ve definitely earned their spot in our pack. It’s worth keeping a few different types on hand—you’ll probably run into a situation where your tent’s default stakes just don’t cut it.

What’s the Difference Between 7000-Series Aluminum and Hard Anodized 7075-T6 Aluminum?

When comparing tent stakes, or any gear where strength and weight matter, it’s useful to understand the materials behind the build. Both 7000-series aluminum and hard anodized 7075-T6 aluminum are strong, lightweight choices, but there are some key differences.

7000-Series Aluminum (General Term)

  • Definition: A family of aluminum alloys primarily alloyed with zinc.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • High strength-to-weight ratio
    • Commonly used in aerospace, bike frames, and outdoor gear
    • Can be more brittle than other series if not properly treated
  • Note: This is a general category, it doesn’t specify which alloy or treatment is used (e.g., 7050, 7075, etc.).

Hard Anodized 7075-T6 Aluminum (Specific + Treated)

  • 7075-T6 is a specific high-performance alloy and temper:
    • 7075: One of the strongest aluminum alloys available
    • T6: Heat-treated and artificially aged for maximum hardness and tensile strength
  • Hard Anodized:
    • An electrochemical treatment that creates a hard, corrosion-resistant outer layer
    • Improves abrasion resistance and durability
    • Helps prevent oxidation, scratches, and surface wear

What This Means for Tent Stakes

  • MSR Groundhog Stakes: Made from general 7000-series aluminum—strong and reliable, but not specified to the same degree. Proven durable over many years of use.
  • Sea to Summit Ground Control Pegs: Use hard anodized 7075-T6 aluminum, which means:
    • Higher strength
    • Better resistance to corrosion and wear
    • More protective surface finish

While both are great, the Sea to Summit pegs offer a higher-spec build that might stand up better over time, especially in harsh or abrasive conditions.