The 10 Best Tent Stakes

Although the Vargo Titanium (about $18) sport a simple, classic design, these are not the flimsy stakes of yesteryear. Instead, as you may have guessed, they're made from a super sturdy metal, which means they are twice as strong as aluminum and nearly half as heavy as steel.

If you're rough on your gear, you might invest in the BareFour Heavy Duty (about $19), which won't bend or snap, thanks to their robust steel construction. This toughness doesn't make them hard to use, though, as they've got hooks to keep them from going too far into the ground.

The Y-beam design of the MSR Groundhog (around $16) ensures that they stay where you put them, whether you're working with rocky ground or looser soil. When combined with their light weight, this versatility makes them perfect for backpacking.

For everyone out there who just can't seem to help either losing or breaking their gear regularly, the SE Metal 20-Pack (around $15) may be a boon. They don't have tons of fancy features, but they're also not overly expensive and won't rust too easily.

When you don't have the cash to invest in a higher-priced set from a well-known brand, these All One Tech Aluminum (around $10) might do the trick. They've got the versatile Y-shaped design that many love along with grab loops for hassle-free removal.

The MSR Sand/Snow (appx. $14) aren't, in fact, regular stakes. They're actually fabric anchors that make it possible to erect a tent where traditional methods won't work. Of course, you'll need ample snow, sand, dirt, or even some big rocks for them to function effectively.

There's no need for tying or knotting with the Speed Cinch 9-Inch (appx. $9). Their unique heads make securing ropes and cords a breeze, since all you have to do is feed, cinch, and lock. Use them with yard decorations, canopies, and more, not just tents.

Instead of banging away with a hammer, you might try the Orange Screw (appx. $22), which, unsurprisingly, screw into the ground with the included clear driving tool. And although they're crafted from plastic, they're beefy enough to last over the long haul.

Featuring an X-shaped design, the Chill Gorilla 11.8 (appx. $15) feel solid, yet won't contribute too much of a burden to your pack, as each piece weighs a mere 18 grams. They come in a bright blue, so you won't lose sight of them in the sand, grass, or dirt.

You can count on the Hikemax Burly (around $20) to puncture even the most compacted ground, because they're made from high-tensile steel that's great for difficult tasks. And when you're ready to come home, each pulls right out with little effort using either its hook or hole.