Using the right stake for the terrain
Today's popular tents can be typified by dome-shaped, free-standing designs and made out of high-tech, synthetic materials. With an adequate rain-fly and appropriate tarp protection, these tents can withstand just about anything that Mother Nature can throw at them.
Just
about anything that is,
but
the wind!
To understand the adverse effects that wind can play on a tent, one need only look at a tent from an aerodynamic perspective. The consequence of wind blowing across the dome shape of a tent is not unlike that of air passing over the curved wing of an airplane, namely lift. And this lift is the main reason why you need to stake your tent, for without the stakes your tent could quickly become a kite in the lightest of winds and destroy itself as it tumbles through the woods or across the sand dunes.
Of course, another reason to stake your tent might be that you didn't find a level campsite, and you toss and turn in your sleep, and you know that if you don't stake your tent you'll wake up in the morning and find yourself and your tent in the next campsite, or worse yet, in the creek or lake.
When
choosing a campsite, a primary consideration should be to find one
that has relatively high, level ground for setting up your tent. Such
a campsite will help to keep you drier, should it rain, and fixed in
place, should you toss in your sleep. Another consideration,
particularly if you are camping in a windy locale, is to find a
campsite where you can use stakes.
Different
stakes are made to work in different types of earth.
Remember
too:
there is no one stake that works in all terrains
The
small diameter titanium stake for use in hard dirt is not
appropriate for sand or snow camping;
just
as the bulky angle iron/aluminum stake you use when camping at the
beach won't work well in hard dirt.
some stakes work in some terrains sometimes
Those
bulky angle iron/aluminum stakes that are used at the beach may pull
up quite readily should it rain.
there
are some terrains in which no stake works
Backpackers
and mountain climbers can attest to the problems that they face when
confronted with rocky terrain and stone outcroppings that resist all stakes.
The next time you're camping, observe the methods of others. Whose tent stays put in the wind? Whose stays dry in the rain? Then follow the successful techniques of your fellow camper's.
I
use the plastic ABS pegs.
They
are often known as Powerpegs.
These
large plastic tent stakes are ideal for family camping
Large
head makes them easy to pound in
They
are lightweight, tough and the cheapest to purchase and work well.
Carry
some extras in case you hit rocks, the tip can bend.
If
they get damaged the tips can be sharpened on a sander. You could
probably also whittle them. If you leave the bent tips alone the
stakes will be hard to drive.
I
carry a inexpensive plain 16 oz claw hammer for driving and pulling pegs.
And
then again,
you
could purchase one of these nifty fandangled products . . .
Here
are some of the more common Tent Stakes
Click
on an image for an enlarged view
and
a brief description and approx. pricing
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