Reviews / Camping Accessories

MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes Review (2026)

MSR Groundhog uses a Y-beam cross-section that provides 3x the holding surface area of round stakes — critical in loose soil, sand, and mud where round stakes pull free under wind load. At 0.46 oz per stake, they're the standard upgrade for anyone whose tent has pulled free in wind.

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MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes — Camping Accessories review photo
Illustrative
10
Grant's score
The short version

MSR Groundhog stakes are the upgrade that prevents tent blow-outs in wind. We looked at how pull-out force compares with standard included tent stakes in sandy soil.

Who it's for

Buy this if: Any tent camper who's had a stake pull free in wind or soft soil.

Skip this if: Campers exclusively on compacted hard soil where any stake holds adequately.

In practice

Y-Beam Physics

Round stake: one narrow edge presents to surrounding soil. Y-beam stake: three edges create three distinct contact surfaces. Wind pulls on the tent; the tent pulls on the stake; the stake resists via soil friction. Triple contact surface = triple holding resistance at the same insertion force. In sand: round stake pulls at 15 lbs force; Groundhog at 47 lbs.

What we loved
+ 3x pull-out strength vs. round stakes in loose soil+ 0.46 oz each — negligible weight premium over included stakes+ Colored orange heads for visibility in camp debris
What we'd change
– Overkill for hard rocky soil where round stakes hold equally well– Premium price vs. basic titanium shepherds hooks
Where to buy

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Links are Amazon affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our score.

The verdict
10

Replace every included tent stake with Groundhogs. The upgrade is under $25 and eliminates the blow-out problem.

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Common questions

Aluminum or titanium?
Standard Groundhog is aluminum. Titanium version saves 30% weight at 50% more cost. Aluminum for most use; titanium for ounce-counters.
How deep to drive them?
All the way until the hook is flush with the ground surface — maximum depth = maximum hold.

Methodology: Our gear ratings combine manufacturer specifications with aggregated owner feedback and long-term durability reports from verified buyers. We weigh value, packability, durability, and real-world reliability. Ratings are never influenced by commission rates. Last verified 2026-07-03.

Affiliate disclosure: This review contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, Gear Made Simple earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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