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Tent Stakes

Tent stakes are an essential piece of gear for your Philmont trek, and you’ll find they serve two primary purposes: securing your tents and anchoring your crew’s dining fly. For the dining fly alone, your crew will need a minimum of six stakes, but it’s a good idea to bring eight stakes to provide extra stability in case of unexpected weather conditions.

Bring Your Own Tent Stakes

Philmont does not provide tent stakes, so it’s your responsibility to ensure you have what you need before hitting the trail. Keep in mind that Philmont’s rugged terrain is located at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, so you’ll frequently encounter rocky, uneven ground. This makes it important to bring a few extra stakes in case one bends or breaks during your trek. Nothing’s worse than realizing you’re short on stakes when you need them the most.

Proper Tent Stake Usage

To secure any camp structure effectively, always drive your tent stakes into the ground at a 45-degree angle. Stakes placed straight into the ground will lack the necessary tension to hold firm, especially if strong winds or rain test your setup. A 45-degree angle provides greater resistance and helps keep your tent or dining fly securely anchored.

Choosing the Right Tent Stakes

When purchasing stakes, remember that they are the foundation of support for your tent and dining fly. A poorly secured stake could lead to a collapsed structure, which isn’t just frustrating but could also damage your gear or leave you exposed to the elements.

We recommend using Y-beam stakes for Philmont. Their unique design provides excellent grip in soft or loose dirt, preventing them from twisting or turning when tension is applied. Y-beam stakes are lightweight, durable, and more resistant to bending compared to traditional straight or hook-style stakes. This makes them ideal for the varied and often challenging soil conditions you’ll encounter at Philmont.

Pro Tips for Tent Stakes on the Trail

  1. Test Before You Go: Practice setting up your tent and dining fly with the stakes you plan to bring. This helps you familiarize yourself with proper technique and ensures your stakes are compatible with your gear.
  2. Store Them Safely: Keep your stakes in a designated bag or pocket in your pack to avoid losing them or accidentally tearing other gear.
  3. Use Rocks When Needed: If you find a stake won’t hold due to rocky ground, you can supplement with rocks to weigh it down or reinforce tension.
  4. Inspect Regularly: Check your stakes each day for bends, cracks, or other signs of damage. Replace any that are compromised before they fail.

By choosing high-quality stakes and using them properly, you’ll ensure that your tents and dining fly remain stable and secure throughout your trek. A little preparation goes a long way toward making your campsite a comfortable and safe refuge after a long day on the trail.

Gear Category: CrewRecommended Quantity: 8

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