Samoset:

Sand and loose soil:
lightweight aluminum "V" stakes with small holes drilled through them (7 per stake). Sometimes use a "deadman"anchor.

Snow:
SMC small snow stakes with medium sized holes drilled through them (4 per stake)...some come pre-drilled. Sometimes use a "deadman" anchor.

Hard or packed ground/rocks:
Vargo titanium sheppard's hook stakes or MSR needle stakes (both the same weight, by the way). I have drilled several small holes through the MSR needle stakes.

I add holes to many of my stakes in order to 1: save a small amount of weight, and 2: to add holding power in snow and wet sand (we get a lot of wet here in Oregon)...the holes fill up and close around the stakes, making them "set" in the soil more strongly. Be sure not to drill too many holes or it will compromise the stakes structural integrity and they will bend more easily.

It really depends on the weather, type of soil and how much weight i want to carry. Each trip is different and it is always a trade off between weight and holding power. I hope this helps!

Bigfoot


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