Coghlan's 9-Inch Aluminum Tent Stakes Review: Ultralight & Durable?

Are you an ultralight backpacker seeking durable tent stakes that won't weigh you down? Coghlan's 9-inch aluminum tent stakes offer a compelling solution. These lightweight yet robust stakes are designed for efficient setup and secure anchoring in a variety of terrains. Made from anodized aluminum, they boast excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan. Their vibrant orange color adds a crucial safety element, making them easily visible during both setup and takedown.The three-sided design provides impressive holding power, even in moderately challenging conditions, while the integrated pull cord simplifies removal. This review delves into the performance of these stakes, exploring their strengths and limitations, and considering their suitability for different ground conditions. We'll assess their effectiveness, ease of use, and ultimately determine whether they live up to the promise of ultralight durability for your next backpacking adventure.

Read more: 5 Best Tent Stakes with Loops for Secure Camping

Lightweight and Durable Design

Coghlan's 9-inch aluminum tent stakes are designed for ultralight backpacking and camping. Constructed from anodized aluminum, they offer a great balance of lightweight portability and robust durability. This material choice ensures resistance to rust and corrosion, promising a longer lifespan compared to steel stakes.

Close-up of the anodized aluminum tent stake, showcasing its lightweight yet durable construction.
Close-up of the anodized aluminum tent stake, showcasing its lightweight yet durable construction.

The anodized finish not only enhances durability but also adds a vibrant orange color, making them highly visible in various terrains. This visibility is crucial for preventing accidental trips and ensuring quick retrieval during packing.

Superior Holding Power and Easy Setup

The three-sided design of these stakes provides exceptional holding power, ensuring your tent, tarp, or awning remains securely anchored even in moderately challenging conditions. The integrated notch at the top facilitates easy and secure attachment of guy lines, streamlining setup.

Detailed view of the three-sided design of the stake, highlighting its enhanced grip.
Detailed view of the three-sided design of the stake, highlighting its enhanced grip.

Each stake incorporates a pull cord, simplifying removal from the ground. This convenient feature saves time and effort during dismantling, especially after prolonged use.

Dimensions and Ground Penetration

These stakes measure precisely nine inches in length, with approximately eight inches designed for ground penetration. The recommended driving angle is 45 degrees, ensuring optimal stability and grip. The half-inch width strikes a balance between easy insertion and secure anchoring.

For tougher ground conditions, consider Coghlan's steel-plated stakes (item number cg38rr), which are also 9 inches long but offer increased strength.

Quantity and Comparison

This package contains four stakes, sufficient for many small tents or tarps. For larger setups, you may need to purchase additional sets.

A view of the package containing four stakes.
A view of the package containing four stakes.

While these aluminum stakes are excellent for soft to medium-firm ground, consider Coghlan's steel-plated stakes for superior performance in challenging terrain. The steel stakes provide the needed strength for harder ground while maintaining a similar length and design.

Conclusion: Are Coghlan's Aluminum Stakes Worth It?

Coghlan's 9-inch aluminum tent stakes provide a lightweight and durable solution for securing tents, tarps, and awnings in various settings. The bright orange color enhances visibility, while the three-sided design and pull cord improve both setup and takedown.

However, their suitability depends on ground conditions. For soft to medium-firm ground, they are an excellent choice for ultralight adventurers. For tougher terrains, the steel-plated alternatives offer superior holding power.