Close-up of a person's hands grabbing a plastic yellow tent stake from on top of a picnic table

Coghlan's Guide to Choosing Tent Pegs

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3 min read

When it comes to setting up your tent, it’s the little things that make a big difference, like your choice of tent pegs. We know there’s a lot of options out there, and how are you supposed to know whether you need a steel tent stake or an aluminum one? Or, if you want them to have a built-in hook instead of a nylon pull-strap? This guide will help break down the different types of tent pegs so you know which ones to pack for your next adventure to hit the ground (literally) running. 

Close-up of a yellow tent stake being hammered into rocky, gravel terrain with a yellow plastic mallet

Tent Pegs: The Go-To Classic

  • Made of Recycled Plastic
  • Durable and Lightweight
  • For Standard to Large Size Tents

If you need a lightweight tent peg that’s durable and keeps your tent secure, look no further. When it comes to your typical camping experience, the Coghlan’s Tent Pegs are your trusty, no-fuss pegs that you can throw in your pack because you know that they’ll get the job done. Made from recycled plastic and offered at 6, 9 or 12 inches long, they have an integrated hook that will keep your knots and guy-lines in place. This size range makes these tent pegs ideal for anything from a standard family tent to large canopy shelters. Thanks to the wide-flanged design and a durable head, they can handle loose to medium-packed soil to keep your tent in place.

Man on one knee on grassy terrain using a rubber mallet to hammer in a large steel tent stake

Heavy Duty Tent Stakes: The Muscleman

  • Made of Steel
  • Durable and High-Strength
  • For Large Size Tents to Awnings

When you have to tie down large tents or awnings, you need a securing method that you can trust; enter, Coghlan’s Heavy Duty Tent Stakes. These high-strength steel tent stakes are 18 inches long and are built tough to penetrate even densely packed soil, without bending or slipping. With their large integrated hook, you can feel confident about your guy-lines not going anywhere when you bring these along. Whether it’s a base-camp tent, outdoor canopy or creating a sturdy base for your tent, the steel construction means they're built to last, can withstand even the most rugged outdoor adventures – because you deserve gear that you can depend on.

Close-up of a person's hands using a rubber mallet to hammer down a metal tent stake with an orange head

Nail Pegs: Old Reliable

  • Made of Plated Steel
  • Durable and High-Strength
  • For Standard Size Tents to Awnings

Stake your tent into the hardest ground conditions with ease, thanks to Coghlan’s Nail Pegs. While slightly smaller than the heavy-duty stakes, these guys are just as durable. With their plated steel construction and 10 inch length, these nail pegs are great for securing standard to large-size tents and even RV awnings. With a plastic head molded around the steel, these offer multiple attachment points for guy lines and ropes for a secure and stable setup. Want even more durability? The 15 inch Nail Peg is ready to meet its match.

Close-up of a set of four orange aluminum tent stakes with one hammered upright into the forest ground

Ultralight Tent Stakes: The Backpacker's Best Friend

  • Made of Anodized Aluminum
  • Lightweight and Durable
  • Lightweight to Standard Size Tents

If you’re counting every ounce in your pack, Coghlan's Ultralight Tent Stakes can go the distance without weighing you down. Crafted from anodized aluminum, these tent stakes offer a sturdy and lightweight solution that’s perfect for backpackers and front country campers. Don’t let the weight of these fool you – they’re durable enough to withstand the impact of mallets from plenty of adventures, and the three-panel design allows them to easily anchor into a variety of ground types. Not to mention, the nylon pull cord ensures that you can quickly and easily remove the stakes from the ground once you’re ready to pack out.

Whether it’s forests, beaches, mountains or your own backyard that call to you, having the right tent peg makes setting up camp smoother and gives you peace of mind. So next time you’re packing up your gear, think about your campsite, your tent type and the ground you’ll have below you. With the right pegs in your kit, you’ll be grounded and good to go.

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