How to use tent stakes....

[Stibb]

I just got a brand new Scarp 2 ( ) and I'm trying to figure out how to use the stakes

Every other tent I have used (albeit not many) have used the traditional aluminum stakes with a hook that you find in every other outdoor shop. Also, the guy lines have been long with tensioners so you could find a good spot to bend you stake in, put the line around the hook and then tension the line.

With the Scarp the guy lines are very short and the pegs are the Easton tubular types with a hole through the top. How do I best use them? Do I need to attach something to the stakes or do I just tie a knot? If so, how do I then tension the line? There is already a bowline at the end of the middle guy lines and eyelet rings on the corners but they are for the extra poles..? What if I need longer lines to...do people bring extra line for this or what? How about a how-to video Franco

I didn't think I would have to ask such embarrassing questions

[photohiker]

With the Scarp the guy lines are very short and the pegs are the Easton tubular types with a hole through the top. How do I best use them? Do I need to attach something to the stakes or do I just tie a knot? If so, how do I then tension the line? There is already a bowline at the end of the middle guy lines and eyelet rings on the corners but they are for the extra poles..? What if I need longer lines to...do people bring extra line for this or what? How about a how-to video Franco

I didn't think I would have to ask such embarrassing questions

Well, you will notice that the 4 corner guys are looped, yes?

Easton stake sits inside that loop, tension against tent and stake. Repeat for opposite sides, fine tune by replacing stakes or adjusting the little linelocks...

Video shows it on the tt website: http://tarptent.com/ttvideos.html

[Franco]

Hi Stibb
I'm glad you asked...
Recently Ryan Jordan , founder and owner of Backpackinglight (the web site) commented that when a peg pops out users should blame themselves rather than as usual blaming the tent...
Now the reason he made that comment is because of course it happens and often it is because pegs are not inserted at the correct angle (about 45 degree away from the tent...) and or the wrong pegs are used.
I have mentioned several times that it is best to match the right peg to the ground in a similar way you (having the choice) should match car tyres to the road travelled.
Now specifically on your question, you will find the answer at about 1:15sec into this video, but the rest may also help in using those corners correctly :


Now this picture illustrate that. I left the peg mostly out to show the angle but the further into the ground the better grip it will have..

Franco

[Stibb]

Thanks! I knew it couldn't be too complicated. I got it all figured out now. I was just a bit skeptical about the no-hook thing, that the line would slide off. But it all comes down to the angle And the little loop of line that I can see attached to the stakes...I assume they are just to pull the stakes out of the ground...

About stake suitability; what stakes would be best for the typical ground you find in Tassie (eg around the Labyrinth)? The eastons seem huge and bulky. I'm thinking maybe some smaller titanium to get between rocks would be appropriate?

[Franco]

There is a considerable increase in holding power from a 6" to an 8/9" peg, so I prefer the longer type.
I usually have with me some Ti nail stakes , they can be used to make a 'pilot" hole, then shove in the Easton.
The most useful/versatile in different soils are the 8" Y type , like the MSR groundhogs.
Be careful when you bang the Easton into the ground. Push them in square, same way you should hit a nail .
Before you pull them out, give them a nudge with your boot so as to loosen the ground around them, otherwise the head can pop out of the peg .
Franco

[Mountain Rocket]

I just put the guy around the stake, twist it so it creates a loop around the stake and then place it in the ground as I would a normally.
One thing that confused me for a while is the eyelets on the guy line. They are for the additional crossing poles and have no real function in relation to the stakes. The string on the top of the stake is handy for removing them...