Staking is the most important part of setting up a tent while camping. If you know the process of staking up your tent properly, then you won’t have to spend too much time on stabilising it. There are some common mistakes that every beginner camper commits while staking the tent that leads to the unstable setting of the tent. This blog will tell you about the common staking mistakes and how to avoid them to keep your tent safe and comfortable.

Inappropriately Forcing the Stake

This is one common mistake that should be avoided to keep your tent firmly attached to the ground. The stake will only be able to hold the tent efficiently when it is driven completely into the ground. When the weather is too windy, a stake that is only half pushed into the ground will not be able to hold the tent. Some people tend to use their foot for pressing the stake into the ground. This method is useful if the stake of your tent is bent in shape. If the stakes aren't bent, then using a rock as a hammer to push the stake into the ground is a better method of staking. Always push the stake straight into the ground because if the stake is pushed at an angle, it will not have a strong holding ability.

Not Using the Right Kind of Stakes for Tent

There are many types of stakes and you must be able to decide what type of stake will be appropriate for you. You should choose the stake depending upon the type of tent you will use on the trip and the kind of surface you want to pitch your tent on.

Keeping the Stake Hook Facing the Tent

A common way to keep your tent protected from the wind is to keep your stake’s hook facing opposite to the tent. If you keep it in a position facing the tent, then it will not be able to keep the guy line and your tent in place against the winds.

 

No Reinforcement Over the Weak Stakes

There are stakes which are essential for the stability of the tent and endure the highest force of the wind. Not reinforcing these stakes could be bad for the stability of the stakes and thus, you should reinforce these stakes. Try placing a large rock over these stakes to increase the weight over them that will add some extra holding power to stand against the wind.

Not Keeping the Guy Line Tight Enough

If you are not keeping the guy line tight enough then the tent won’t be taut. This is essential when using a tent with no freestanding abilities as it will provide the tent with more stability and increase the holding ability of the stakes.

Staking the Tent in Soft Surface

Soft ground may allow the stakes to easily fit into it but if the stakes are going in too easy then they will come out easily too when facing strong winds. So, choose a firm ground for staking the tent.

Follow all these tips for staking your tent appropriately and avoid the mistakes mentioned above. You can take help from experienced hikers or online guides for choosing the right stakes and correct surface for pitching the tent. If you have any additional info to share on the process of choosing the right ground and staking of the tent, then do share it with us.