Product review

11 Jun, 2020

MSR Mini Ground Hogs

Tested by: Russ

Cost:

GBP

Weight:

g each

Miles used:

Miles

Times replaced:

Replacements

Review

Get stuck in with the MSR Mini Ground Hog tent stakes. I’ve tested a number of tent stakes in the past and quickly found that much of the soil on-trail is pretty firm, so why the Mini Ground Hogs?

 

Why MSR Mini Ground Hogs?

I was using a set of OEX Y-shaped stakes for ages and loved the strength the Y shape gives them and while they were good, I was looking for something more compact, lighter and better at driving into firm soil.

 

How well do they work?

They worked really well on the Pacific Crest Trail, but I still packed 2 of the larger OEX ones for added stability on the main guylines on the front and rear of my Zpacks Solplex tent, just for some stability where needed. I did encounter a fair amount of snow for the first 10 days so to pitch the tent I tied the guylines around the Ground Hogs and buried the stakes deep in the snow, they held the tent up very firmly.

 

What’s there not to like?

I did find the pull loops came off a couple of times, but once I tied them back up with a different knot they didn’t come off again.

 

Value for money

For a light, compact and strong tent stake they’re reasonably priced, but they’re for firmer soils so make sure you do a bit of research on the types of soil you’ll likely encounter on the trail before taking them on a thru and it’s worth having two larger stakes for stability.

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Overview

  • Durability 80% 80%
  • Capability 70% 70%
  • Value for money 70% 70%

BPros

  • Lightweight
  • 40% lighter than original Ground Hogs
  • Compact
  • Strong
  • Good in firm soil

CCons

  • Not good in loose soil

Specs

Price:

From £17 on Amazon

Weight:

10g each (0.35oz)

Material:

Aluminium

Features

  • Y-beam design
  • Durable: 7000-series aliminium
  • Integrated pull loop

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