Given that many parts of the trail are rocky terrain, have any of you tent users had problems pounding tent pegs into the ground? If so, what do you do?
Jonna
Rocks and tent pegs
system
#3
If you can’t get your tent stakes into hard ground or if soft sand won’t hold the stakes, use rocks instead. But don’t simply place the rocks on top of the stakes. Instead, put your hiking pole (or a sturdy stick) through the tent loop that normally holds your tent stake. Now place large rocks on top of the pole on either side of the tent loop. You may need two rocks on each side of the pole/stick. This method of “staking” out your tent works much better than simply placing rocks on top of the stake.
yogi
system
#4
The wire tent pegs that come with the tent have worked just fine along the AT. The ground isn’t that hard.
If you want to spend the money, you can by titanium stakes. Just make sure to paint them up because they blend in with the ground real good.
At Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, the ground is really rocky. Tent stakes need to be able to take a beating. They suggest using aluminum gutter nails.
Peaks
system
#5
You can also use a big log of dead wood to tie to securely. Just move it into the required position and tie to it. If it’s not big enough, you can use some rocks to hold it more securely down.
You can also tie to small trees and saplings. Using the method Yogi described (a stick or hiking pole thru the tiedowns) and then tie to the small tree or sapling or whatever, then you can make it work almost anywhere.
I think it is just a matter of thinking about the particular situation. Many times, tent stakes will be a poor choice, but other options like rocks, dead wood, small trees or saplings will perhaps be readily available.
See you out there. :cheers
Maintain
system
#6
we tented the entire trip and used our wire tent pegs that come with the CD Clip Flashlight with no real problems. You sometimes have to try a couple of times but they eventually work. It most difficult challenge was putting the tent up on the platforms. Carry some extra guylines and tie them between the planks and it works just fine. The Clip Flashlight would fit most of the the platforms when you set it up diagonally. Don’t worry about tenting on rock or breaking a stake. I found an extra stake at just about every campsite between GA and ME. Have fun and enjoy your hike!
Papa Smurf