These type of tent stakes often come with a new tent, and for years I would just throw them out and use chopped off ski poles for tent anchors when camping in snow. But, now I use this type of tent stake, although instead of driving it like a nail (which you could do in soil), I girth hitch it with a length of accessory cord and bury it like a mini deadman for an anchor. These hold and incredible amout of force and after they have set up for a day or so, become one with the snowpack. For details on how to set this system up, go here:

http://straightchuter.com/2008/06/high-stakes-tent-anchors/

I like this style of anchor as it is small, lightweight and multipurpose, plus, when you are digging them out, the can take a direct hit with a shovel, no problem.

Bought these on a whim about 2 years ago when I needed a few extra stakes to further guy out my tent. Only took a moment to realize they were clearly superior to the OEM stakes that came with the tent. They are far sturdier and are easier to pound into the ground with the wider striking surface. The wedge shape grabs the soil better than the round shaped stakes AND that wedge shape makes them nest/spoon nice and organized when packing them. I agree with those that think North Face should front the extra few $ and make these standard with their tents. It would certainly be a selling point over the competition.

My Husband and I were getting ready to go camping for the first time in years, and the tent stakes we had were just doing well in the Alaskan ground. I had purchased items from Back Country before and gave it another shot... My husband, the pessimist, wasn't sure about them till we got out on the Kenai Peninsula and he LOVED them!! The soil,rocks,roots were tough but the stakes held. We plan on getting a couple more sets for spares and for future use. Definitely worth the buy!

This stake is Great! Best by far that I have every used for Backpacking tents. They are a replaced for all my tents from factory sent stakes. And their weight is less also. The only time I slightly put a bend in one I was trying to pound it into frozen ground with a round rock on a winter Backpacking outing. Very Durable, lightweight and dependable.

These were great on my most recent trip. Very light weight and easy to dig into the ground. They stay put great too. However, they are a bit difficult to see in the ground as well as lift out when it's time to pack up. Make sure you keep count of how many you have so that you dont leave these behind!

It baffles me that TNF doesn't just include these as standard equipment with their tents. After using these you'll never go back to the old round, peg style stakes. These are lightweight and can be driven into about anything since they don't bend like the standard stakes.

Burly, Burly, Burly. One of the toughest most relaible stakes I have ever used. I will never have a tent without these.

Gotta be the best tent stakes I've ever used...

I’ve just got back from Siberia looking at Amur Tigers. As you can guess it was cold and a lot of snow. These tent stakes will work in any habitat or terrain. They were ideal in the snow covered tundra of the Russian far east and I’ve used them at home in the wet muddy English Lake District. These are far more advanced than other stakes because of their shape and alloy. A must!!

I had not put much thought into tent stakes until I purchased these. As the other reviews stated, these ARE the best tent stakes. Very strong, light and have held on everything I have used them for. Great product!

These work alright in regular dirt, and do not work at all in sand. I think that the stakes that come with the tent work better. Do not waste your time; look for something else.

These are great tent stakes and reasonably priced. Many of us frequently bend or lose these important little items. It's comforting to know that replacements can be obtained here in a smooth and rapid manner.
Excellent service, great products, fast delivery. What more could an outdoors person ask for?

No problems with these so far. Very lightweight, didn't pull out even in the soft sandy floor of South Texas.

It doesn't matter what stakes come with my tents, I always replace them with these. They're so light and gold tight in strong wind.

The light weight is great for backpacking. They don't bend after being pounded with a rock. After the trip they showed little wear.

These are inexpensive, light, and strong. No complaints at all. Great design.