Has anyone got any expereince with these as it compares to the North Face ones that are similar to these. There are two noticible differences and I'm wondering if there is more I should consider:

1. The North Face ones have 2 spines while these have 3 I would think these would be stronger

2. The North Face ones appear to have more of a hook on the top which may hold rope better. My primary use is for a rain tarp.

Thanks

Thay a lot stronger than the TNF stakes!. I broke the TNF on hard rocks. and on the same day on the same spot use the MSR and the MSR broke the rock!!!

I would think the 3rd spine would make these a bit stronger than the TNF stakes, that and they're a snazzy red vs. the plain metal of the TNF stakes. The only counterpoints I can think of are that the TNF stakes might be just a teeny bit lighter, they nest together considering their V shape and the per-stake price on TNF is something like $.30 cheaper? Personally i've hammered in the TNF stakes into a variety of ground and haven't felt like they were in danger of going wonky on me.

We used both on a recent backpacking trip in New Mexico. The MSR's were much nicer to use than TNF stakes. The string on the MSR's is nice but I did not use it much, just grabbed the top of the stake and pulled it right out. The North Face stakes tended to want to twist as they encountered rocks in the desert soil, but the MSR's held solid in all soil conditions and weather. Pick up a set once they are back in stock.

I haven't used the TNF stakes, but as far as the "hook" on the MSRs... They are notched at the top of all three sides of the stake which will hold parachute cord hitched to the stake. If you're using larger rope you'd need to need to run it through the cord pull loops.