Tent peg

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A tent peg, or tent stake, is a spike made of wood, metal, plastic, or composite that you drive into the ground to hold a tent in place. It either attaches directly to the tent fabric or links with ropes (guy lines) tied to the tent. Pegs help the tent keep its shape and stay put in wind. They are usually pushed into the ground by hand; hard ground or large pegs may need a mallet.

The best hold comes when the rope attachment is at ground level, which minimizes leverage that could pull the peg out. Some modern pegs are designed to reduce leverage by using a top arm or other shapes to direct tension into the soil.

Pegs come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Common features include symmetrical tips (conical or V-shaped) to drive straight, and hooks or enclosed eyes so the rope won’t slip off. Delta or dog-leg pegs always point toward the tent and stay buried for strong resistance to wind. Flat-section pegs use a wide base to resist turning. Materials include steel (zinc-plated or stainless), aluminum, titanium, plastic, and composites. Heavier pegs may be made of angle iron for very hard ground; ultralight pegs exist for snow or sand. Plastic pegs are often longer and wider for soft ground, while light aluminum U-shaped pegs suit snow or sand and weigh about 45 g each.

Choosing a peg depends on ground type, tent size, and weather. Throughout history pegs have been used in many ways, but today their main job is simply to hold the tent securely in place.