Choosing Tent Pegs
Which Tent Pegs Do You Choose?
I totally understand: choosing the right tent pegs can be really challenging. There’s such a wide range of options! Once you decide on lightweight pegs, you also have to choose between aluminum and titanium...
I’m excited to help you make the right choice. I’ll provide all the information you need to pick the best pegs!
Which Tent Pegs Do You Need?
Two things are crucial when choosing the right tent pegs:
- The size of your tent
- The type of ground you'll be camping on
Below you’ll find a selection guide based on tent size. Under the table, you’ll find detailed explanations and information about peg shape and materials.
Selection Table for a SMALL TENT (1m² to 5m²)
Small tents are those up to 5m² (1-2 people).
Selection Table for a MEDIUM TENT (5m² to 10m²)
Medium tents are those up to 10m² (1-4 people).
Selection Table for a LARGE TENT (more than 10m²)
Large tents are those starting from 10m² (1-8 people).
Tent Peg Materials
Tent pegs come in various materials, each with different stiffness and weight characteristics. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used materials to help you make the best choice!
Steel Tent Pegs
Steel comes in many forms, often referred to as “cheap steel” and “surgical steel” for high-quality variants. Generally, tent pegs are not made from surgical steel. However, steel pegs are very sturdy, versatile, and usually affordable. The downside is that steel is relatively heavy and rusts, which can be a problem if it gets on your tent fabric. If you’re hiking through Europe with a backpack or just prefer lighter pegs, steel might not be for you!
Aluminum Tent Pegs
Aluminum also comes in various types. Pure aluminum is very soft, so alloys are used to improve its properties. Higher grades of aluminum are more expensive due to additional materials. For tent pegs, 7000-series aluminum is the most suitable because of its balance between price, quality, and weight.
Titanium Tent Pegs
Titanium is the pinnacle of tent peg materials—it's lightweight, incredibly strong, and corrosion-resistant. The downside is that titanium is difficult to process and weld. However, titanium forms a protective layer against the elements, making it very durable.
Wooden Tent Pegs
Wood is a sustainable option, especially for softer grounds like grass and sand. However, wooden pegs are subject to weather conditions and are less durable over time. They are often used on islands and appreciated by campgrounds because they don’t remain stuck in the ground like steel pegs.
Plastic Tent Pegs
Plastic is generally not suitable for tent pegs due to its lack of necessary properties. Plastic pegs are only suitable for grass or sand and are not very durable.
What Really Matters?
Size / Holding Power
What are the dimensions of your tent and what holding power do you need? Larger tents require pegs with greater holding power. Typically, longer and wider pegs offer more stability.
Ground Type / Insertion Power
What type of ground will you be camping on? For hard ground, shorter pegs are preferable, while for softer ground like sand or snow, longer and wider pegs are better. For example, snow pegs have high holding power but low insertion power, making them unsuitable for rocky ground.
General Tips for Choosing Tent Pegs
Here are some general tips to keep in mind to avoid ending up with unsuitable pegs:
What Material Are the Pegs?
Understand the exact type of material, as this affects quality. Different grades of aluminum, for example, have distinct properties.
How Long Are the Pegs?
The length is crucial. Short pegs are suited for hard ground, while longer pegs are needed for softer ground. The shortest length I offer is 16cm, which is the minimum for reliable tent setup.
What is the Shape of the Pegs?
The profile affects the peg's stiffness and effectiveness. For easy insertion, a larger head is useful, and a round head is more child-friendly in high-traffic areas.
How Many Pegs Are in the Set?
Ensure you have enough pegs. Check the quantity before ordering and adjust your order if necessary. If my website doesn’t meet your needs, contact me for a custom order!
What Type of Ground Are the Pegs For?
Choose pegs based on the ground type. For rocky ground, narrow pegs are best, while broad and long pegs are needed for grass and sand. All-round pegs are heavier but versatile.
What Extras Are Included?
Check what comes with your peg set. Extras like a cord, a hammer, or a peg bag can influence the price. Haringboer® always includes a cord and a durable peg bag to ensure optimal use and enjoyment!
If you’re still unsure after reading this and viewing the table, fill out the contact form, and I’ll let you know within 24 hours which tent pegs are best for your camping style!