Secure your Tent Pegs

How to Secure Your Tent Pegs Properly

You’ve used the selection guide and now you have the right tent pegs in hand. Now, let’s make sure you use them in the best way possible to ensure they last as long as possible!

I’ll walk you through some instructions and tips to ensure your tent stands firm and secure.

Driving Tent Pegs into the Ground

Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

  • Angle the Peg: Insert the tent peg into the ground at an angle so that it forms a 90-degree angle with the guyline.

  • Drive the Peg Deep: Make sure to drive the peg deep enough into the ground so that the loop is just above the surface. The further you drive the peg in, the more secure it will be.

  • Distance from Tent: Place the peg as far from your tent as possible. Use long guylines to maximize the distance. The further the peg is from your tent, the greater the physical depth (Situation “A” has more depth than Situation “B”).

  • Use a Tool: Use a hammer, a piece of wood, or a flat stone to drive the pegs straight into the ground. Avoid hitting too hard; allow the peg to find its way into the ground. Striking too hard risks bending or breaking the peg.

  • Removing Pegs: Pull the pegs out by the loop. Start by gently twisting the peg to make it easier to remove.

Snow and Sand Pegs For snow and sand pegs, it’s best to press them into the ground with your foot. If it requires too much effort, the ground may be too hard, increasing the risk of bending the peg. In such cases, you can bury them. Dig about 30 cm deep to create a “dead-man-anchor” (attach the guyline to the middle of the peg and bury it). Try to bury the peg as far from your tent as possible to increase the holding power.

TIP: Use the snow and sand pegs as a shovel to help dig them in.