MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes

The Cyclone Tent Stake is designed for holding power without compromise. Ideal for loose soil or windy conditions, this is the go-to stake for ease of mind.

Mountain Safety Research (MSR) has been a titan in the industry for decades, well known for their design and attention to detail. Regardless of one’s chosen shelter, upgrading/customizing stakes is a very important factor in ensuring a good night's rest. 

Product testing the MSR Front Range Ultralight Tarp Shelter prompted additional needs for such a large shelter—adding stakes with strong holding power during windy and stormy weather. 

MSR (Mountain Safety Research) has an impressive line of seven tent/shelter stakes, allowing users to customize their setup, based on location and conditions.

• Groundhog—MSR's gold standard, comes with many of its shelters
• Mini-Groundhog—Compact and lightweight
• CarbonCore—MSR's lightest full-strength stake
• Core—Lightweight aluminum for hard ground
• Cyclone—Maximum holding power
• Blizzard—For snow and sand
• Hook—All purpose and lightweight

Note: Virtually all of the tent stakes offered by MSR can be used with other shelters/tents. One who is in questionably stable ground may find that the MSR Cyclone Tent Stake is one of the best available options!

Specifications:

• Price: $24.95 USD
• Quantity: 4 stakes per kit
• Weight:1.2 oz
• Length: 9.5"

Features

The Cyclone Tent Stake is designed with a spiral twist, aiding with holding power. Despite their strength, these stakes remove from the ground surprisingly easy with the aid of the included reflective pull loop. Anodized in MSR's red, these stakes are high-visibility.

Construction & Durability

The Cyclone Tent Stake is constructed of 7000-series aluminum, which has held up extremely well to the rocky ground in the mid-Atlantic Appalachian mountain range. Other than expected scratches, scrapes, and wear from blunt trauma, these stakes are wearing well, as expected from a product within the MSR line. 

Testing Conditions:

The MSR Cyclone Tent Stakes have been tested since May 2020 on several overnight hikes on the Appalachian Trail, as well as wind tests near home during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This review will be periodically updated regarding long-term use.

Background

Ground-sleeping in the mid-Atlantic Appalachian mountain range has been the preferred method for backpacking for over thirty years. Whether section hiking the A.T. or leading a trip to the Maroon Bells, practicing and teaching Leave No Trace techniques is always top priority.