Tent stakes can make or break your camping experience (quite literally). When the weather turns and the wind starts howling, you’ll want to trust that the stakes anchoring your shelter are up to the task. And while it’s easy to default to whatever comes with your tent and call it good, if you’re looking to truly dial in your kit, it’s worth asking whether those included stakes actually make the most sense. Below, we break down the ins and outs of the most common backpacking tent stake styles, explaining how they work and where they shine, so you can choose the right option for your setup.