TiTo titanium shepherd hook stakes (similar to Vargo Titanium stakes)

$13 USD (10) TiTo titanium stakes
 This lot of 10 TiTo titanium shepherd hook stakes is available for $13.05 USD delivered on Aliexpress.

  • Replace heavier aluminium / steel stakes to minimise packweight
  • 165 x 3.5mm diameter, ~8g each

These titanium alloy shepherd hook stakes are about half the weight of similar aluminium stakes, while being just as strong.

e.g. 8x 8g titanium stakes instead of 13g aluminium stakes will save 40g.

These can be used as general purpose stakes, but work best securing non-loadbearing staking points, mid-panel tie outs or guylines in ground that isn't too sandy or rocky.

Ideally, these would be paired with other stake types (e.g. Y-type, nail-type) to minimise pack weight while accounting for different ground conditions.


Specifications
  • Diameter: 3.5mm
  • Length: 145mm or 165mm
  • Weight: ~8.2g each
  • Titanium alloy: Grade 5 6AL4V

Pros
  • Storage bag included
  • Good for trekking pole tents / tarps (e.g. Trailstar tarp clone) that need a bit of staking to secure
  • Titanium does not rust
  • Can push in to the ground with your hand
  • Good choice for a spare (backup) stakes

 Cons
  • Lacks gripping power in soft or loose soil & can wiggle out of the ground (put a rock on top in such cases)
  • Likely to bend if pounded with a rock or driven into hard or rocky ground
  • Silver colour easily misplaced. Apply PVC tape, spraypaint or coloured shrinkwrap to the ends to increase visibility
  • Colour of stuff sack may vary

Other uses:
Two lengths
Included storage bag (may vary)


Further Resources

 Wikipedia page about Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy
Wikipedia page on titanium alloys

Reddit
Vargo Titanium Shephard Hook Stakes on Massdrop

Caldera cone
Trail designs webpage


Youtube
MakingCalderaCone 0001
DIY Caldera Cone