Knowing how to use tent stakes and how to secure a tent without stakes is one thing, but having the proper equipment is a completely different thing. A good camping hammer is just as essential as having the proper tent stakes for your conditions. Whether it’s windy, rocky, or sandy, you’ll need the best tent stakes and best tent stake hammer available so you can have a safe and comfortable night in your tent. Read on to learn more about our top picks!
4 Best Tent Stake Hammers
The best tent stake hammers in 2022 are the Nemo Meldr Hammer, MSR Stake Hammer, Snow Peak Peg Hammer, and the Gerber Pack Hatchet. A good tent stake hammer has to be light, durable, and preferably have more than one function to make packing the extra weight worth it.
Our top pick is the Nemo Meldr Hammer if you are looking for a dedicated camping hammer with great durability and versatility. The Gerber Pack Hatchet is an honorable mention because we love doubling up on applications when it comes to camping tools. Its primary function is a hatchet but can also be used as a hammer, decreasing the amount of gear you’re packing.
Product
Highlight
Price
Nemo Meldr Hammer
Durable Hickory Handle, Lifetime Warranty
$$
Editor’s Choice
Gerber Pack Hatchet
Lightweight Camping Hatchet
$
Honorable Mention
MSR Stake Hammer
Lightweight Camping Hammer
$$
Snow Peak Copper Head Peg Hammer
Replaceable Copper Head
$$$
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Editor’s Choice – Nemo Meldr Hammer
Nemo Meldr Hammer is a top-quality tent stake hammer that is perfect for any camping trip. The stainless steel head is extremely durable, and is ergonomically designed for the optimal strike angle for driving stakes from above. The shock absorbing, tapered hickory handle feels comfortable and easy to grip. The integrated red-tailed hawk-shaped hook doubles as a bottle opener and tent stake remover. Nemo Meldr Hammer is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a high-quality tent stake hammer that will last for many years to come.
Specifications
- Stainless Steel Head
- Hickory Handle
- Weight: 1 lb 9 oz
- Length: 12 inches
- Price: $49.95
Pros
- Heirloom quality construction
- Bottle opener and stake puller
Cons
- Heaviest hammer on our list
Above we mentioned how a good tent stake hammer should have more than one use, and that is exactly why the Gerber Pack Hatchet made this list! Not only is it one of the best camping hatchets, the hammer on the backside makes a great tent stake hammer. The full stainless steel tang extends all the way through the ergonomic rubber grip, which ensures a durable and corrosion resistant construction. And at less than a 1.5lbs, it is relatively light. This is also a great tool to make your own wooden tent stakes.
Specifications
- Full Stainless Steel Construction
- Rubber Overmold Handle
- Weight: 1lb 4.8oz
- Length: 9.5 inches
- 3.5″ Blade Length
- Price: $34.95
Pros
- Doubles as a hatchet, making it one of the most versatile options on this list
- Affordable price
Cons
- No tent stake remover or bottle opener
MSR Stake Hammer
The MSR Stake Hammer is a lightweight camping hammer that is perfect for pounding in tent stakes. The head is made of hardened stainless steel, and the entire tool weighs only 11 ounces. The hammer also features an integrated bottle opener and stake puller, making it a versatile and handy tool for any camper. It’s even engineered with a perfectly balanced swing weight. At 11 inches in length, it fits into most tent storage bags, making it easy to pack and carry. The claws are also great for digging a cat hole super fast!
Specifications
- Hardened Stainless Steel Head
- Aluminum Handle
- Weight: 11oz
- Length: 11 inches
- Price: $39.95
Pros
- Lightest stake on our list
- Bottle opener and stake puller
Cons
- Simple design lacks true versatility
Snow Peak Copper Head Peg Hammer
The Snow Peak Copper Head Peg Hammer is a great choice for anyone looking for a tent stake hammer. The solid oak handle is durable and provides a comfortable grip, while the forged steel head ensures that this hammer can take a beating. The copper head helps to absorb the shock of hammering, making it easier on your arm. And if the head does eventually wear out, it is easily replaceable.
Specifications
- Forged Steel Head with replaceable Copper Face
- Oak Handle
- Weight: 1lb 6.4oz
- Length: 11.5 inches
- Price: $69.95
Pros
- Replaceable copper head
- Stake puller and bottle opener
Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
FAQ
What to use to hammer in tent pegs?
Technically you can use just about anything, a rock, log, or a hammer out of the garage, but to avoid damaging or bending your tent stakes, it is a good idea to have a dedicated tent stake hammer. Tent stake hammers are specially designed to efficiently and effectively drive your tent stakes into all kinds of soils and conditions.
Can you use a regular hammer for tent stakes?
You certainly can! But, beware, a regular hammer can sometime damage your tent stakes. In order to prevent damaging your tent stakes and prolong the life of them it is much better to use a tent stake hammer.
About the Author
Derek Vitiello
My goal with my writing and Know Nothing Nomads as a whole is to share my passions of hiking, camping, and a love of the outdoors with our readers. Making the difficult and uncertain feel more approachable to people that might not know enough to feel comfortable taking their first steps into the wilderness is a driving factor for me. When I’m not writing you can find me on a trail, in a forest, or next to a river with hiking shoes on my feet and a fly rod somewhere close by.
