Snow Stakes

[BackCountryFit]

Good afternoon everyone,

I proudly have owned a Cimarron for over a year now and love it. I have yet to use it for snow camping, and when I say snow I am referring to snow more than a few feet deep. What worries me is it is not free-standing. I am looking for anyone's advice on how they have securely staked down their tent. I have looked at different manufacturers "snow stakes" and considered snow anchors. Before I start testing out different options I was hoping someone on here could share some experience with me. Thanks in advance.

Rob

[Philip.AK]

Consider using small (0.5-1 liter) stuff sacks filled with snow as anchors. Use a length of cord girth-hitched around the bag to tie off to. It's a light and packable option and offers tons of surface area for holding power. Just be a little careful digging them out once they are frozen in overnight.

[kevin_t]

If trees are around, I use small aspen or pine limbs. Depending on mode of travel , you can also use ski's , snow shoes, or buried sacks. The limbs is my favorite, and I have used it on large shelters with snow 3 ft deep.

I find many of the snow stakes do not actually work well, due to not enough friction or surface, or they only work well if the snow is reasonably consolidated.

Some of the stakes work decent, if they are more cupped and angled. Buried bags can work well as well.

[BackCountryFit]

Gentlemen thanks for your quick responses! I'll most likely try the tree limb option first since it will be most cost-effective, but the stuff sack will be considered. I suppose this will be like everything else and trial and error will be the best teacher! Thanks again, I will let you know what works best for me!

Rob