Stakes & Steaks | Pitching Tents and Perfecting Steaks

Today, we're diving into the world of tent stakes and cooking a great steak outdoors. Let's be honest, we all have a preference in what steak cut we like: Ribeye, Sirloin, T-Bone, Tomahawk etc. and we know the differences between them, and what cut is best for varying recipes and cooking types, but when it comes to tent stakes we usually just use "whatever comes with the tent". Well, tent stakes are designed differently for a reason, and the ones you are using may not be suitable for the environment and location you camp in. Let's break them down!

 

Tent Stake Types

Choosing the right tent stakes is crucial for a secure and comfortable camping experience. Let's explore the various types of tent stakes, their uses, and their pros and cons.

1. Standard Stakes

Description: These are the most common tent stakes, usually made of aluminum or steel, with a simple straight or slightly hooked design.

Use: Suitable for general camping on soft to medium ground.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry.
• Affordable and widely available.

Cons:

• Not very effective in hard or rocky ground.
• Can bend or break under heavy pressure.

2. Y-Stakes

Description: Y-shaped stakes provide three points of contact with the ground, offering excellent holding power.

Use: Ideal for soft, sandy, or loose soil where extra grip is needed.

Pros:

• Strong and durable.
• Superior holding power compared to standard stakes.

Cons:

• Slightly heavier and bulkier than standard stakes.
• More expensive than basic options.

3. V-Stakes

Description: V-shaped stakes are similar to Y-stakes but have a two-pronged design, making them easier to insert and remove.

Use: Great for a variety of soil types, from soft to moderately hard ground.

Pros:

• Good holding power.
• Easier to drive into and remove from the ground.

Cons:

• Can still be challenging to use in extremely hard or rocky soil.
• Mid-range in terms of weight and cost.

4. Nail Stakes

Description: Long, thin stakes that resemble large nails, usually made of steel or titanium for extra strength.

Use: Best for hard or rocky ground where other stakes might struggle.

Pros:

• Exceptional durability and penetration power.
• Suitable for extreme conditions.

Cons:

• Heavier than other types.
• Can be more expensive, especially titanium versions.

5. Snow and Sand Stakes

Description: Wide, flat stakes designed to maximize surface area and grip in loose or granular surfaces like snow and sand.

Use: Essential for winter camping and beach camping.

Pros:

• Excellent holding power in loose materials.
• Often made of lightweight materials like plastic or aluminum.

Cons:

• Bulky and less versatile for other types of terrain.
• Can be harder to pack and carry.

CRUA Storm Stakes | View >>

6. Hook Stakes

Description: Similar to standard stakes but with a hooked end for better grip on tent guy lines.

Use: Suitable for a variety of camping conditions, particularly useful for securing guy lines.

Pros:

• Provides a secure hold for guy lines.
• Simple and easy to use.

Cons:

• Can bend in very hard or rocky ground.
• Limited holding power in very soft soil.

 

Choosing the right tent stake depends on the terrain you'll be camping on and the conditions you expect to encounter. For general use, standard or V-stakes are often sufficient. However, for more specialized conditions like sandy beaches or snowy landscapes, investing in specific snow and sand stakes can make a significant difference. Check out more camping guides here.

Now, let's dive into the juicy part! The simple steak recipe for cooking outdoors!

 

Quick and Easy Camping Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (1-1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Equipment:

• Grill Gate or Skillet or Portable Grill
• Tongs
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

Preparation:

• Remove the steaks from the cooler and let them come to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes).
• Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.

Seasoning:

• Rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil.
• Generously season with salt and black pepper.
• Press minced garlic and fresh herbs (if using) onto both sides of the steaks.

Cooking:

Directly on Grill Grate:

• Build a campfire and let it burn until you have a bed of hot coals. You want a medium-high heat.
• Place the grill grate over the hot coals.
• Place the steaks directly on the grill grate.
• Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting the time for your preferred doneness.
• Use tongs to flip the steaks only once.

Using a Skillet:

• Place the cast iron skillet, or try the portable and highly recommended RidgeMonkey Connect Pan & Griddle XXL Granite Edition, on the campfire grate or directly on hot coals.
• Allow the skillet to get very hot (you should see a bit of smoke from the oil if you added any).
• Add a bit of olive oil to the skillet.
• Place the steaks in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
• Add butter to the skillet during the last minute of cooking and baste the steaks with the melted butter using a spoon.

Using a Portable Grill:

• Preheat your grill to high heat.
• Place the steaks on the grill.
• Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust time according to your preferred doneness.
• Use tongs to flip the steaks only once.

Resting:

• Remove the steaks from the heat.
• Tent the steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Serving:

• Slice the steaks against the grain and serve immediately.

Some Extra Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
• Ensure the grill grate is clean before placing the steaks on it to prevent sticking.
• For a smokier flavor, you can add wood chips to the fire
• If you're using a marinade, ensure it's completely patted dry before cooking to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
• Pair your steak with campfire-roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious and easy camping steak, and don't forget to use the right stakes!

Check here for more camping recipes. Happy Camping!