Cairngorm Treks Review - MSR Carbon Core Stakes
Posted by Cairngorm Treks on Sep 18, 2017
Carbon Core Tent Pegs Review, Tested in the Cairngorms
The Carbon Core stakes are MSR's lightest full-strength tent peg, weighing a tiny 6 grams per stake. When first handling the stake it's hard to imagine they will hold up to the strains of a mountain tent especially in the tough ground conditions throughout the colder months.
The outer covering is made up of aluminium to offer the strength needed, whilst saving weight with a carbon fibre core. Our favourite peg is the MSR Groundhog and although we found that in softer ground the stake may become loose, in harder ground they often outperformed the Groundhog, easily making its way into the ground and securing tightly.
The plastic head with a small piece of cord means guy lines are kept in place whilst also offering an easy removal from the ground. The area that we found the stakes excelled was in the frozen turf whilst spending a cold winters night in Deeside. The ground was extremely hard and with a variety of different pegs to hand, surprisingly the Carbon Core Stakes performed the best, driving firmly into the ground with a little tap from the rear of an ice axe. You do need to be careful not to break the plastic head but after placing 6 firmly in the ground and no signs of damage we were impressed.
Our Verdict
If saving grams is of importance you won't get a better ultra-lightweight stake with such strength than the MSR Carbon Core. We were very impressed with its abilities especially in very firm ground. Although in softer ground conditions they can become a little loose and an alternative peg would be better suited to such environments.
Plastic Head
Reinforced tips
In use in hard ground
Cairngorm Treks is a small family business based in the picturesque village of Tomintoul in the North East region of the Cairngorms National Park. They provide bespoke Mountain Guiding for Single Day Walks and Lightweight Multiday Trekking experiences, including wild camping, in the stunning Cairngorms wilderness and surrounding areas. Whether in the high mountains or lower valleys, their Multiday Treks are equipped with high quality, lightweight camping and trekking gear. They only work with small groups and, whatever your ability, pride themselves on designing your outdoor experience completely to your needs and with professional guidance and expertise. Adventure is waiting...
The Carbon Core stakes are MSR's lightest full-strength tent peg, weighing a tiny 6 grams per stake. When first handling the stake it's hard to imagine they will hold up to the strains of a mountain tent especially in the tough ground conditions throughout the colder months. The outer covering is made up of aluminium to offer the strength needed, whilst saving weight with a carbon fibre core. Our favourite peg is the MSR Groundhog and although we found that in softer ground the stake may become loose, in harder ground they often outperformed the Groundhog, easily making its way into the ground and securing tightly.