Using lag bolts as tent stakes is a popular way to save time setting up large tents and shade canopies.
Lag bolts, technically, lag screws, can be screwed into the ground using a battery-powered impact driver. It saves time and can make your tent anchoring system even more secure in a particular terrain.
In this article, you’ll learn about lag bolts and screw-in tent pegs and why they are an excellent tent stake alternative. Then I’ll give examples of when to use lag bolts and when to avoid them.
Using Lag Bolts (Screws) as a Tent Stake Alternative
The transition to using lag bolts is simple, but it’s good to understand the basics first.
What is a Lag Bolt for Camping?
Lag bolts, or lag screws, are large, heavy-duty screws designed to hold heavy loads.
Power tools such as impact drivers can be used to drill them into various types of materials, including the ground. Using a cordless impact driver makes them portable and easy to use in remote camping locations.
Traditional tent stakes work well in many situations but can be challenging and tiring to pound into hard ground.
Why Do Campers Use Lag Screws Instead of Tent Stakes?
Lag screws are used to set up large tents and canopy structures faster and easier.
Popular canvas tents like Springbar and Kodiak typically have between 14 and 20 heavy-duty 12-inch tent stakes. Large wall tents and bell tents have even more.
Additionally, many will use various types of canopies and shade structures that need to be securely anchored to the ground while camping.
Proper staking is essential for large tents and canopies to maintain their structural integrity during inclement weather.
It’s my least favorite part of setting up my canvas tent.
On average, it takes 15-20 minutes to set up these tents. The majority of that time is spent frustratingly hammering the tent stakes into the ground. The majority of taking down the tent will also be prying out the stakes.
An impact driver and lag bolt is a more efficient and less strenuous alternative to using a hammer or mallet to drive large stakes into the ground.
How to Use Lag Bolts and an Impact Driver to Secure Your Tent
To use lag bolts and an impact driver to secure your tent, follow these simple steps:
What Type of Lag Bolt for Camping Tents?
For camping, you should use lag screws with a hexagonal (hex) head vs other types.
Hex lag bolts will give your impact driver the best grip and won’t strip.
Zinc vs Galvanized Steel Lag Bolts?
Galvanized steel hex bolts will last longer than zinc-plated alternatives.
Zinc hex bolts are cheaper but will rust quicker without the added protection gained from the galvanization process (in-depth article here if interested).
Many tent manufacturers, such as Kodiak, use galvanized steel poles in their tents. I’d recommend doing the same for your lag bolts or tent stakes if you want them to last as long.
What Size Lag Bolt to Use Camping?
Lag screws come in a variety of widths and lengths. The most common diameters are 3/8″ and 1/2,” and the most common lengths are 8-9″, 12″, and 14″, and some will go even longer in crumbly dirt.
You’ll want to choose a lag bolt size appropriate for your tent’s weight and size.
Bolt Depot has a huge selection of sizes and has matching washers to go with them.
- Galvanized (3/8″ diameter and 1/2″ diameter)
- Zinc-plated (3/8″ diameter and 1/2″ diameter)
If you typically camp on hard and dense terrain, you can probably get away with 3/8″ x 9″ when the weather is good.
Lastly, it is worth having a variety of sizes in your arsenal for windy and rainy conditions or muddy terrain. In addition, sometimes you’ll hit rock and want a slightly shorter lag bolt for one tent loop.
Lag Bolts for Burning Man and Crumbly Desert Terrain
If you’re going to Burning Man or similar dry desert terrain, you may consider going with a larger lag screw. The first few inches of ground will be crusty and poor for anchoring the lag screws.
Many used to hammer rebar into the ground but have converted to 1/2″ x 14 or 16″ lag bolts.
Lag Bolt Washers for Camping Tents
Most tent stake loops for big tents are large to fit a variety of stakes. Using a lag bolt isn’t helpful without getting the tent stake loop attached to it.
The easiest way to do this is to buy a large washer to put under it that will press down on the stake loop.
There are also festival kits / bundles on Amazon.
Hex Pegs also makes ones with a washer/base attached to the screw. They also make one with hooks for attaching guy lines.
These have a washer essentially welded to the top of the lag screw. They also have them available with hooks making them great for guy lines.
What Impact Driver for Camping Lag Bolts?
It is highly recommended to use an 18V impact driver.
This is proven to work with very long lags and is a quality impact driver.
A step up in quality would be the Dewalt 20V. A step down in quality and worse batteries is RYOBI.
A 12V impact driver will likely be too weak and not have enough torque to get bolts fully into the ground.
In addition, you’ll need a socket to match the size of the lag bolt head you decided on (3/8″ or 1/2″). It also needs to fit the drill you get (1/4″ vs 1/2″). It’s common practice to have an extra stashed away as a backup in case you lose it, or it breaks.
Impact Driver Batteries
When buying on Amazon, make sure to check if the impact driver comes with a battery or not. Some include the battery, while some need to be purchased separately.
Lastly, consider getting an extra battery or two. Or at least make sure to have a way to charge your battery. If you don’t have high-quality gear, it’s entirely possible to drain a full battery while setting up.
A small Jackery or something similar can be used to charge it before you take it down at the end of your trip.
Benefits of Using Lag Bolts and an Impact Driver
Using lag bolts and an impact driver to secure your tent offers a number of benefits.
1. Quicker and Easier Tent Setup
Lag bolts can be drilled into the ground with an impact driver in a matter of seconds, saving you time and effort compared to traditional tent stakes.
2. More Secure Anchoring
Lag bolts are stronger and more durable than most tent stakes and can hold up better in windy or stormy conditions.
If you already have some beefy 12″ steel stakes or wedge stakes, this may be a moot point.
3. Enjoyable Experience
Setting up my large canvas tents is not a very enjoyable experience. *TINK TINK TINK TINK* forever, it seems.
Lag bolts can be used in a variety of different terrain types, including hard or rocky ground that may be difficult to penetrate with traditional tent stakes.
Warnings About Using Lag Bolts as Tent Stakes
This all sounded great, but there are some drawbacks to using lag bolts. Here are some things to consider.
Redundancy, aka Having a Backup Plan
I think it would be foolish not to carry stakes and a tent hammer on trips you bring an impact driver and lag screws on.
This is especially true in the backcountry. Imagine your impact driver battery dies after the 8th bolt. Now what?
Always have a manual way to set up your tent or it can spoil a trip.
The Lag Bolt System is More Expensive
You likely already have a hammer and the stakes that came with your gear.
Transitioning to the lag bolt system requires an impact driver, extra battery, lag bolts, and washers.
Sandy and Soft Terrain
Lag screws are not going to help you in sandy or similar terrain unless you get special bolts.
Using a heavy-duty wedge stake can often be a better solution.
Freezing Conditions
I have not used lag bolts on frozen ground, but I’ve read that lag bolts can be tough to remove if the soil is freezing and refreezing. The heads of cheaper hex bolts can break as well.
Another thing to consider is your impact driver battery may die or drain in the cold, leaving you without enough juice to retrieve your tent without charging it.
Having an extra battery or something like a Jackery power station will help keep that risk low. Having a socket wrench for backup is good as well.
Metal Tent Stake Loops vs Webbing Stake Loops
Tents like Springbar and Kodiak use metal stake loops. These are great because they can handle wedge-shaped stakes and lag screws without worrying about damaging them.
Brands like Teton Sports use fabric webbing. If you use lag screw often with webbing stake loops, I assume it will wear out the webbing over time and render your tent useless.
Conclusion
Using lag bolts and an impact driver to secure your large tents and canopies in a time-saving and efficient method that offers a number of benefits.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time large tent owner, this method is worth considering for a secure and hassle-free camping experience.
