Zpacks Carbon Fiber vs Super Sonic Stakes: Which to Carry?
By Zpacks | Level Up Your Next Adventure | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Comparisons
Compare Zpacks Carbon Fiber Tent Stakes and Super Sonic Stakes to find the right ultralight tent stakes for your backpacking trips.
Quick Answer
For most backpacking trips, choose Zpacks Carbon Fiber Tent Stakes for their excellent holding power and easy placement in varied terrain. If you need maximum strength and security in bad weather or tough ground, the 7" Super Sonic Stakes are the more durable option.
Weight vs. Strength: The Core Trade-off
The biggest difference between these two stakes comes down to materials. Carbon fiber stakes are prized for their light weight, but they can be more brittle than metal. The Super Sonic Stakes use a Y-beam aluminum design that is larger and stronger, making them harder to bend and more reliable in rocky or compacted soil.
If you're counting every ounce, the carbon fiber stakes are the obvious choice. But if you frequently camp in exposed areas or on hard ground, the extra durability of the Super Sonic Stakes might be worth the weight penalty.
Terrain and Holding Power
Both stakes are designed to hold well, but they excel in different conditions. The carbon fiber stakes have an increased surface area that makes them versatile across a variety of terrains, from soft forest floor to sandy patches. Their metal tip helps them penetrate easily.
The Super Sonic Stakes are the largest and strongest in the Zpacks lineup. Their 7-inch length and large diameter give them excellent holding power, especially in loose or shifting soil where a shorter stake might pull out. They are also strong enough to be hammered into hard ground with a rock, though the top may get chewed up.
Which Stake Should You Carry?
- If you prioritize ultralight weight: Choose the Zpacks Carbon Fiber Tent Stakes. Their high holding power to weight ratio makes them perfect for saving ounces without sacrificing performance in typical backpacking terrain. Check your base weight: if every gram counts, carbon fiber is the way.
- If you expect bad weather or hard ground: Opt for the 7" Super Sonic Stakes. Their strength and larger size provide extra security in storms or when you need to hammer stakes into rocky or compacted soil. Consider the forecast and ground conditions before you leave.
- If you want a balance of both: Carry a mix: use carbon fiber stakes for the main guylines and Super Sonic Stakes for critical corners or high-stress points. This gives you weight savings where possible and strength where needed. Test your setup at home to see which stakes work best for each position.
Stake Facts
- 6.4" Zpacks Carbon Fiber Tent Stake: Carbon fiber shaft with a metal tip and metal end cap; increased surface area for a variety of terrain. This design offers the best holding power to weight ratio, making it ideal for ultralight backpackers who need reliable stakes without extra ounces.
6.4" Zpacks Carbon Fiber Tent Stake - 7" Super Sonic Stake: Y-Beam stakes are the largest and strongest that Zpacks offers; 7-inch length and large diameter give excellent holding power. These stakes are difficult to bend and can be pounded into hard ground, providing peace of mind in bad weather or challenging soil.
7" Super Sonic Stake
Who Should Choose Which?
Best for
- Ultralight backpackers who count every ounce and camp in varied but moderate terrain.
- Thru-hikers who need reliable stakes that are easy to place and pull out.
Not for
- Campers who frequently face severe weather or need to pitch on hard, rocky ground—consider the Super Sonic Stakes instead.
