Schalk CronjéThe type of tent stakes is a very personal choice and depends on the kind of terrain one frequents. I have different tent stakes that I can use with my Durston X-Mid Solid 2P. Not all of them go along all the time.
The long Triwonder stakes are only meant for snow and soft loose sand. I never had to use them yet, although just after Easter I'll be doing a trip that might need them.
I prefer the Y-stakes above the V-stakes as one has to pay less attention how you put them in the soil.
If I know it will be a wind-free place, I'll only take take six stakes. In the Pyrenees, I have found that the short ones work best.
As the chances of wind increases I can add more stakes into my pack up to a max of 16, although I admit, I've never done as yet.
For a trip to the Drakensberg for instance, I might take 8 or 10 which will be a mix of short and long.