Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long Review

The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long Made a Bold First Impression

The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long isn’t your typical hunting blind; it’s a uniquely shaped shelter designed to offer concealment in a package that’s both affordable and relatively spacious. Manufactured by Ameristep, a trusted name in hunting blinds and accessories, this blind aims to provide hunters with a lightweight and portable option that blends seamlessly into the environment. Its standout feature is its outhouse-like design, offering a different profile than traditional box blinds and purportedly improving concealment.

I’ve spent years squeezed into cramped blinds, yearning for more space without sacrificing portability. The allure of the Ameristep Outhouse Blind was its promise of a taller profile (78″), making standing shots easier, and its unique shape, which I hoped would be less conspicuous to wary game. I was tired of game animals spotting my “box” in the woods.

The blind arrived neatly packaged, and upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern. It looked incredibly realistic, a vital aspect for any serious hunter. The material, 300 Durashell Plus, felt reasonably durable for the price point, though not as robust as some of the higher-end blinds I’ve used. Setting it up for the first time in my backyard, the spring steel frame popped into shape with minimal effort – a welcome change from blinds that require wrestling. I immediately liked the height of the blind.

I considered other options like the Primos Double Bull SurroundView or the Barronett Big Cat 350, but ultimately the Ameristep Outhouse Blind’s combination of unique shape, taller profile, and lower price point swayed me. I wanted a blind that didn’t scream “hunter,” and the outhouse design seemed to offer just that. The other blinds cost significantly more, and while they offered similar camo patterns, they seemed too bulky for the areas I hunt most often.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Ameristep Outhouse Blind seemed like a clever concept, but I was eager to see how it would perform in the field. The taller profile seemed promising, but I was concerned about stability in windy conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test came during an early-season archery hunt for whitetail deer on a friend’s property in central Texas. I set up the Ameristep Outhouse Blind near a well-worn game trail bordering a thicket of mesquite trees. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo blended remarkably well with the surrounding vegetation, making the blind virtually disappear from a distance. It was a warm, slightly breezy morning, and the blind’s windows provided ample ventilation.

The setup was easy enough, though staking it down securely is crucial, especially in any kind of wind. I was initially impressed with the interior space, easily accommodating my gear and allowing me to draw my bow comfortably while standing. After sitting in the blind for an hour, a doe and her fawn cautiously approached, feeding within 20 yards. The unique shape of the blind didn’t seem to spook them at all. I was able to draw my bow smoothly, but unfortunately, I didn’t get a shot opportunity. The key takeaway from this first hunt was that the blind effectively concealed me and didn’t alarm the deer. The tall height was a game changer for standing archery shots.

One minor issue I noticed was that the window flaps were a bit noisy when adjusting them. I added some Velcro to quiet them down.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use throughout the hunting season, the Ameristep Outhouse Blind has held up reasonably well. The 300 Durashell Plus material shows no significant signs of wear and tear, despite being exposed to sun, rain, and the occasional thorn bush. I’ve taken it on multiple hunts, packing it in and out of different locations, and the spring steel frame has retained its shape without any bending or damage.

The blind is easy to clean; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove mud and dirt. The fabric is water-resistant but not entirely waterproof; in heavy rain, some moisture can seep through the seams. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of. Compared to my previous, more expensive box blind, the Ameristep is lighter and easier to transport, but the fabric isn’t as robust, and the overall construction feels slightly less durable. However, considering the price difference, the trade-off is acceptable.

The taller profile is nice, but it makes the blind more susceptible to wind. It’s absolutely essential to stake it down securely. In windy conditions, the blind can sway and shake, which can be unsettling and potentially spook game.

Breaking Down the Features of Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long

Specifications

  • Product Name: Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long
  • Manufacturer: Ameristep
  • Camo Pattern: Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. The camo pattern offers excellent concealment in various woodland environments.
  • Material: 300 Durashell Plus. The fabric is water-resistant and reasonably durable for the price point.
  • Height: 78 inches. The tall height allows for comfortable standing shots with a bow or firearm.
  • Length: 60 inches. The 60″ length provides decent space for one or two hunters.
  • Frame: Spring Steel. The spring steel frame allows for quick and easy setup and takedown.
  • Shape: Outhouse Style. The unique shape breaks up the blind’s silhouette, improving concealment.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the blind’s performance in the field. The height is critical for standing shots, the camo pattern dictates its effectiveness at blending in, and the material affects its durability and weather resistance.

Performance & Functionality

The Ameristep Outhouse Blind performs its primary job of concealing hunters effectively. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo is excellent, and the unique shape helps it blend into the environment. The tall height is a definite advantage, allowing for more comfortable shooting positions.

The blind’s main weakness is its stability in windy conditions. The taller profile acts like a sail, making it prone to swaying and shaking. Securing it properly with stakes is crucial, and in very windy conditions, it might be necessary to use additional tie-downs. It exceeded my expectations given the price point, however.

Design & Ergonomics

The Ameristep Outhouse Blind is designed for easy setup and portability. The spring steel frame pops into shape quickly, and the blind folds down compactly for storage and transport. The interior space is adequate for one or two hunters, but it can feel a bit cramped with two people and a lot of gear. The material is lightweight, making it easy to carry, but it also feels less durable than heavier-duty blinds.

The ergonomics are decent, with ample window openings for visibility and shooting. The window flaps could be quieter, but this is easily remedied with some aftermarket Velcro.

Durability & Maintenance

The 300 Durashell Plus material is reasonably durable and should last for several seasons with proper care. However, it’s not as tough as the thicker materials used in higher-end blinds. The blind is easy to clean with a damp cloth, and the spring steel frame should hold up well to repeated use.

The seams are a potential weak point, as they are not entirely waterproof. Applying a seam sealant can improve water resistance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ameristep Outhouse Blind comes with a carry bag and ground stakes. There aren’t many customization options specific to this blind, but you can easily add accessories like aftermarket window coverings, chairs, and gear organizers.

It is compatible with universal blind accessories such as camo netting, scent-control products, and shooting rests. You can also easily replace the ground stakes with heavier-duty versions for added stability.

Pros and Cons of Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long

Pros

  • Excellent Concealment: The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo and unique outhouse shape blend seamlessly into woodland environments.
  • Tall Height: The 78-inch height allows for comfortable standing shots with a bow or firearm.
  • Easy Setup: The spring steel frame pops into shape quickly and easily.
  • Lightweight and Portable: The blind is easy to carry and transport.
  • Affordable Price: Offers great value for the money compared to higher-end blinds.

Cons

  • Wind Stability: The tall profile makes it susceptible to swaying and shaking in windy conditions.
  • Water Resistance: The seams are not entirely waterproof.


Who Should Buy Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long?

The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who prioritize concealment and portability. It’s ideal for archery hunters who need the extra height for standing shots, as well as for anyone hunting in areas with relatively calm weather conditions. Casual campers and wildlife observers can also benefit from its easy setup and concealment capabilities.

Hunters who frequently hunt in windy areas or require a completely waterproof blind should skip this product. Also, if you need maximum space for multiple hunters and a lot of gear, a larger box blind might be a better option.

Must-have accessories include heavier-duty ground stakes, seam sealant, and aftermarket window coverings for added concealment and noise reduction.

Conclusion on Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long

The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long offers excellent concealment and portability at an affordable price. Its unique shape and tall height are definite advantages, but its wind stability and water resistance are potential drawbacks.

The price is definitely justified; this blind offers a lot of value for the money. I would personally recommend it to budget-conscious hunters who prioritize concealment and portability, especially those who hunt in relatively calm weather conditions.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-set-up blind that blends seamlessly into the environment, the Ameristep Outhouse Blind is a solid choice. Just be sure to invest in some heavier-duty ground stakes and seam sealant for added peace of mind. Get yours today and experience the difference!


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top