The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High Made a Bold First Impression
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High promises a blend of concealment and comfort for the serious hunter. Offered by Ameristep, a well-known name in the hunting industry, this blind boasts a hub-style design for easy setup and takedown, and the popular Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern. Its key feature is the “kick-out” design, presumably adding extra space for gear or multiple hunters.
I was on the hunt (pun intended!) for a blind that could comfortably accommodate myself and my teenage son during deer season. We needed something easy to set up in pre-dawn darkness, spacious enough for two, and with excellent concealment properties. I’d been using a pop-up blind from a big-box store that was always a struggle to erect, and the fabric faded and tore easily, making me an easy-to-spot silhouette against the treeline.
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High arrived in a relatively compact package. Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the quality of the 300 Durashell Plus fabric. It felt much more robust and durable than my previous blind, and the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country pattern looked incredibly realistic.
I considered several other options, including the Primos Double Bull SurroundView and the Browning Eclipse Blind. However, the Ameristep blind offered a comparable interior space for a significantly lower price, and the “kick-out” design seemed like a clever solution for managing extra gear. The promise of quick hub-style setup also sealed the deal.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The fabric felt tough, the camo pattern looked effective, and the overall design seemed well-thought-out. I was excited to get it into the field and put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High on opening day of deer season in central Wisconsin. The conditions were typical for late fall: cold (around 30 degrees Fahrenheit), with a light drizzle. I set the blind up about an hour before sunrise in a wooded area bordering a cornfield.
The hub-style system lived up to its promise. Setup was incredibly easy and took less than five minutes, even in the dark and with gloved hands. The kick-out sections provided noticeable extra space for our packs and a small propane heater.
I noticed the windows were a bit stiff to operate at first, but they loosened up with use. Despite the drizzle, the Durashell Plus fabric kept us dry and comfortable inside.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the deer season, the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High has held up admirably. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even after being exposed to wind, rain, and light snow. The hubs are still functioning smoothly, and the fabric remains waterproof.
Maintaining the blind is relatively simple. I wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove mud and debris. I also make sure to thoroughly dry the blind before storing it to prevent mold and mildew.
Compared to my previous pop-up blind, the Ameristep blind is a significant upgrade in terms of durability, ease of setup, and overall comfort. It definitely outperforms my old blind and has significantly improved my hunting experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High
Specifications
- Hub-Style Design: Allows for quick and easy setup and takedown. This is critical when trying to get into the field before sunrise.
- Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo Pattern: Provides excellent concealment in a variety of hunting environments. The pattern effectively breaks up the blind’s silhouette.
- 300 Durashell Plus Fabric: Offers durability and weather resistance. This thicker fabric is a marked improvement over many cheaper blinds.
- Kick-Out Design: Adds extra space for gear or multiple hunters. This feature is especially useful when hunting with a partner or carrying a lot of equipment.
- 66″ Height: Provides ample headroom for standing or stretching. The added height makes longer sits more comfortable.
These specifications contribute directly to the blind’s overall performance and user experience. The hub design saves time and frustration, the camo pattern enhances concealment, and the Durashell Plus fabric ensures long-lasting durability and weather protection. The height also allows for better shooting angles while standing.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Its primary function is to provide a concealed and comfortable hunting environment, and it excels at both. The camo pattern effectively blends into the surroundings, making it difficult for deer to spot.
The strengths lie in its ease of setup, durable construction, and ample interior space. The only minor weakness is the initial stiffness of the window flaps, which improves with use.
The blind definitely meets and even exceeds my expectations. It’s a significant improvement over my previous blind in every aspect.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High is well-designed and user-friendly. The 300 Durashell Plus material feels robust and durable, yet the blind is still relatively lightweight and easy to transport. The 66″ height provides plenty of headroom, making it comfortable to stand and move around inside.
The large windows offer excellent visibility and shooting opportunities. There is a slight learning curve in mastering the window adjustment system, but it quickly becomes intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The 300 Durashell Plus fabric suggests this blind should last for many seasons with proper care. The reinforced hubs and sturdy stakes further contribute to its longevity.
Maintenance is simple: just wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and allow it to dry thoroughly before storing. Occasional treatment with a waterproofing spray can further extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High comes with stakes and tie-down ropes for securing it in windy conditions. It also includes a carry bag for easy transport and storage.
While there are no specific Ameristep-branded accessories designed for this particular model, it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as camo netting, shooting rests, and chairs. You can also customize the window openings to suit your specific hunting needs.
Pros and Cons of Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High
Pros
- Extremely easy and fast setup thanks to the hub-style design.
- Durable 300 Durashell Plus fabric provides excellent weather resistance and longevity.
- Realistic Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern ensures excellent concealment.
- Kick-out design adds valuable extra space for gear and multiple hunters.
- Affordable price point makes it an excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Window flaps can be a bit stiff initially.
- Carry bag could be made from a more durable material.
Who Should Buy Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High?
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High is perfect for hunters of all skill levels who need a reliable, easy-to-set-up, and spacious ground blind. It’s especially well-suited for those who hunt in areas with unpredictable weather, or who often hunt with a partner or with a lot of gear.
Those looking for an ultra-lightweight option for backpacking may want to consider a smaller, more minimalist blind. Hunters requiring specialized features such as scent-blocking technology might also want to explore other options.
A comfortable hunting chair and a shooting rest are must-have accessories. Additional camo netting can further enhance concealment in particularly sparse environments.
Conclusion on Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High is an excellent ground blind that offers a compelling combination of durability, ease of use, and value. For the price, you’re getting a well-built blind that will last for many seasons of hunting.
The price is absolutely justified considering the quality of materials and construction. This is significantly cheaper than similar alternatives and performs just as well, if not better!
I would wholeheartedly recommend this blind to any hunter looking for a reliable and affordable ground blind. Upgrade your hunting experience with the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High and get ready for a more comfortable and successful hunt!