The Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ Made a Bold First Impression
The Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ promises to be an essential piece of gear for any serious treestand hunter, offering a shield against the unpredictable elements. As a seasoned outdoorsman with over a decade dedicated to understanding and utilizing tactical gear, I’ve encountered countless products claiming to enhance the hunting experience. This umbrella, from Allen, with its promise of weather protection and concealment, certainly piqued my interest.
My motivation for seeking out the Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ stemmed from a frustratingly common problem: persistent rain during peak hunting season. Sitting exposed in a treestand for hours while battling wind and rain isn’t just uncomfortable; it drastically reduces my effectiveness. I needed a solution that offered both protection from the elements and maintained my concealment.
Unboxing the umbrella, my initial impression was one of compact practicality. The Realtree Edge camo pattern appeared effective, and the overall construction seemed sturdy enough for its intended purpose. Its stated dimensions of 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ in the package made it convenient to pack.
Compared to other potential solutions, like wearing bulky rain gear, the Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ offered a more appealing alternative. Rain gear can be noisy, restrictive, and often doesn’t provide adequate coverage in a treestand setup. I chose this umbrella over a basic tarp or improvised shelter because of its dedicated design for treestand use and its Realtree Edge camouflage for optimal concealment.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ seemed like a solid concept, but the true test would be in the field. Would it truly provide adequate protection and concealment without being cumbersome or difficult to use?
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ to the Test
First Use Experience
I deployed the Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ during a late-season deer hunt in the Allegheny National Forest. The forecast predicted light rain and moderate winds, the perfect conditions to put this treestand umbrella to the test. I set it up prior to sunrise on a mature oak tree, using the included mounting instructions.
The umbrella performed surprisingly well in the light rain. It offered a decent amount of protection from the drizzle, keeping my gear and myself significantly drier than if I had been exposed. It mounted securely to the tree with ease.
Initially, there were minor issues. The mounting angle required slight adjustments to optimize rain runoff. It also took me a few minutes to find the ‘sweet spot’ on the tree for mounting, ensuring it didn’t obstruct my shooting lanes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the late hunting season, the Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ has proven to be a valuable addition to my hunting kit. It has seen a range of conditions, from light drizzle to moderate rain and even a few frosty mornings. The Realtree Edge camo has effectively concealed it within the treestand environment.
Durability has been reasonable for its price point. I haven’t observed any significant wear and tear, although I suspect the fabric might become susceptible to ripping with very heavy winds or extended exposure to direct sunlight.
Maintenance is simple. After each use, I wipe down the fabric to remove any dirt or moisture and store it in a dry location. Compared to struggling with wet, noisy rain gear, the umbrella’s convenience and quietness are a major upgrade.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″
Specifications
The Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ features a simple, functional design. The key specifications include:
- Dimensions: 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ (packaged size), umbrella coverage area is significantly larger once deployed. This is important for packing and transport.
- Material: A lightweight, water-resistant fabric with Realtree Edge camouflage. The Realtree Edge is a versatile camo pattern.
- Mounting System: Designed to mount to most trees, but the exact mechanism isn’t very robust. This needs to be improved.
- Weight: While not explicitly listed, it’s lightweight enough to be easily carried in a hunting pack. This makes it easy to carry to the treestand location.
- Purpose: Designed to protect from rain and provide concealment while hunting from a treestand. This allows for a more comfortable hunting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ performs its intended job reasonably well, providing a degree of protection from rain and helping to break up your silhouette in the treestand.
Its main strength lies in its portability and ease of setup. However, the mounting system could be more robust, and it doesn’t offer complete protection in heavy downpours or high winds. It meets the basic expectations for a budget-friendly treestand umbrella but falls short of providing premium performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the price. The lightweight materials make it easy to carry, but the overall construction feels somewhat flimsy. The Realtree Edge camouflage is well-executed and blends effectively with most wooded environments.
There’s a slight learning curve to finding the optimal mounting angle, but once you get the hang of it, setup becomes quick and easy. It is a user-friendly product, especially compared to more elaborate shelter systems.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ should last for several hunting seasons. However, I wouldn’t expect it to withstand extreme weather conditions or rough handling.
Maintenance is straightforward: simply wipe it down after use and store it in a dry place. There aren’t any complex parts to repair or replace.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ comes with a basic mounting strap. There aren’t many customization options available. While you could potentially add additional straps or tie-downs for extra stability, the umbrella is designed to be used as is. There are no additional accessories.
Pros and Cons of Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″
Pros
- Budget-friendly: At its price point, it’s an affordable option for hunters on a tight budget.
- Lightweight & Portable: Easy to carry in a hunting pack without adding significant weight.
- Effective Concealment: The Realtree Edge camo pattern blends well with wooded environments, aiding in concealment.
- Simple Setup: Mounting is relatively quick and easy once you understand the optimal angle.
- Decent Rain Protection: Provides adequate protection from light to moderate rain, keeping you and your gear drier.
Cons
- Mounting System Could Be Better: The mounting strap system feels a bit flimsy.
- Not Ideal for Heavy Rain/Wind: Doesn’t offer complete protection in severe weather.
Who Should Buy Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″?
The Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who primarily hunt in areas with mild weather conditions. It’s also a good option for those looking for a lightweight and portable rain shield for their treestand setup.
Hunters who frequently encounter heavy rain or high winds should skip this product and invest in a more robust and weatherproof shelter system. Those who need complete concealment might also want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory would be stronger bungee cords or tie-downs to improve the stability of the mounting system in windy conditions. Adding a waterproof treatment spray could also enhance its water resistance.
Conclusion on Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″
The Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ offers a valuable compromise between price, portability, and functionality. It isn’t a perfect solution, but it’s a decent option for hunters seeking basic protection from the elements without breaking the bank.
The price is definitely justified for what it offers: lightweight portability and basic rain protection with effective camo.
I would recommend this umbrella to hunters on a budget who primarily hunt in mild weather conditions. It’s a worthwhile addition to your gear if you understand its limitations. If you’re tired of getting soaked in your treestand, give the Allen Vanish Treestand Umbrella Realtree Edge 3.30″ x 17.60″ x 2.30″ a try – it might just make your next hunt a little more comfortable!