First Thoughts on the 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 promises to be a versatile and affordable option for hunters looking to conceal themselves from wary game. Made by Ameristep, a trusted name in hunting blinds, this model boasts a hub-style design for quick setup and a kick-out feature for added room. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern aims to blend seamlessly into various environments.
My need for a reliable and portable ground blind arose from years of spot-and-stalk hunting where consistently shifting winds and open terrain made remaining undetected a constant challenge. I was specifically looking for a blind that could be easily set up and taken down by a single person, offered sufficient space for bowhunting, and provided effective concealment.
Unboxing the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High, I was initially impressed by the apparent ruggedness of the 300 Durashell Plus fabric and the vibrancy of the camo pattern. The weight felt manageable, and the folded size seemed reasonable for transport.
Compared to the Primos Double Bull Blind and the Barronett Big Cat 350 I’ve used in the past, the Ameristep seemed to prioritize portability and affordability over sheer size and luxurious features. I chose the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out because its price point made it less painful if it was damaged during transport or use.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The blind seemed well-constructed for its price, but I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.
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
My initial test of the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High took place during a pre-season scouting trip for whitetail deer in central Texas. I set it up along a well-used game trail bordering a thicket of mesquite and cedar.
The weather was dry but windy, presenting a good test of the blind’s stability. Setup was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the hub-style design, and I had it erected and staked down in under five minutes. The kick-out feature did provide noticeably more elbow room, which was appreciated when drawing my bow. After a week of hard use, the kick-out portion began to sag.
After my first use I found it hard to complain about the performance for the cost. I found that the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out performed best during early season hunts.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout deer season, the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High has proven to be a decent, but not outstanding, blind. The fabric has held up well to moderate wind and rain, showing no signs of tearing or significant fading.
However, the stakes provided are flimsy and bent easily on rocky ground. I replaced them with heavier-duty tent stakes for better security. Cleaning has been relatively simple, mainly involving wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth.
While it doesn’t offer the bombproof construction of higher-end blinds like my old Double Bull, it certainly outperforms cheaper, generic models I’ve tried in the past. For the price, it represents a reasonable compromise between durability and affordability.
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
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High boasts several key specifications that define its performance. It features a hub-style design for quick setup and takedown. The 300 Durashell Plus fabric is intended to provide weather resistance and durability.
- Camo Pattern: Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, designed for versatile concealment in various terrains. This offers good breakup but can appear darker in certain lighting conditions.
- Height: 66 inches, providing ample headroom for most hunters, including those who stand to shoot. The height is adequate, though taller hunters might find it slightly cramped.
- Fabric: 300 Durashell Plus, offering a balance between weight and durability. The fabric is water-resistant but not fully waterproof.
- Hub-Style Design: Allows for fast and easy setup and takedown. This is a major advantage for hunters who move locations frequently.
These specifications contribute to the blind’s overall performance by balancing portability, concealment, and weather resistance. The hub-style design is particularly crucial for ease of use in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High performs its primary function of concealment reasonably well. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo effectively breaks up the blind’s outline in wooded and brushy environments.
The kick-out feature adds valuable space, making it more comfortable for longer hunts. However, the windows could benefit from a more adjustable and quieter opening system. While relatively quiet to operate in mild temperatures, below freezing the windows will be quite loud.
Overall, the blind meets expectations for its price range, offering adequate concealment and functionality with room for improvement in specific areas. The blind provides a solid hunting experience for the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High is acceptable for its price point. The 300 Durashell Plus fabric feels relatively durable, and the stitching appears to be reinforced in stress areas.
The hub system is easy to operate, and the kick-out feature is a welcome addition. However, the window design could be improved for quieter and more versatile adjustments.
The blind’s ergonomics are generally good, with sufficient space for one or two hunters and their gear. Overall the design leaves a bit to be desired, but is serviceable for the price.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High should last for several seasons of moderate use. The 300 Durashell Plus fabric is reasonably resistant to tearing and abrasion.
However, the stakes should be replaced with sturdier options, and the hub system should be lubricated periodically to ensure smooth operation. Maintenance is straightforward, mainly involving cleaning the exterior with a damp cloth and storing the blind in a dry place when not in use.
Proper maintenance is critical for longevity. Failing to maintain the blind will greatly reduce its usable life.
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 basic stakes and a carrying bag. There are limited customization options directly from Ameristep.
However, hunters can add aftermarket accessories such as better stakes, replacement windows, and internal organizers. The blind is compatible with universal ground blind accessories, allowing for some level of personalization.
Adding aftermarket accessories greatly enhances the usefulness of this ground blind. Without the addition of accessories it is difficult to use this ground blind for long.
Pros and Cons of Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious hunters.
- Hub-style design allows for quick and easy setup and takedown, saving valuable time in the field.
- The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern provides effective concealment in various environments.
- The kick-out feature offers additional interior space, enhancing comfort during longer hunts.
- The 300 Durashell Plus fabric provides decent weather resistance and durability for its price.
Cons
- Included stakes are flimsy and prone to bending, requiring replacement for secure anchoring.
- The window design could be quieter and more adjustable, limiting versatility in different hunting scenarios.
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 budget-conscious hunters, beginners, and those who prioritize portability and ease of setup. It’s also well-suited for hunters who need a backup blind or hunt in areas with minimal pressure.
Hunters seeking bombproof durability, maximum interior space, or advanced window adjustment systems should skip this product. Must-have accessories include heavy-duty stakes and potentially replacement windows for quieter operation.
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 offers a solid value proposition for hunters seeking an affordable and portable concealment solution. While it has some drawbacks, such as flimsy stakes and a basic window design, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses for its intended target audience.
The price is justified by its ease of use, effective camo pattern, and reasonable durability. I would personally recommend it to hunters on a budget or those needing a secondary blind for specific situations. If you’re looking for a functional and affordable ground blind, the Ameristep Care Taker Kick-Out is worth considering.