First Thoughts on the 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 isn’t your typical hunting blind; it’s designed with a unique purpose and caters to a specific need. Ameristep aims to provide hunters and outdoor enthusiasts with a portable and easily deployable shelter offering both concealment and convenience. The high profile and ample interior space suggest it can double as a temporary shelter.
My need for a portable blind arose from increasingly long waterfowl hunts and the need for protection from harsh weather elements. The prospect of having a taller, more spacious blind, especially one that could double as a makeshift shelter, was enticing. The choice between this and similar products came down to a balance between portability, interior space, and camouflage pattern effectiveness.
Upon unboxing, the Ameristep Outhouse Blind immediately impressed with its relatively lightweight and compact folded form. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern looked convincingly realistic. The initial build quality appeared adequate for its intended use, although the Durashell Plus material felt somewhat thinner than some other blinds I’ve used.
Compared to a traditional hub-style blind, this Ameristep offering seemed more focused on portability and quick setup at the cost of absolute rigidity. Compared to pop-up blinds, the dimensions appeared to be more generous internally. My first impression was one of cautious optimism – I was excited to see how it performed in the field, but the lightweight construction gave me some initial reservations about its long-term durability in harsh 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 field test involved a solo early-season goose hunt in a harvested cornfield. The Ameristep Outhouse Blind was deployed along the edge of a treeline bordering the field. Setup was impressively quick and straightforward thanks to its spring steel design.
The blind provided excellent concealment in the chosen location. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country pattern blended seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation. The larger interior space proved to be a significant advantage, offering plenty of room to move around and manage gear without feeling cramped. Despite a light rain, the blind kept me dry and comfortable.
The single initial issue was the stakes required to hold down the blind in windy conditions, they appeared to be flimsy. Replacing these with heavier-duty stakes is likely advisable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use during waterfowl season, the Ameristep Outhouse Blind has held up reasonably well. There are no major signs of wear and tear on the Durashell Plus material, although some minor stretching around the stake loops is noticeable. Cleaning the blind is relatively easy with a damp cloth. Mud and dirt wipe off without much effort.
Compared to my previous experiences with similar spring steel blinds, the Ameristep performs favorably in terms of portability and ease of setup. However, it doesn’t quite match the sturdiness of hub-style blinds in high winds. The larger interior space is a significant advantage. It surpasses smaller “coffin”-style blinds in terms of comfort and usability.
Breaking Down the Features of Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long
Specifications
- The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind boasts dimensions of 78 inches in height and 60 inches in length. This offers ample vertical and horizontal space for a single hunter, potentially two in a pinch.
- The blind is constructed from Ameristep‘s 300 Durashell Plus fabric. This material offers a balance between water resistance, durability, and packability.
- The camouflage pattern is Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. This pattern provides excellent concealment in a variety of wooded and agricultural environments.
- The blind utilizes a spring steel frame for easy setup and takedown. This allows for quick deployment in the field.
- It includes stakes for anchoring the blind in windy conditions. These help maintain stability and prevent the blind from blowing over.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the blind’s functionality in real-world hunting scenarios. The height and length dictate the comfort level for the hunter. The Durashell Plus material determines its ability to withstand the elements. The camouflage pattern dictates its effectiveness in concealing the hunter from game. The spring steel frame makes it quick and easy to setup.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameristep Outhouse Blind excels in its primary function: providing concealed shelter for hunters. Its camouflage pattern is highly effective. The larger size allows for comfortable movement. Setup and takedown are quick and easy.
The main weakness lies in its stability in high winds, especially if the provided stakes are used. Stronger stakes are definitely recommended. Despite this, it meets expectations for a lightweight, portable blind designed for quick deployment.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ameristep Outhouse Blind‘s design prioritizes ease of use and portability. The spring steel frame allows for almost instant setup. The interior space is surprisingly generous, providing ample room for movement.
The build quality is adequate for its intended use, although the Durashell Plus material could be more robust. The stakes included could be improved. There is minimal learning curve required.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind should last for several hunting seasons. The 300 Durashell Plus fabric is reasonably durable. Inspecting and reinforcing the stake loops could prolong its lifespan.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap. Storing the blind properly when not in use is essential. This protects it from the elements and prevents damage to the spring steel frame.
Accessories and Customization Options
The blind comes standard with stakes for anchoring and a carrying bag for transportation. There aren’t many customization options directly applicable to the blind itself.
However, hunters can add aftermarket seating, gear storage solutions, and camouflage netting for enhanced concealment. Compatibility with universal camouflage netting is virtually guaranteed. Aftermarket stakes are highly recommended for improved stability in windy conditions.
Pros and Cons of Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long
Pros
- Easy and Fast Setup: The spring steel design allows for near-instant deployment, saving valuable time in the field.
- Excellent Concealment: The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country pattern effectively blends with various environments.
- Spacious Interior: The 78″ height and 60″ length provide ample room for comfortable movement and gear management.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry and transport to remote hunting locations.
- Affordable Price: Offers good value for the features it provides, especially compared to hub-style blinds.
Cons
- Weak Stakes: The included stakes are inadequate for securing the blind in high winds.
- Durashell Plus Durability: The material, while decent, might not withstand extreme wear and tear over the long term.
Who Should Buy Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 78″ High 60″ Long?
Perfect for: Hunters seeking a lightweight, portable, and easily deployable blind for waterfowl, deer, or turkey hunting, especially in environments where quick setup is essential. It’s also ideal for photographers or wildlife observers needing a concealed vantage point. This is an excellent option for hunters who need a relatively inexpensive blind that is also easy to move.
Who should skip this product? Hunters who frequently hunt in extremely windy conditions or require a bomb-proof shelter. Those needing a blind for multiple occupants might find the interior space limiting.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Heavier-duty stakes for improved stability in windy conditions. A comfortable hunting chair or stool. Additional camouflage netting for enhanced concealment.
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 is a solid choice for hunters prioritizing portability, ease of setup, and effective concealment. The larger interior space is a welcome feature, providing enhanced comfort and usability.
The $76.49 price tag is justified given its features and performance, making it a competitively priced option in the market. While the included stakes could be improved, this is a minor issue easily addressed with aftermarket replacements.
I would personally recommend this blind to hunters who need a reliable and easily transportable shelter for their outdoor pursuits. The Ameristep Outhouse Blind delivers on its promise of quick deployment, effective concealment, and ample interior space, making it a valuable addition to any hunter’s gear arsenal. Consider this blind if you need a good blend of value, concealment, and portability.