First Impressions of Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind
The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind promises a lightweight and portable solution for the solo hunter who values a bit of standing room. Marketed towards rifle hunters seeking concealment, this single-person blind features Ameristep’s Durashell Plus fabric, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo, and ShadowGuard coating. At a price point of $89.99, it aims to provide a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.
I’ve spent years squeezing into cramped blinds, wishing for just a few more inches of headroom while turkey hunting or waiting for deer in the late season. The promise of being able to stand fully upright, even if just for a stretch, was the main driver behind selecting this blind. I was tired of hunching over and craning my neck; this blind looked to offer a potential solution.
My initial unboxing revealed a neatly packed blind, relatively lightweight as advertised. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern appeared effective, and the Durashell Plus fabric felt reasonably durable for the price. The spring steel frame concerned me slightly, as I’ve had mixed experiences with spring steel in other pop-up products regarding longevity and ease of setup.
Compared to other blinds I’ve used, such as the Primos Double Bull or the Barronett Big Cat 350, the Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind is significantly smaller and lighter. Those blinds offer room for multiple hunters and more robust construction, but they also come with a much higher price tag and greater weight. The Ameristep seemed a good compromise for solo hunts where portability is key.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, the camo pattern looked good, and the promise of standing room was enticing. However, the spring steel frame’s potential durability issues lingered in the back of my mind.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind was during a late-season deer hunt in the Pennsylvania woods. I set it up near a well-worn deer trail bordering a thicket, hoping for a close-range shot. The weather was dry but cold, with temperatures hovering around freezing.
The setup proved surprisingly easy. The spring steel frame popped into shape quickly, and the blind was ready in under a minute. The height was indeed a welcome change; I could stand comfortably without hitting my head. However, the small footprint meant limited space for gear. After a few hours, the small footprint started to feel smaller, and it was less forgiving with gear than I would have liked.
After settling in, I noticed a slight draft. The fabric, while seemingly durable, wasn’t as thick or insulated as higher-end blinds. Also, the window openings, while offering decent visibility, were a bit noisy to adjust with the hook and loop closures.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind has held up reasonably well. The fabric shows no signs of tears or significant wear, despite being exposed to some brush and light rain. The spring steel frame, however, has started to show some slight bending, especially after a particularly windy day.
Cleaning the blind is relatively easy; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and debris. However, the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country pattern tends to hold onto mud, requiring a bit more effort to clean thoroughly. Regular use of a fabric protectant spray would likely help.
Compared to my previous experiences with more expensive and heavier blinds, the Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind offers a significant advantage in portability and ease of setup. The trade-off is reduced durability and less interior space. It’s a classic case of “you get what you pay for.”
Breaking Down the Features of Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind
Specifications
The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind features a 300 Durashell Plus fabric shell, offering a balance of durability and lightweight construction. This fabric is designed to withstand moderate wear and tear while remaining easy to pack and transport.
The blind utilizes a spring steel frame, allowing for quick and easy setup and takedown. This frame is lightweight and self-supporting, but it may be more susceptible to bending or damage compared to more robust pole systems.
It comes in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage, a popular and effective pattern for blending into various woodland environments. The camo is designed to break up the blind’s outline and minimize its visibility to game animals.
The blind’s dimensions are 60 inches in length, 60 inches in width, and 78 inches in height, providing enough room for a single hunter to stand comfortably. However, the limited floor space may feel cramped with additional gear.
It weighs approximately 9 pounds, making it highly portable and easy to carry into the field. This lightweight design is a major advantage for hunters who need to cover significant distances.
The blind also features a ShadowGuard coating, designed to eliminate shadows and silhouettes from the inside. This coating also helps block scents, providing an extra layer of concealment.
The Break-Up Country trim further enhances concealment by breaking up hard edges and creating a brushed-in look. This helps the blind blend seamlessly into its surroundings.
These specifications collectively define the Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind as a lightweight, portable, and reasonably durable option for the solo hunter. The design prioritizes ease of use and concealment, although some compromises are made in terms of overall space and long-term durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind performs its primary function – concealment – reasonably well. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo and ShadowGuard coating effectively minimize the blind’s visibility. It’s very well-hidden if you place the blind properly.
The blind’s height is a definite plus, allowing for comfortable standing and shooting. However, the small footprint makes maneuvering inside the blind a bit challenging, especially with a rifle and gear. It feels like a very small space when you have a pack and weapon.
One area needing improvement is the window system. The hook and loop closures are noisy, potentially spooking game. Quieter zipper closures would be a significant upgrade.
Overall, the Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind meets expectations for a budget-friendly, portable blind. It excels in concealment and ease of setup but falls short in interior space and window operation.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind boasts a simple and functional design. The Durashell Plus fabric feels reasonably durable, and the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo is visually appealing. It works, but it doesn’t feel like it will last a lifetime.
The blind’s light weight makes it easy to carry, and the spring steel frame allows for quick setup and takedown. However, the overall build quality feels somewhat flimsy compared to higher-end blinds. The frame shows wear more quickly than I like.
There’s a slight learning curve in packing the blind back into its carrying bag. But, after a few attempts, the process becomes relatively straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind is expected to last for several seasons with proper care. However, the spring steel frame is the weak point, and it may eventually bend or break with repeated use and exposure to harsh weather.
Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Storing the blind in a dry place when not in use will help prevent mildew and extend its lifespan. Keeping the fabric away from abrasive surfaces also helps.
Repairing the blind may be challenging, as replacement parts are not readily available. A broken spring steel pole would likely require professional repair or replacement of the entire blind.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind comes with a carrying bag and ground stakes. Beyond that, there are no included accessories.
Customization options are limited. The window openings can be modified with aftermarket screens or covers.
The blind is compatible with universal ground blind chairs and stools. Adding a small, lightweight chair can improve comfort during long sits. It is also compatible with scent-control products designed for ground blinds. A scent eliminating spray is always a good idea.
Pros and Cons of Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind
Pros
- Highly portable and lightweight at only 9 pounds.
- Quick and easy setup with the spring steel frame, so setup is fast.
- Tall enough to stand in, providing added comfort.
- Effective Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage for excellent concealment.
- Affordable price point at $89.99, an excellent value.
Cons
- Small interior space, which can feel cramped with gear.
- The hook and loop window closures are noisy.
- Spring steel frame durability is questionable long-term.
Who Should Buy Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind?
The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind is perfect for solo hunters who prioritize portability and ease of setup. It is a good option for those on a budget who need a functional and reasonably durable blind.
This product may not be suitable for hunters who require a lot of interior space or who frequently hunt in harsh weather conditions. Those looking for a blind that can withstand heavy use and abuse should consider a more robust and expensive option.
A must-have accessory is a comfortable, lightweight chair. Also consider scent eliminating products.
Conclusion on Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind
The Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind offers a compelling value proposition for the solo hunter seeking a portable and affordable concealment solution. It excels in ease of setup and provides enough height for comfortable standing. It’s a budget-friendly option.
While the small interior space and questionable long-term durability are drawbacks, the blind’s performance justifies its price. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo and ShadowGuard coating effectively minimize visibility. It blends very well with surroundings when the blind is placed with care.
I would recommend the Ameristep Outhouse Spring Steel Blind to hunters looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers on its promise of portability and concealment. If you are on the fence, go ahead and buy it, because you can always get something bigger and more robust later if your budget allows.