The Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High Made a Bold First Impression
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of hunting blinds and chairs. The Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High immediately caught my eye due to its promise of combining concealment and comfort. Could this be the answer to those long, uncomfortable sits in the woods waiting for that elusive buck?
My primary need was finding a comfortable and portable seating solution that also offered concealment from wary game. Traditional hunting chairs offer comfort, but lack concealment. Conversely, ground blinds offer concealment, but often require bringing a separate chair, adding to the overall weight and bulk. I was seeking a product that could streamline my hunting setup.
Upon unboxing the Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High, I was impressed with the apparent build quality. The 300 Durashell Plus material felt durable, and the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern looked highly effective. The chair felt surprisingly lightweight considering its integrated tent structure.
Compared to other tent chairs I’ve considered, like the Primos SurroundView Stakeout Blind or the Barronett Blind Chair, the Ameristep stood out due to its seemingly more robust construction and familiar camouflage pattern. I chose the Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High because of Ameristep’s established reputation in the hunting blind market and the promise of all-in-one concealment and comfort. I was hoping for a truly integrated solution.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The design seemed well thought out, but the real test would be its performance in the field. I was excited to see if the Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High could truly live up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High during an early-season archery hunt in the Appalachian foothills. The weather was damp, with a persistent drizzle and temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I set it up near a known deer crossing.
The chair proved relatively easy to set up, even in the soft ground. I quickly appreciated the integrated tent structure in the drizzling conditions. However, the chair’s seat itself wasn’t waterproof, and I soon felt dampness seeping through my pants.
There were no major issues with the chair’s structure. I spent four hours in the chair without being detected by any deer, but the damp seat significantly impacted my comfort level.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High has held up reasonably well. The 300 Durashell Plus material shows no signs of tearing or excessive wear, despite being subjected to brush and branches. The folding mechanism remains smooth and reliable.
The primary issue that has emerged is the seat’s lack of water resistance. Prolonged exposure to even slight moisture results in a damp and uncomfortable experience. Cleaning the chair is straightforward, but the seat material requires special attention to prevent mildew growth.
Compared to my previous experiences using a separate ground blind and folding chair, the Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High offers improved portability. However, the lack of a comfortable, weather-resistant seat is a significant disappointment that detracts from the overall experience. The concealment is good, but comfort is lacking.
Breaking Down the Features of Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High
Specifications
The Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High is a combination hunting chair and ground blind designed for single-person use. It features a 300 Durashell Plus fabric shell with the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern. The chair height reaches 54 inches, providing ample vertical concealment.
The chair integrates a foldable chair with a surrounding tent structure. The inclusion of a built-in tent significantly reduces movement visibility to game. Other features might include window configurations, though specific details are not available in the product description.
The specifications matter because they determine the chair’s portability, durability, and effectiveness in the field. The 300 Durashell Plus fabric provides a balance of weight and weather resistance. A higher chair height improves concealment for taller hunters.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High performs adequately in terms of concealment. The camouflage pattern blends effectively with natural surroundings. However, the chair’s comfort and weather resistance leave much to be desired.
The primary weakness is the seat’s lack of water resistance, resulting in discomfort during wet conditions. The chair’s integrated design offers convenience, but the poor seat compromises its functionality.
The product partially meets expectations, providing a lightweight and portable concealment solution. However, it falls short in terms of comfort and weather resistance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High features a foldable design for easy transport and storage. The 300 Durashell Plus material feels reasonably durable and lightweight. However, the chair’s seat design lacks ergonomic considerations, offering minimal support.
The chair is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal setup time. The integrated tent structure deploys quickly and easily.
Durability & Maintenance
The 300 Durashell Plus material should withstand several seasons of use with proper care. However, prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions may accelerate wear and tear.
Maintaining the chair involves cleaning the fabric with a mild detergent and ensuring it is completely dry before storage. Special attention should be paid to the seat to prevent mildew growth. Repairing minor tears in the fabric is possible with a patch kit.
Accessories and Customization Options
The product description does not specify any included accessories. Customization options are limited, but adding a separate, waterproof seat cushion could significantly improve comfort.
Aftermarket camouflage netting could enhance concealment in specific environments. It is likely compatible with universal blind accessories.
Pros and Cons of Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High
Pros
- The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern is highly effective for concealment in wooded environments.
- The integrated tent and chair design offers improved portability compared to separate blinds and chairs.
- The 300 Durashell Plus fabric is reasonably durable and lightweight.
- Setup is quick and easy, making it convenient for mobile hunting.
- The 54-inch height provides sufficient concealment for most hunters.
Cons
- The seat lacks water resistance, resulting in discomfort during wet conditions.
- The seat design lacks ergonomic considerations, offering minimal support.
- The product description lacks details regarding window configurations and included accessories.
Who Should Buy Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High?
The Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High is perfect for mobile hunters who prioritize portability and concealment in wooded environments. It’s also suitable for hunters on a budget seeking an all-in-one solution.
Hunters who prioritize comfort and plan to hunt in wet conditions should skip this product. They should instead consider investing in a higher-quality blind and a separate, comfortable hunting chair.
A must-have accessory is a waterproof seat cushion to improve comfort in wet conditions. Camouflage netting could further enhance concealment in specific environments.
Conclusion on Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High
The Ameristep Tent Chair Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 54″ High offers a compelling value proposition for mobile hunters seeking a portable and concealed hunting solution. Its integrated design and effective camouflage provide a significant advantage in the field.
However, the lack of water resistance and ergonomic design in the seat are significant drawbacks that detract from the overall experience. At a price of $91.49, the price is justified for the portability, but not for the overall comfort.
I would recommend this product with reservations. Hunters who are aware of its limitations and willing to invest in a waterproof seat cushion may find it a valuable addition to their hunting gear. If you prioritize staying dry above all else, look elsewhere.