HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo Review

The HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo Made a Bold First Impression

Ground blinds have become an indispensable tool for hunters, offering concealment, protection from the elements, and a stable platform for observation. The HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo promises all of this in a compact, affordable package. Does it live up to the hype?

I needed a lightweight, portable blind for solo hunts on public land, where setting up elaborate permanent structures wasn’t an option. I was tired of relying on natural cover that was often sparse or unreliable. The HME blind seemed to strike a good balance between size, weight, and features.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the 150D brushed camo fabric shell. It felt relatively durable for its weight and the camouflage pattern looked effective. The blind packed down surprisingly small, a major plus for someone who often hikes several miles to their hunting spot.

I considered the Ameristep Doghouse blind, known for its budget-friendly price, and the Primos Double Bull SurroundView, praised for its panoramic visibility. However, the Ameristep felt too flimsy, and the Primos was far outside my budget. The HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo offered a middle ground in terms of price and features.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The blind seemed well-made for the price, but I was eager to see how it would perform in the field. Would the fabric hold up to brush and thorns? Would the windows provide adequate visibility? Only real-world testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo was during early teal season in a swampy bottomland. The conditions were hot, humid, and buggy. I set the blind up near a beaver pond, hoping to intercept ducks flying between feeding areas.

Setting up the blind was remarkably easy. The pop-up design made it almost instantaneous, requiring only unfolding and staking down the corners. I appreciated the two full extended vertical window openings, which provided a wide field of view.

The swamp lived up to its name, as a light rain started shortly after I settled in. The 150D shell offered minimal water resistance, and I could feel moisture seeping through after about an hour. However, the full blackout interior was effective at concealing movement, even in low light conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during deer and turkey seasons, the HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo has held up reasonably well. The 150D shell has shown some wear and tear, with a few minor snags from thorns and branches. The reinforced corners and bottom have proven to be durable.

Maintenance has been simple; I just wipe down the interior with a damp cloth after each use. The blind is relatively easy to fold and pack away, although it sometimes takes a few tries to get it back into its original shape. Compared to relying on natural cover, the HME blind has significantly improved my concealment and comfort during hunts.

Breaking Down the Features of HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo

Specifications

The HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo features a 150D brushed camo fabric shell designed to minimize scent, noise, and sheen. Its dimensions are approximately 60″ x 60″ x 66″ when set up, providing enough space for two hunters or one hunter with gear. The blind’s weight is roughly 12 pounds, making it relatively portable for most hunting situations.

The blind includes two full extended vertical window openings for optimal viewing, along with a full blackout interior to prevent game from spotting movement inside. It incorporates silent window sliders for quiet adjustments. Reinforced exterior brush holders allow for adding natural camouflage, while ozone loft pockets provide a place to hang ozone generators for scent control.

These specifications combine to create a blind that is lightweight, easily portable, and offers good concealment. The 150D shell offers reasonable durability and weather resistance (though not waterproof), while the window design allows for excellent visibility. The added features of brush holders and ozone loft pockets further enhance the blind’s effectiveness in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo performs its primary function of concealment exceptionally well. The camouflage pattern effectively blends into various environments, from forests to fields. The full blackout interior is crucial for preventing game from detecting movement, and the silent window sliders allow for quiet adjustments.

The blind’s main weakness is its water resistance. The 150D shell is not waterproof and will allow moisture to penetrate during heavy rain. The blind meets my expectations for a lightweight, portable concealment option but falls short in terms of weather protection.

Design & Ergonomics

The HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo features a user-friendly pop-up design that makes setup quick and easy. The two vertical window openings offer a wide field of view, and the silent window sliders are a welcome touch. The reinforced corners and bottom provide added durability, while the brush holders allow for customizable camouflage.

The blind’s weight of approximately 12 pounds makes it manageable for one person to carry, although it can be a bit bulky. The lack of a dedicated carrying strap is a minor inconvenience. There’s no real learning curve involved with using this blind; it’s straightforward and intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo should last for several seasons of hunting. The reinforced corners and bottom are particularly important for preventing damage from ground contact. The 150D shell is susceptible to snags and tears, so it’s important to be mindful of sharp objects.

Maintenance is simple: just wipe down the interior with a damp cloth after each use and allow the blind to dry completely before storing it. Storing the blind in a cool, dry place will also help to prolong its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo includes ground stakes for securing the blind. The exterior brush holders allow for adding natural camouflage, such as branches, leaves, and grass. The ozone loft pockets are designed to accommodate ozone generators for scent control, although these are sold separately.

The blind is compatible with various aftermarket accessories, such as shooting rests, chairs, and storage pouches. Because most blinds are universal, you could also use aftermarket window coverings as well.

Pros and Cons of HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo

Who Should Buy HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo?

The HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo is perfect for hunters who need a lightweight, portable, and affordable concealment option. It’s well-suited for solo hunters or those who hunt with a partner. It’s a good choice for those hunting deer, turkey, or other game animals from the ground.

This product is not ideal for hunters who require maximum weather protection or those who hunt in extremely rugged terrain where durability is paramount. Those hunters would be better off purchasing a blind made of thicker material.

Must-have accessories include a comfortable hunting chair, a shooting rest, and scent-control products. Adding extra brush to the exterior brush holders will further enhance concealment.

Conclusion on HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo

The HME GRDBLND2 2-Person Ground Blind 150D Shell Camo is a solid choice for hunters seeking an affordable and portable ground blind. While it’s not without its limitations, particularly in terms of water resistance, its strengths in concealment, ease of use, and durability make it a worthwhile investment. At a price of $111.99, the value proposition is excellent.

I would personally recommend this blind to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option for ground hunting. It’s a reliable tool that will enhance your hunting experience. Get yours today and experience the advantage of concealed hunting!