Pop up ground blind recommendations

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dog gone it

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I want to get an early start for this coming fall, so no doubt I have plenty of time to shop. Its been quite some time, but several years ago Ive had ground blinds that fade color pretty fast and were pretty difficult to take back down and fold up for storage, I hope they've improved since then idk.
1) Looking for a ground blind large enough for at least two people.
2) One that is fairly easy to break down for storage.
3) I prefer darker (black/green/brown) colors.
4) Im willing to spend up to $200 maybe more, if justified imo.
 
I couldn't tell you the make/ model of some of the ones I've used.

I've had good luck with camo/mesh netting and sticks and tucking a bunch of local flora and fauna into the netting. You can make a ground blind custom tailored for your exact locale. Do a good enough job and it'll blend right into the hillside.

If you've got the time to build one ahead of time, gather materials now, build in the summer so the critters get used to it and be ready for the fall hunt.

$200 buys ALOT of camo mesh netting.
 
I've had a few hub style blinds. Best one I've used is Primo Club XL, but it looks like all the Primos blinds are well above $200. I have an Ameristep hub blind that pretty good. Not as high quality but it works well. You may have to restitch velcro and that kind of thing after a season or two of use. It pops up and down easy and hides us well from deer.
 
Chuck R. said:
I've got a Muddy 3 person with shoot through screens (although I roll them up) and really like it. Had it for a few seasons without an issue. The only mod I make is using a telescoping pole to support the center IF we've got a heavy snow forecasted.
Click to expand...
What kind of telescoping pole? I like to leave my blinds up, but the best blind I ever had was destroyed by 10" of wet November snow. Now I have to take the blinds down before heading home.
 
wombat13 said:
What kind of telescoping pole? I like to leave my blinds up, but the best blind I ever had was destroyed by 10" of wet November snow. Now I have to take the blinds down before heading home.
Click to expand...

I found a telescoping aluminum tent pole (Cabelas). The hole in the top fits the nub on the top center hub and I drive the point into the ground (upside down from intended use). I got the idea after seeing a couple ground blinds collapsed by snow..

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-adjustable-height-tent-poles
 
I picked up a Rhino 100 before deer gun and I was satisfied with it, held up to two heavy snowfalls and one day of constant rain. For two I’d go with the 200 or larger

FWIW I picked mine up on sale for under $80.00
 
I've had 4 ground blinds of the pop-up variety and they all had the colors turn "pinkish" if they were left in the sun. Put yours in the shade weeks ahead of time and let the deer get used to it. Pay attention to the height of the windows so you have the right size stools and wear black clothing while in it. You will then have success.
 
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.
Since I have plenty of time, I need to travel to a few big outlet stores and check some out.
I now realize its difficult to answer my question because there are so many new options these days.
 
I have had good luck with "Rhino" brand ground blinds the last few years. Have a coupla of them set up on 6'X6' platforms for a more permanent type stands. Problem with them and many other pop-ups is they do not tolerate much of a snow load on their roof before collapsing. If leaving them out during a season where snow is possible, I use a prop inside when I'm not using it.

https://rhinoblinds.com/
 
I got my doghouse blind at orschelns a local farm supply store. Maybe 60 bucks, all self contained with spring steel to erect, kind of a pain to get taken down.

I'd recommend magnetic windows, Velcro is loud.
 
I have had good luck with Ameristep. I believe my larger one is called a brick house. Sun/UV/weather in general will wreck a blind over time. To mitigate this, do the following: 1- TRY to set it up in the shade 2- Take that thing down as soon as season is over, or as soon as you are finished with it for the season 3- I bought some cheap camo tarps from harbor freight. I tie these very tightly to the roof of all of my blinds once they are set up as a second "sacrificial" roof.
 
  1. I've used 3 blinds. Borrowed my in-law's chair blind. You sit in it and pull the hood over you for concealment. This blind is a piece of crap....period. The first blind I owned was a $100 Amertistep blind. It was a bit cramped with two people and too short...I'm only 5'10" and it was small for me. I used it some until a high wind ripped it to shreds. Might work OK for one person where trees might provide some shelter. Otherwise not very sturdy. The second blind I owned is a Rhino...see link below. It is a very good blind. Very sturdy but could not withstand a 50-60mph wind storm. Learned that the hard way. But, was able to salvage the blind with minor damage. This my fault because I did not anchor the blind as thoroughly as I could have. That location is atop a hill with little cover. My buddy and I have killed 6 deer from that hilltop, so I'll continue to use that location in spite of the predictable winds of Kansas. The blind accommodates two men easily and I can stand erect with room to spare. The fabric is very sturdy and repels water and most wind. The loops to hold down the blind are not strong enough to withstand a high wind, nor are the small thin stakes. So I use heavy 10" stakes and tie down every corner. You should also tie every loop that secures the spokes with additional stakes or any posts or trees that might be handy; this if you are placing the blind in an open field with wind. It takes more time, but is worth it. I have also used it to hunt turkeys and it is protected from the winds in my location. Works perfectly there and I've killed several turkeys...very comfortable. Also good clips to close the windows and the door...no zippers to make noise or break...a big plus. The price is worth it and fits with your budget. I gave my slightly damaged one to my nephew and I plan to buy another for spring turkey season. Good luck in your choice.
https://www.opticsplanet.com/rhino-blinds-rhino-600-hunting-ground-blind.html
 
I like my Ameristeps just fine, but I may upgrade a couple of them to Double Bulls next season. I’ve gotten to the point that I like climbing trees less and less.
 
buck460XVR said:
I have had good luck with "Rhino" brand ground blinds the last few years. Have a coupla of them set up on 6'X6' platforms for a more permanent type stands. Problem with them and many other pop-ups is they do not tolerate much of a snow load on their roof before collapsing. If leaving them out during a season where snow is possible, I use a prop inside when I'm not using it.

https://rhinoblinds.com/
Click to expand...

Sniper66 said:
  1. I've used 3 blinds. Borrowed my in-law's chair blind. You sit in it and pull the hood over you for concealment. This blind is a piece of crap....period. The first blind I owned was a $100 Amertistep blind. It was a bit cramped with two people and too short...I'm only 5'10" and it was small for me. I used it some until a high wind ripped it to shreds. Might work OK for one person where trees might provide some shelter. Otherwise not very sturdy. The second blind I owned is a Rhino...see link below. It is a very good blind. Very sturdy but could not withstand a 50-60mph wind storm. Learned that the hard way. But, was able to salvage the blind with minor damage. This my fault because I did not anchor the blind as thoroughly as I could have. That location is atop a hill with little cover. My buddy and I have killed 6 deer from that hilltop, so I'll continue to use that location in spite of the predictable winds of Kansas. The blind accommodates two men easily and I can stand erect with room to spare. The fabric is very sturdy and repels water and most wind. The loops to hold down the blind are not strong enough to withstand a high wind, nor are the small thin stakes. So I use heavy 10" stakes and tie down every corner. You should also tie every loop that secures the spokes with additional stakes or any posts or trees that might be handy; this if you are placing the blind in an open field with wind. It takes more time, but is worth it. I have also used it to hunt turkeys and it is protected from the winds in my location. Works perfectly there and I've killed several turkeys...very comfortable. Also good clips to close the windows and the door...no zippers to make noise or break...a big plus. The price is worth it and fits with your budget. I gave my slightly damaged one to my nephew and I plan to buy another for spring turkey season. Good luck in your choice.
https://www.opticsplanet.com/rhino-blinds-rhino-600-hunting-ground-blind.html
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the replies.
Im leaning toward the Rhino's at this time.
I like the way they appear to have a darker color like I want.
Not worried about snow as I will have constant access to it and keep an eye on it.
As long as they are relatively easy to break down for storage, they sound promising to me.
The following blind appears similar to one already suggested, but it appears to be slightly darker...
https://rhinoblinds.com/collections/all-blinds-1/products/break-up-country-hunting-blind-moc-102
And this one even more...
https://rhinoblinds.com/collections/all-blinds-1/products/bone-collector-r-600-realtree-timber

I can always contact the company for more information.
Thanks again.
 
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I like hub blinds. I have one that’s at least 10 years old. The guy I hunt with has a newer one, and I found another one on the lease that had been abandoned. All of them have had all kinds of weather, including some serious wind. I had one other hub blind that bit the dust when a 2 ft oak fell on top of it in a windstorm. If it takes a ton of tree to kill it then it’s a design that works. Mine is almost identical to the one I saw at Rural king this year for around $120. Great buy, but ugly camo. I like browns and the camo just wasn’t for me.
 
Mine is the Mossy Oak and blends well. Of course they are all visible, by they obscure the most important thing.....movement. I have leg cramps that are best managed with frequent leg movement. I've killed lots of game out of my Rhino, so it obscures my movement very nicely. The darker one will be more visible because of the contrast with foliage, but will still work fine. So, if the darker one appeals to you, that's the one you should get. And it is easy to put up and take down. I'm 74 years old and have some mobility problems. In spite of that, I've learned to manage it quite well. You will too. After you do it a couple of times, it's easy. I did it twice in my garage before going afield. The directions are mostly worthless. Have fun. I'm going to order my new blind soon.
 
Sniper66 said:
I'm 74 years old and have some mobility problems.
Click to expand...
Understood. Im not too far behind you, and Im crippled due to an accident.
Sniper66 said:
After you do it a couple of times, it's easy.
Click to expand...
This sounds good. Its fairly important I can do the "set up" and "take down" without a lot of difficulty. Several years ago I had a couple of blinds, and you had to have a degree in science and mathematics to get them folded back for storage :(

Thanks
 
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I have two of the Ameristep Doghouse blinds. One of which has been set up in my friends woods continuously since April, 2019. Because they're somewhat of a pain to take down & set up, as has been mentioned. Besides that, I want the local deer & other critters to be accustomed to it. It's in an area that's well shaded once the leaves come out and it's sheltered somewhat from the wind. Heavy snow will cause the roof to cave in but it can be pushed back up into position. For the one that's set up all year I have a piece of 2x4 set vertically to hold the roof up. It can be removed when the blind is occupied. Being shaded in the summer has helped a lot as these things do suffer from excessive sun in the summer. Took a picture of it just yesterday while I was out changing SD cards on trail cams. It's holding up well and is well staked down in 8 places, tent stake each corner and 4 guy lines from further up each corner to a stake a few feet away. It'll be sitting there for 2 years straight come April. IMG_3116.JPG . Had a couple small tears in the roof and one side from a falling branch last summer but I came across some camo duct tape and that solved the problem nicely. Will be turkey hunting out of it in May , also. I've seen these lately for about 80 bucks and I'd recommend one to anybody with the only complaint being the set-up & take down hassles.
 
I have an Ameristep Doghouse and a hub style by Ameristep. The dog house is at least 15 years old and gets used every year. It’s on its last leg, but considering the price it’s been well worth what I paid. For simplicity and ease of putting up and tearing down I prefer the hub style. I’ve had mine for about 10 years and it’s holding up well but is showing wear at the corners. With a hub style you can be set up or torn down in 2 minutes easy.

Jeff
 
dog gone it said:
Thanks for all the replies.
Im leaning toward the Rhino's at this time.
I like the way they appear to have a darker color like I want.
Not worried about snow as I will have constant access to it and keep an eye on it.
As long as they are relatively easy to break down for storage, they sound promising to me.
The following blind appears similar to one already suggested, but it appears to be slightly darker...
https://rhinoblinds.com/collections/all-blinds-1/products/break-up-country-hunting-blind-moc-102
And this one even more...
https://rhinoblinds.com/collections/all-blinds-1/products/bone-collector-r-600-realtree-timber

I can always contact the company for more information.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...


I can tell you that Rhino blinds are the TOUGHEST Ive ever used, that being said, PLEASE practice setting it up and taking it down several times. If you dont get it exactly right you will be fighting it for a while.
 
BKS said:
I can tell you that Rhino blinds are the TOUGHEST Ive ever used, that being said, PLEASE practice setting it up and taking it down several times. If you dont get it exactly right you will be fighting it for a while.
Click to expand...
You and Barojc, just made me realize why I had trouble years ago. Its because Ive always has a steel spring blind rather than a hub. Maybe they didnt offer hub back that many years ago idk.
Im interested in https://rhinoblinds.com/collections/5-hub-blinds/products/bone-collector-r-600-realtree-timber
And so after watching the video it looks fairly easy to both set up and collapse https://rhinoblinds.com/pages/blind-instructions
 
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