As with anything else, I spend more time researching something than I will probably use it.
What should I look for in a quick, foldout blind?
Material, height, etc...
Would I be better off making my own from camo fabric and a few poles?
Height, ease of setup and ease of carry"
Height on most of them is going to be what you want. Pretty even across the board.
Take a look at the area inside the blind and also at the windows. I have a couple of blinds that aren't too expensive but they get the job done. Only thing I don't like on them is the see-thru mesh windows have velcro adhesive. Velcro is a no-no in the woods. Drives me crazy.
Look for something with a zipper or sliding opening.
I was actually referring to the blinds that are just a strip of fabric with several poles. The kind you can just roll up and put in your pack.
If you are set on using one, a 12 dollar roll of that leafy blind material from Wally world and a few stakes like old carbon arrows or such will get ya going. Thats what I use with the kids when deer hunting.
Not sure how far you walk in or what your situation is, but I would look at the type with the shock cord poles as they will fold to around 18" or so and fit well in your vest. If you get the longer non- foldable poles it might be harder to lug around.
Unfortunately, The Mad Max blind is really
Good. Has gun rest and quick to set up.
Hate buying their crap tho.
I bought a Double Bull shack attack, although cumbersome to carry, it opens in a snap. I can have it open and staked down in 1 minute now.
mad max blind... just enough "cover" to hide running calls and a built in shooting rest. its nothing to carry either I can fit it inside a decoy bag
I was going to get the Mad Max but it just doesn't seem like enough cover. I don't want to use a regular blind either because it is more trouble than I want to deal with in the pitch black dark of the morning.
I think I am going to go with the suggestion of getting the cheap blind material and making my own.
Quote from: deerbasshunter3 on March 03, 2015, 07:15:42 PM
I was going to get the Mad Max but it just doesn't seem like enough cover. I don't want to use a regular blind either because it is more trouble than I want to deal with in the pitch black dark of the morning.
I think I am going to go with the suggestion of getting the cheap blind material and making my own.
PVC Pipe cut in half with the correct size PVC fitting glued to one piece makes it pretty portable as well.
14" pcs mount together and pack away easy as well.
I've been using the roll up blind put out by HS for about 5 years now and love it plus it's under 20 bucks I think
Quote from: deerbasshunter3 on March 03, 2015, 07:15:42 PM
I think I am going to go with the suggestion of getting the cheap blind material and making my own.
Like I said thats what I use with the kids when deer hunting. It works pretty good, often I just hang it on existing trees if available and kinda encircle our chairs. But when Im alone I just use the sit still method. Having a gobbler strutting at 10 yards with nothing between you and him is just....well you'd just have to see it for yourself.
Quote from: deerbasshunter3 on March 03, 2015, 07:15:42 PM
I was going to get the Mad Max but it just doesn't seem like enough cover. I don't want to use a regular blind either because it is more trouble than I want to deal with in the pitch black dark of the morning.
I think I am going to go with the suggestion of getting the cheap blind material and making my own.
How much cover do you need? Are you trying to cover multiple ppl hide you and camera equipment? Plan on hunting in the wide open?
For These you will need a bigger blind set up
My plan for the blind is to sit in and amongst the brush on the edge of a field. Maybe even up against a tree on the edge of a field. I would like to have the blind in front of me for a little "insurance"
Quote from: callmakerman on March 03, 2015, 08:53:24 PM
I've been using the roll up blind put out by HS for about 5 years now and love it plus it's under 20 bucks I think
Use the HS roll up....couple stakes that break down in minute...just steak it out legs-length away and shoot right over top...hide your hand-body movements..had mine for years..would not go in without it. Another thing I sometimes do is cut some cedar limbs the day before a hunt, tie string around end and drag in to steak out around my set-up....works especially well if I have a specific spot I am sitting that morning and will be coming back to on later hunts....already set up and ready to hunt.
I purchased some camo netting and five 36" wooden dowels. I'm going to make my own. I know the wood will probably only hold up for one season but I saved a little money and like making stuff that I can use.
A buddy of mine took a few carbon arrows & epoxied screw eyes into the ends, then he threads parachute cord through the screw eyes and ties the cord between trees. He drapes die-cut camo fabric over it and drives the arrows into the ground. He uses a few wire twist ties to keep the fabric tied down to the poles so it doesn't flap in the breeze. I works good if you set it up in advance in the daylight, because it is not easy to set up in the dark.
I have an Ameristep 3-D blind that works really well, though the stakes don't break down to a compact size like some others.
Jim
the backpacker blind from hunter specialties for me. it uses adjustable stakes up to 54" tall and 12' long..
packs easy and will set up in minuets ..
Ameristep Doghouse has been good to me for many years easy to carry straps lightweight, great for prehunt setups