Hunting blinds give you an affordable way to disguise yourself from potential targets when you’re out on a hunt. Whether you use a ground blind on your own property or travel out of state to hunt public land, these specialized camouflage hunting tents allow you to lie in wait for game while staying concealed. They’re also portable, so you can carry them in and out on hunts where a ladder stand or other heavy cover might weigh you down. If you’re in the market for a new blind, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind: We’ll help you figure out what you need, and recommend the best hunting blinds we’ve tried.
More Hunting Gear: Best Hunting Jackets ● Best Hunting Pants ● Best Spotting Scopes
Best Hunting Blinds
- Best Overall: Primos Hunting Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide Ground Blind
- Best Value: Primal Treestands Wraith 270 Deluxe Blind
- Best Large: Barronett Blinds Ox 5 5-Sided Hunting Blind
- Best For a Group: Thunderbay Bunkhouse
- Best for Cold Weather: Ameristep Pro Series Thermal Hub Blind
The Expert:
What to Consider in a Hunting Blind
This guide focuses on ground blinds, which are generally soft-sided, floorless tents with a camouflage exterior, black interior, and mesh-covered windows that allow you to hide and take aim without being detected. Generally speaking, they’re constructed from sturdy fade- and water-resistant fabrics, and designed for quick, easy setup. Ground blinds come in many sizes for smaller and larger parties, feature different styles of camouflage for different hunting grounds, and often have specialized features. Keeping that in mind, you’re ready to start narrowing down specific features tailored to your personal hunting experience:
Size
Ground blinds come in many different shapes. Bird blinds, designed for crouching or laying down, may only be about 2 feet high. Others give most people enough room to stand fully upright: Our tallest selection is almost 7 feet high. They also come in different sizes for whether you’re hunting solo, with a partner, or as part of a larger group. Regardless of how many people you bring along, you should make sure there’s room to spare in your blind: A tight interior will force you closer to the windows, which makes it easier for your prey to see you inside.
Extra space also creates more room for your gear. If you plan to sit in a chair, make sure you have room for it. If you’re setting up a tripod for a rifle or crossbow, you will need more floor room per person to set it up properly. Bow hunters will need elbow room behind them for a full draw.
Lastly, do not forget to check the window height on the blind, either. Depending on the hunting method you choose, it can affect weapon clearance and site visibility. If you plan to sit or use a tripod, make sure they will line up with the window of the blind to avoid awkward aiming.
Weight
If you plan to carry your ground blind to your hunting spot or plan to move around throughout the day, it’s important to bring along a light hunting blind that won’t weigh you down. The ground blinds on our list weigh anywhere from 8- to 33 pounds, so there’s a wide range of options. If you’re looking for a portable blind, a carrying case can also allow you to lug your blind around more comfortably.
Camouflage
It’s important to pick a hunting blind to fit the season and the environment of your hunt. If you’re heading to the green pines and hardwoods of the South early or mid-season, look for a camo pattern that incorporates greens, browns, and blacks. If you’re going out to the Midwest late in the season, you’ll want a camo pattern with more tans and browns. There are even blinds disguised as hay bales, like this one from Bolderton, that blend in near hayfields and harvested cornfields. Many brands offer their most popular blinds in a variety of camo patterns, so you should be able to pick a blind and find what you need.
