My top recommended pop up blind for today is going to be the Ameristep Care Taker which is my favorite.
Hunting season is closing in, and you still do not have a decent strategy on how to avoid detection. Not all of us wants to wear a ghillie suit or sit somewhere high in a treestand because some of us prefer to use pop up blinds.
They are easy to set up, comfortable to use and will also help to avoid your detection especially for those bow hunters that need to shoot from up close. The only problem is that you might not know which one to choose.
These blinds can be expensive, so you might want to select the right one from the bat. Luckily you are off to a great start. In this article, I am going to go over the 10 best pop up blinds for bow hunting that will make your life a hell of a lot easier. In this article, I will go over the different sizes, price tags and also the type of windows that you can expect to find.
Are you ready?
Ultimate Pop Up Blinds Buying Guide
What if you already went through the product section and you still cannot decide which popup blind is for you?
In this section, I am going to show you how to choose the right popup blind from the start. It is important to note that I have selected only the best ones so anyone can be a good choice.
There are 3 things that you need to take into consideration before buying a popup blind, and it includes the price, size and also the type of window.
After reading this section, you will have a better idea of what you might want.
Let’s get started with the price:
1. How much do these popup blinds cost?
Not all of us can afford the most expensive products, so it is imperative to look at how much it costs. In this review, you can expect to pay anything from $60 up to $300 per blind.
Other blinds go over the $500 mark, but they are not included in this review.
If you are short on a budget or you do not want to spend a ton of money on blinds, then I would highly recommend the Ameristep Doghouse or the AW Pop Up Tent. These products are under the $100 which is a bargain compared to some of the other blinds.
The two most expensive options are the Barronett Ox 5 and the Barronett Pentagon because of their sheer size and functionality. The two options mentioned can accommodate up to 4 people.
2. Let’s talk about the size
Some of you are like lone rangers for the fact that you like to hunt alone while some of you want to hunt in groups.
The blinds which foothold are between 55″ to 60″ in both length and width can take up to two people. The height of these blinds is on an average of 65″.
a) Smaller blinds
I would highly recommend the Ameristep Care Taker, Ameristep Doghouse, Guide Gear Silent Adrenaline, AW Pop Up Tent and the Primos The Club for if you would like to hunt alone or maybe with an additional friend.
b) Larger Blinds
The larger blinds are those that have a pentagon shape instead of the square shape. These blinds can offer up to 70% more space and can house up to 4-5 people at once.
On average the height is 74 inches, and the surface area of the foothold is 42 square inches.
For larger blinds, I would highly recommend the Barronett Ox 5 or the Barronett Pentagon.
3. What types of windows are there?
What use is a blind if you cannot effectively shoot your target?
These blinds come in 4 types of windows which include the standard, mesh panel, peek hole and the adjustable window.
a) Normal window
The standard window is a large open area located on each side of the blind. You can close most of the windows with the help of a zipper or velcro. Once the window is open, you can shoot at your target with ease.
The best blinds with the standard windows are the Ameristep Doghouse, AW Pop Up Tent, Tangkula Blind and the Guidesman.
b) Mesh panels
These are not windows, but see-through mesh panels that have the same function. These panels must be replaceable because you need to shoot through them with your broadhead arrow.
These panels allow for the blind to give you 100% concealment. These panels need to be replaced each hunting season which is the only con.
The blinds that offer these panels are the Ameristep Care Taker and Primos The Club,
c) Peek hole windows
These windows are tiny and best used for crossbows and maybe rifles. It is possible to use it with a compound bow, but then the target must be at close range.
Some people prefer these peek holes if the standard windows are too large or if they do not want to shoot through the mesh panels.
There are only two blinds that offer peek holes, and they include the Barronett Big Cat 350 and the Barronett Pentagon.
d) Adjustable windows
With this type of window, you can adjust the size of the opening or the position as well. This window allows you to horizontally align it to your desired height and also the size of the gap.
There is only one blind that has this type of window, and it is the Barronett Ox 5.
#1 Ameristep Care Taker
Best For: This product is best for the hunter that is willing to shoot through the replaceable mesh windows which will result in the best possible concealment.
If you would like a blind similar to the Barronett Big Cat 350 that is smaller and also cheaper, then you will love the Ameristep Care Taker. This blind is best suited for up to two people and weights 16 pounds. It is also the second Realtree blind in this review and also comes in the same color scheme as the Ameristep Doghouse which is Realtree Edge and Realtree Xtra.
It has a height of 66 inches, and the floor is 55×55 inches. It is waterproof as well. Another great thing about this blind is that it has three mesh windows on each side which result in a total of 12 windows. It is critical to note that there are no holes in the windows to shoot from your bow. The best way to use this blind is by shooting through the mesh windows. What makes up for this is that it is also easy to replace these windows so that you do not have to buy a brand new blind each time.This blind is also effortless to setup and use.
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#2 Ameristep Doghouse
Best For: Is ideal for those that want something that is functional and does not cost a lot of money.
If you want a small, lightweight and also functional popup blind, then I would highly recommend the Ameristep Doghouse. This product is also one of the least expensive options available anywhere online. This blind also comes in 2 color schemes which include Realtree Edge and Realtree Xtra. It has a hight of 78 inches, and the surface area of the floor is 60×60 inches.
The Ameristep Doghouse can accommodate up to 2 hunters and makes use of seven sippable windows that are also covered with mesh. This product comes in an easy to carry case and makes the use of spring steel allows. The edges of this blind are covered with 3D leaves which will help to break down the silhouette created by the frame. This blind can easily be used by compound and crossbow hunters alike.
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#3 Barronett Big Cat 350
Best For: This product can work great for crossbow hunters.
If size is a big deal to you, then you will love the Barronett Big Cat 350. This blind is 80 inches long, and the floor area is 70×70 inches. There is also an open space of 90 inches between the two side corners to give you the desired elbow room. This product comes in two colors which include Backwoods Camo and Blades Camo. There is also enough space for up to three hunters.
The setup process is also straightforward and takes less than a minute.What makes this blind so special is the windows. The six trapezoid windows are made out of transparent mesh that also have two peeking holes located inside these mesh windows for your rifle or bow.This blind is especially useful for rifle and crossbow hunter (because of the small peeking holes). The two small peeking holes can be a little bit of a challenge for compound bow hunters but not impossible to use.
The zipperless windows are also necessary for when you do not want to make a lot of noise. The framework consists of metal hubs which are also very durable and lightweight.
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#4 Guide Gear Silent Adrenaline
Best For: If you want a blind where the door can open fully and is of good quality, then this product is for you.
The Guide Gear Silent Adrenaline is the perfect blind for those that like to hunt alone. It can house up to two people at once and also has a carrying weight of 14.5 pounds. It has a height of 65 inches and stretches 75 inches from hub-to-hub. The footprint is 57 inches in length and width. This blind is also ideal for shooting in all directions.There are three windows located with only one door.
The door can easily be flipped open entirely for when you want an open position. The windows can easily be zipped open for breathability and when you suspect a buck to be close. The shell is made out of 150D polyester which is both heavy duty and contains its scent. The inside walls are colored black and also includes interior mesh pockets to put some of your gear. This blind is exceptionally easy to setup and comes in the color Woodland Camo.
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#5 AW Pop Up Tent
Best For: This blind is best for those that do not want to safe money.
The AW pop up tent is going to be the best alternative to the Ameristep Doghouse which is one of the least expensive options in this article. The AW blind is best used for up to two people and weighs around 12.5 pounds. The fabric is made out of 300D polyester fiber which is both waterproof and durable. It has four sides where one is designated to the door and the other three sides assigned to the windows.
The windows can be zipped open also makes use of velcro. When the blind is set, the height will be 68 inches with a length and width of both 60 inches. This blind also resembles the color autumn because of the dull brown colors. This blind comes with a carrying case and even two folding sticks used as the frame.
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#6 Primos The Club
Best For: If you did not like the Ameristep Care Taker option, then this is the best alternative.
The Primos The Club has the same structure as the Barronett Big Cat 350 and the Ameristep Care Taker. The size XL can accompany up to two people and has a carrying weight of 17 pounds. The height is 73 inches, and the floor is 58 inches wide and 58 inches long. The length from hub to hub is 77 inches. This product comes in color Mossy Oak Country camouflage and DuraMatte HD Fabric which is both lightweight and will blend into the surroundings.
On each side, you will find three shoot-through mesh window panels. These panels are also replaceable for when you already shot a couple of holes through it. The setup process also does not take that much time and is very easy to do. It is more expensive than the Ameristep Care Taker and is a very similar product.
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#7 Tangkula Blind
Best For: Best for those hunters that do not want to shoot through the mesh panels.
The Tangkula Blind has a very similar shape as the Barronett, Ameristep, and Primos. The main difference is that you do not need to shoot through the mesh panels. When it comes to size, this product is 65 inches high, 58 inches wide and also 58 inches long. It has three windows on each side that can be zipped open. The windows are positioned on a perfect hight where you can shoot from either a sitting, crouching and standing position.
This blind also can shelter up to three people max. This product can be used by both rifle and bow hunters alike. The price is also reasonable compared to some of the other products listed here. You will also get a carrying bag with the blind, and once the blind is removed, it can also be installed with ease. It works the same as most of the blinds in this review.
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#8 Barronett Ox 5
Best For: The Barronett Ox 5 is ideal for those that want a large blind with an adjustable window.
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If size is important to you, then you need to have a look at the Barronett Ox 5. This blind can house up to 4 people max and is also one of the biggest blinds in this article.It weighs 33 pounds and is also 72 inches long. This blind has five sides where the footprint is almost 42 square feet. The window will only span over three sides of the blind.
You can horizontally align the window to the desired height and also how large the gap will be. Now you are free to shoot at your target through this gap. You can adjust the windows silently so that you do not spook the deer while adjusting the opening. The stand also has branch holders on all sides which enables you to conceal the blind with branches further. The material used is also very durable and does not produce any glare from the sunlight.
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#9 Guidesman
Best For: This blind is best for people that like to hunt alone and wants something small and robust.
If you are after a smaller blind, then the Guidesman is for you. This blind can take up to two people and weight around 9.8 pounds which makes it easy to carry. This blind is also 65 inches high with a width of 60 inches and length of 60 inches (60″ W x 65″ H x 60″ L). It has one door with three large zippered windows.
You can also choose to shoot through the replaceable mesh screen instead of opening the windows. This blind is also extremely easy to setup and comes with backpack straps and a carrying case. This blind is made out of heavy-duty polyester which is robust and even water resistant.
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#10 Barronett Pentagon
Best For: It is ideal for those that yearn for functionality and space.
If you want to get your hands on a blind that has five sides which give 70% more volume, then you need to take a look at the Barronett Pentagon. This product can comfortably accommodate up to four people and maybe five, but then it will be a bit crowded. This blind is 72 inches high and weighs 20 pounds which makes it easier to carry.
The footprint offers 42 square inches in surface area. This material is made out of Polyurethane which is a lightweight and robust material.This blind makes the use of 9 large windows that will also include three smaller peek holes. The windows are covered with a replaceable mesh which enables you to shoot through it with broadhead arrows.
The windows are also low profile which makes it easier to shoot at animals from close-up range. The windows do not make use of any zippers or velcro which means it will be more silent when used. The framework is thicker which means it will be more durable and stronger. It is also effortless to set up this blind.
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Pop Up Blinds Comparison Table
| Product Name | Size | Weight | Price |
| 1. Ameristep Care Taker (Top Pick) | 2 ppl | 16 lb | $$ |
| 2. Ameristep Doghouse (Least Expensive) | 2 ppl | 12 lb | $ |
| 3. Barronett Big Cat 350 | 3 ppl | 19 lb | $$$ |
| 4. Guide Gear Silent Adrenaline | 2 ppl | 14.5 lb | $$ |
| 5. AW Pop Up Tent | 2 ppl | 12.5 lb | $ |
| 6. Primos The Club | 2 ppl | 17 lb | $$ |
| 7. Tangkula Blind | 3 ppl | 12 lb | $ |
| 8. Barronett Ox 5 (Best Adjustable Windows) | 4 ppl | 33 lb | $$$$ |
| 9. Guidesman | 2 ppl | 9.8 lb | $ |
| 10 Barronett Pentagon (Most Spacious Interior) | 4 ppl | 20 lb | $$$ |
Final Word
And there you have it folks. Hopefully, this guide on how to choose the best pop up blinds for bow hunting have made your life easier.
For just a short recap, I have gone over the price tags, different sizes, and type of windows available. I would like to hear your opinion.
What was your favorite pop up blind and why?
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These pop-up blinds look GREAT!! I don’t know if it’s ethical to use in hunting, but they definitely come in handy!!
They can also be used as tents for camping during un windy weathers. They provide great blinds and camouflage!! Probably what every bowhunter needs. The Ameristep Caretaker has 12 WINDOWS and that’s a magnificent amount to have..
I guess you can use them for camping as well. You would only need to provide your flooring as these blinds do not have floors.
Love the products you listed, as I have a few friends who swear by pop up blinds. I understand for many price is a deterrent, but in the case of these pop up tents, don’t be scared of the price- the value outweighs it. Many make the mistake of buying cheap- you want a 3-4 season pop up tent that can withstand the hot summers or warm winters and still be durable enough for whatever mother nature throws your way. My pick- Barronett Big Cat 350- 3 people room allows you more movement for those quicker animals!
The Barronett Big Cat 350 is an excellent option with a lot of space even if you love to hunt alone.