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Hunting Supplies Accessories

Best Layout Blinds for Hunters in 2024 Ranked & Reviewed

Any avid goose hunter knows how important it is to conceal themselves for a good score. We believe a quality layout blind has the same importance to your hunt just like your shotgun or decoys.

But it’s not easy to find top-of-the-line layout blinds with all the essential features for a successful hunt, such as a lightweight and compact frame, a comfortable backrest, a good camo pattern, loops on the outside, and more.

The RangerExpert team shortlisted today’s best layout blinds and reviewed each model to see how well they performed in actual hunting scenarios. Here comes our findings for you!

Best Layout Blinds for Waterfowl Hunting We Reviewed

1 ALPS OutdoorZ Delta Waterfowl Zero-Gravity Layout Blind

ALPS OutdoorZ Delta Waterfowl Zero-Gravity Layout Blind

The low profile Delta layout outdoor blind is your perfect ally for all your waterfowl hunting trips. Lightweight, sturdy, and incredibly resistant to tearing and piercing, the series of pockets on the fabric that you can fill with stealth grass to make you one with nature.

The interior of the blind is warm and comfortable, keeping you protected in the coldest days. You get a padded headrest. The seat is low profile, soft and extra cushioned. That way you have a better support when shooting at a flying prey.

Its zero-gravity design keeps your body separated from the ground. This is so useful when you need to remain several hours inside the blind and the ground is cold and humid. In such conditions, you could suffer from hypothermia without the required protection. This blind has a floorless design, which makes it easier to install.

Unlike most blinds on the market, this one is incredibly lightweight. It’s foldable and you can carry it with you everywhere. There are shoulder straps attached to the fabric that let you use your hunting blind as a backpack.

It is super easy to assemble. You won’t need metal pins, screws or nuts to put the metal tubes together. That’s another positive point of this practical hunting blind. Most blinds on the market require previous assembly, which takes too much time and energy.

Once installed, you just have to get inside the hunting blind and relax. You can take a nap if you start feeling tired. Wild ducks will never detect your presence. That way, you can take more time to aim and make a perfect shot.

Specifications

  • Low profile
  • Zero-gravity chair
  • No assembly required
  • Camouflage pattern
  • With shoulder straps for easy carriage

Pros

  • Durable and resistant
  • Easy to install
  • Waterproof
  • Keeps you protected in cold environments
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to carry

Cons

  • The fabric may tear with pointy rocks
  • Not so great for abrasive environments

Our Verdict

ALPS OutdoorZ Delta Waterfowl Zero-Gravity blind is by far our number-one recommendation. It’s easy to install and the whole process won’t take more than 5 minutes. It’s super comfortable, preventing pain on your neck and back after many hours of use. Best of all, it’s incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and 100% waterproof.

2 ALPS OutdoorZ Legend Layout Blind

ALPS OutdoorZ Legend Layout Blind

ALPS OutdoorZ Legend layout blind is designed to provide maximum comfort and protection. Its zero-gravity chair prevents pressure points on your back and neck.

The chair has an extra-padded headrest so you can aim at a high pointy without collateral pain. This hunting blind has a waterproof floor that keeps you and your hunting gear always protected.

This blind has a low profile so birds cannot detect you when hunting on flat ground. The installation process is a breeze because no assembly is needed – just put the blind on the ground, then cover with stealth grass and you’re ready for hunting. It has a storage area where you can put your hunting gear.

ALPS OutdoorZ Legend layout blind is foldable, lightweight and easy to carry. Once folded, you can carry it like a backpack without effort. That way, you can move quickly if your game suddenly moves to another location; which is not possible with a ground blind.

The fabric has a camouflage design that makes you imperceptible in the hunting ground. Your game will never know you’re there.

This blind is our runner-up choice for many reasons. First of all, if provides a higher comfort level than most hunting blinds on the market. Second, it has a floor. This is so important when you’re hunting on humid areas and your hunting clothes aren’t 100% waterproof. For this reason, this blind could be quite useful for waterfowl hunting.

Another aspect that we like about this blind is the high quality of its materials. The fabric is thick and strong to protect you from extreme weather conditions. The inside of the blind remains fresh under high heat and warm under extreme cold.

This blind has stubble straps all over its surface, where you can put stealth grass. These straps prevent the wind takes off the stealth grass and leave you exposed to your preys.

Specifications

  • Low profile
  • Camouflage skin
  • Zero-gravity chair
  • Waterproof tarpaulin floor
  • No assembly required
  • With shoulder straps for easy carriage

Pros

  • Durable and resistant
  • Made of top quality materials
  • Easy to install
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to carry
  • Easy to store

Cons

  • Not enough room between the user’s face and the mesh
  • The mesh may tear easily

Our Verdict

If you find most hunting blinds uncomfortable, you won’t have complaints about this one. This blind is cozy, waterproof and cushioned. It keeps you protected from water, which makes it quite convenient for waterfowl hunting.

3 Guide Gear Waterfowl Layout Hunting Blind, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass

Guide Gear Waterfowl Layout Hunting Blind, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass

This hunting blind is 100% waterproof, so you can use it with total confidence in humid areas or near water bodies. This is an excellent layout blind for duck hunting, especially if you spend a lot of time exposed to water. The PVC floor prevents mud adherence, making it easy to wash.

The inner structure of the blind is made of steel tubes, providing a more stable support for the chair. The external cover is made of polyester, reinforced with double stitching on high-stress areas.

The seat is super comfortable, padded on pressure points so you can use the blind for hours without feeling pain.

The polyester fabric has a camouflage pattern and almost 100 stubble straps. You can put as much stealth grass as you need to disguise your current location.

Ducks and other waterfowls will never notice your presence. So, they won’t have fear to get closer to you. The closer they get the higher your chances of success.

One of the best cheap layout blinds out there, our most favorite feature is its compact size, which makes it easier to carry and store. Once folded, you can store it in a small space. So, if you don’t have too much space in your car for your hunting gear, you should choose something compact like this.

Specifications

  • Stainless steel structure
  • Polyester fabric cover
  • PVC floor
  • Double stitching on high-stress areas
  • Camouflage skin

Pros

  • Durable and resistant
  • 100% Waterproof
  • Foldable
  • Easy to carry
  • Easy to store
  • Compact

Cons

  • The doors of the hunting blind tend to get stuck
  • The polyester fabric may tear with sharp objects

Our Verdict

If most hunting blinds on the market are too big for you, this could be what you’re looking for. Featuring a sturdy steel structure that doesn’t deform with excessive load, the heavy user will never hurt this beauty.

4 ALPS OutdoorZ Zero-Gravity Layout Blind

ALPS OutdoorZ Zero-Gravity Layout Blind

Here comes another best layout blind from Alps OutdoorZ that’s a waterfowl hunter’s delight. Comfort is a big factor when you’re lying flat on your back peering through the screen watching geese approach.

The Zero-Gravity does shine in the comfort department, which means you can enjoy the thrill of the chase sitting in the most comfortable layout blind out there.

There are three styles – tan, Mossy Oak shadow grass habitat, and Realtree Max-5. The camo patterns make for a nice base to conceal the blind from in the field. Like any other effective blind, it features loops so you can stubble it with the natural vegetation around your hunting spot.

The most amazing part is the flare sides that give you more room to store your gear and other essentials. It’s so easy to set up without requiring any assembly.

The sturdy chair is put together well and there’s no strap or bar to fight with. The doors rest on you when closed though some complained that they found them a little tight.

The only downside is that it has no floor that makes it unusable in muddy and swamp areas. But that’s a boon for some since you won’t have to deal with mud and debris after the hunt.

Specifications

  • Flared Dimensions (L x W): 9’10” x 7’5”
  • Folded Dimensions (L x W x H): 43” x 26” x 8”
  • Camo Pattern: Yes
  • Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 23.5 pound

Pros

  • Super comfy
  • Great for big guys
  • Enough storage room
  • Easy to fold up
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • No floor that makes it unusable for swamp areas

Our Verdict

The Zero Gravity Layout Blind really is the most comfortable blind to hunt out of. Anybody who has sat on it wants to own it for good reason. Give it a try and you will see the difference for sure in no time!

5 Final Approach Knockout Layout Blind in Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Habitat

Final Approach Knockout Layout Blind in Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Habitat

The Knockout Layout Blind is rich in amazing features – fast setup & takedown, flag locker, flag hole, back mesh, quick cleanout door, water-resistant backing, and optimum comfort.

This is another great choice for those who prefer large waterfowl layout blinds. In short, it has all of the features that separate a good layout blind from a mediocre one.

A new-designed hinged frame makes the set up and take down process really quick. There are headrest bars and take down bars for added stability and durability.

The FA “KO” also comes with Original Stubble Straps that help add that much-desired extra hide while the original flagging holes allow you to reach your arm outside the blind fast without having to open the top.

The Mossy Oak Habitat does well in the camo department. But if you think the high profile makes it hard to conceal, you should not raise its side support bars. We believe this will help you reduce the profile to some extent.

Hunters with a short stature may find this blind too big and spacious than what they really need.

Specifications

  • Weight: 10 pounds
  • Dimensions (W x L x H): 40” x 85” x 18”
  • Camo Pattern: Yes
  • Water resistant: Yes

Pros

  • Quick set up & take down
  • Optimum comfort
  • Quality build
  • Durable fabric

Cons

  • Not suitable for small users

Our Verdict

All of our shortlisted choices are great and this is no exception. If your passion for duck hunting has turned into an obsession, you should definitely give the Final Approach Knockout a try.

Layout & Lay Down Blinds Buying Guide

Layout Blind Buying Guide

Camo pattern

First of all, make sure the camouflage pattern of your blind blends well with the hunting ground. In this case, contrast is your worst enemy.

If you don’t know exactly which camo pattern to choose, you can take some pictures of the environment. Make sure the colors of the pictures are as accurate as possible.

Then compare the colors and textures on the photos with the ones on the camo pattern. Finally, choose the pattern that best combines with the photos.

Materials

The fabric that covers the blind should be thick and resistant to tearing and piercing. In addition, it should be 100% waterproof. In this case, synthetic materials, like nylon and polyester make for the best layout blinds.

Additionally, there should be some air entrances on the fabric so you can breathe better and CO2 can escape. Air entrances will keep you fresh if temperature increases. In case of rain, there should be a way to seal those entrances so water can’t enter.

The mesh portion that covers your face should give you a 360-degree view of the panorama. Make sure the mesh has reflective properties so UV rays don’t overheat the material. That’s why it isn’t recommended to choose hunting blinds with black mesh.

Some materials are sprayed with scent killers that disguise sweat odor. These materials may be quite useful for deer hunting. These animals are particularly sensible to human scents.

Closure system

The closure system you choose should completely seal the blind so water and plagues don’t enter. Zippers and Velcro straps may be a good choice. However, they have a big con – they may generate loud noises that may alert your prey.

If you don’t want to take risk, always opt for magnetic fasteners because they automatically seal doors and windows with a quick movement. Best of all, they’re so silent that they are considered the best layout blind for goose hunting.

Size

Choosing a big and spacious hunting blind isn’t always a good choice. The bigger the size, the more visible you are.

Pick a blind that only extends a few inches beyond your shoulders. However, compact models may get too hot when exposed to sunlight. In that case, take a small fan with you to improve ventilation.

On the other hand, big hunting blinds are useful during winter. In that case, you’ll need extra room to install air heaters.

Portability

Easy portability is a must and the external fabric shouldn’t be too thick or too stiff. The blind should be lightweight so you can easily lift it with a single hand.

Check to see if the blind has shoulder straps so you can carry it as a backpack. That way, you can easily change your position in case your prey escapes.

After being folded, the blind shouldn’t take up too much space and there should be sufficient air entrances so air bubbles don’t form and hinder the folding process.

Structure

Most hunting blinds have structures made of frames or springs that makes them stiffer and more resistant to provide enough support for the blind chair and for improved stability.

Frame structures prevent collapse in case the blind ends up covered with snow. However, they have a big con. They make your blind heavier and less portable.

Look for stainless steel but if weight is a big concern for you, you can choose aluminum frames. On the other hand, spring structures are lighter and more flexible but may be too flimsy and collapse so easily.

Floor vs no-floor

Some hunting blinds have floors and others don’t. Blinds with floors are 100% waterproof, which makes them suitable for humid environments. In you intend to use your blind for waterfowl hunting, make sure it has a floor.

Floorless blinds are lighter and easier to fold. You can use them as long as the ground is dry and the weather is good. In case of rain or snow, these blinds may cause you serious troubles.

Using floorless blinds isn’t a good idea if the ground is plagued with ants and other insects. You’ll end up full of bug bites at the end of the day.

Field Blinds: Uses & Safety Tips

Layout blinds are commonly used for waterfowl hunting. However, you can use them in any situation where protection and camouflage are a priority. These structures can help conceal your body and your hunting gear so animals can’t detect you. They can also help disguise your smell with scent killers.

Most hunting blinds are waterproof to help keep you dry in the middle of a storm. The external fabric works as thermal insulation, keeping a stable and comfortable temperature inside the blind.

Using layout blinds has serious risks, especially when there are other hunters near you. For that reason, it’s convenient to obey these basic safety rules:

  • Never shoot over the heads of other hunters and always keep the barrels pointing forward
  • Make sure all the guns are unloaded before walking out in front of other hunters
  • Always keep the safeties on when you’re inside the hunting blind. That way, you’ll prevent accidental shots
  • Put your gun on the gun rest of the hunting blind while not in use
  • Keep your dogs out of your hunting blind, especially if there are guns inside. In that case, prepare an additional blind for your dogs

Waterfowl Blinds: Care & Maintenance

  • Use a brush to remove any dirt residue from the surface. You can detach the fabric cover and put it in the washer machine to eliminate stubborn stains
  • If the fabric gets wet, leave it air dry before folding it. If you fold it while it’s still wet, mold and mildew may grow on the surface
  • Keep away your hunting blind from sharp objects and abrasive surfaces. Small and pointy rocks may easily pierce the fabric
  • Spray the fabric with scent killers to eliminate any odor. Deer and other animals can easily detect human scents
  • Wash your hunting blind with unscented soap. The smell of detergents may reveal your location

FAQs

1. Are layout blinds available in different sizes?

Ans. Yes. Layout blinds are available in a wide variety of sizes and models.

2. What’s the right procedure for shooting from a layout blind?

Ans. Always keep the safeties on while you’re inside the blind. Then, open the doors of the blind and shoot when you’re prepared.

3. Do layout blinds bring comfort?

Ans. Yes. Some layout blinds have cushioned seats to provide a stable support for your back and reduce pressure points.

4. Are layout blinds easy to install?

Ans. Yes, most of them don’t require previous assembly. The whole installation process doesn’t take more than 5 minutes.

5. Are layout blinds portable?

Ans. Yes. They usually have shoulder straps so you can take them with your everywhere.

6. Are layout blinds completely waterproof?

Ans. Not all of them. Usually, the best goose blinds that have floors are 100% waterproof. On the other hand, floorless blinds are only water-resistant but not waterproof.

7. Is it easy to get out from a layout blind?

Ans. Since layout blinds are designed to be low-profile and compact, it may be a bit challenging to get out of them quickly. But most layout blinds have a quick-release mechanism that allows you to quickly exit in case of an emergency.

8. How much stealth grass should I use on my layout blind?

Ans. As much as needed to completely cover the fabric of the blind. Based on experience, we would say it’s 5 lbs to 8 lbs on average.

9. Are layout blinds easy to store?

Ans. Yes, most of them are foldable and considerably reduce their size after being folded. That way, you can store them in small spaces without trouble.

About the author

Marc Niad

It’s been several years that Marc, a retired teacher and a proud dad, has silently been piling up mature bucks down the South. This humble hunter began his hunting journey at quite an early age and since then, he spent countless hours in the woods and learned good lessons in terms of woodsmanship. Along the way, he also made money sharing his skill with his followers and well-wishers.

The Ranger Expert is the brainchild of this veteran hunter who loves hunting the swamps and the hills around the Mississippi and Homochitto rivers. His most favorite hunting technique is taking his climbing gear and going to the top of pines with a 25.06 – the old-fashioned way!

He gets most of his games during late December through mid-January – his favorite hunting time. Marc strongly believes that hard work, passion, and a bit of luck can bring you success in the wild.

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