First Look: Down & Out Panel Blind

by
posted on January 6, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
down-and-out-blind-main.jpg
Ground blinds offer arguably the highest level of concealment possible when hunting eye-level with your quarry, but setup and teardown can be quite the hassle, particularly if your favorite spot is miles from you truck or camp. Hawk is looking to make this process a thing of the past, with the Down & Out XL ground blind. With its patented BlindFold technology, not only can this blind be set up in less than five minutes and torn down in one, it is built to withstand snow and harsh weather, meaning it can be left in place all season.

Dimensioning out at 96-inches in diameter and 78-inches tall at its peak, the Down & Out XL draws its weatherproofing from the 600-denier No-Shine Cordura fabric that makes up each of its six foldable panels. Each panel is secured to a powder-coated aluminum frame, and five of them include a 13X25" vertical window, and a 23X14" horizontal window with built-in gun rails to accommodate 360-degree shooting with vertical bows, crossbows and guns. All windows are additionally comprised of an inside fabric with a silent elastic cord/clip system, and outer camouflage shoot-through mesh windows with quiet magnetic closures. The door panel is also sealed magnetically, measuring 48x60" for easy access and wheelchair accessibility. 

The entire assembly can be constructed without tools (to include the roof struts, which are hefty enough to support a load of snow). All-steel stakes bind the structure to the ground, though the blind is compatible with Muddy Deluxe 5- and 10-ft towers for elevated use. The blind is additionally compatible with the Down & Out Custom Accessory Hanger, so gear can be kept off the floor. 

The blind's total weight is around 81 pounds, all of which can be packed up and carried in the included case. For more information, please visit downandoutblinds.com

Latest

W H2026 05 Gear Screenshot 2026 01 14 At 3 Garmin Rangefinder
W H2026 05 Gear Screenshot 2026 01 14 At 3 Garmin Rangefinder

Gear Roundup: Tech Savvy Hunting

Looking for the latest in high-tech shooting and hunting gear? Look no further, for some of the most cutting-edge equipment sure to make your next range or field session a breeze.

Updated for 2026: Taurus Judge

It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since Taurus launched its now legendary Judge revolver, which quickly became ubiquitous at hunting camps nationwide. Now, two decades later, the legend returns with upgraded looks and updated features.

#SundayGunday: TNW Firearms ASR LTE

Welcome back, to #SundayGunday. This week, we’re checking out a 9mm, which is not something we do very often is this series, focused as it is on hunters and hunting guns. The TNW Firearms Aero Survival Rifle LTE, however, is not your standard 9mm. While it may not quite be a bonafide hunting rifle, this is a gun designed specifically for those who spend their lives deep in the great outdoors.

Oregon Petition to Ban All Hunting Moves Forward

Animal-rights activists in Oregon have surpassed the required 117,000 signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot by submitting more than 126,000 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office in support of Initiative Petition 28 (the PEACE Act), which would ban all hunting and fishing in the state—not to mention ranching and so much more.

First Look: 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak

Looking to upgrade the ballistic performance of your 6.5 Creedmoor rifle? Federal just released a game-changing cartridge—the 6.5 Creedmoor+Peak—that does just that. And the best part is, there is no new rifle required.

Spring Bear Tactics: Why Late is Great!

Looking for tips to nab a late spring bear? Follow along with some tips from Scott Haugen.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.