Layout blind is basically unbearable

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birdman86

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Bought a cabelas shadow free layout blind. Got it all set up then crawled in to try it out, and the thing is basically unbearable. I've had a tight back for a long time but this is the first time its affected me - there's a bar that sits at the bottom of the door frame, right above the knees, and it prevents me from bending my legs at all and that leads to major pain basically all along my body. Stuffing a pillow under my back helped a bit but not likely enough to tolerate the thing for a full morning, and I don't really want to pack a pillow along if I don't have to either. The only way I truly got comfortable was to sit half out of the blind, arms/shoulders resting on top of the frame.

Are all layout blinds like this, or do they make any that give you room to sit with bent knees? Not too late to return this one.
 
I found the Shadow free to be not bad. I don't notice the bar hitting me in the back. You sure you got the canvas material tight enough so its sitting off the bottom portion?

I have 3 cabelas northern flight blinds, Shadow free, Elite and another cheaper one and I can sit in either one all day long.
 
Yeah, its not under my back thats the problem, its the black bar that sits above the knees/thighs (gun rest I think they call it), it prevents me from lifting my knees at all and thats the problem - can't lift knees, back has to lay flat, agony ensues..
 
A “shadow-free” layout blind would by definition mean it is low profile and so it’s not surprising you cannot lay in it with your knees bent. There are larger, roomier layout blinds available - sounds like you need one of those.
 
The Shadow free is less than ideal as far as comfort goes I'm a younger guy so I can stand to sacrifice a bit of comfort for less brushing in. If I were looking for comfort I'd be looking at a tanglefree landing zone.
 
Yotarunner said:
The Shadow free is less than ideal as far as comfort goes I'm a younger guy so I can stand to sacrifice a bit of comfort for less brushing in. If I were looking for comfort I'd be looking at a tanglefree landing zone.
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Honestly the only reason I got this one was because it was on sale at Cabelas... does anywhere in Calgary carry the tanglefree stuff? Gonna take some pillows and go give the blind one more try downstairs but if its still a slog I'll be sending it back.
 
There is no great lay out blind at 6 5" I have not found one. Some are better than others but imho none are great .Have been hunting In saskatchewan for last 6 years and they have the latest greatest, so still not that good. My son asked why all the handles on the doors on the right side are ripped off ,cuz old lazy fat guys use them as leverage to help them sit up. Don't have any advice, but maybe u could mod one to fit as you like ,have seen that before on punts. Grin and bare it not saying its nice but sometimes that's all you can do good luck ..
 
what about an Avery "power hunter"? I have one and there are no bars or doors. Its like a sleeping bag from your upper chest down to your feet.
 
Yotarunner said:
The Shadow free is less than ideal as far as comfort goes I'm a younger guy so I can stand to sacrifice a bit of comfort for less brushing in. If I were looking for comfort I'd be looking at a tanglefree landing zone.
Click to expand...

I've been using a shadow free blind for 5 years now and I have to agree. I love the blind and it doesn't bother me too much yet, but its not built for comfort. THere is far roomier blinds.
 
I have an Avery Power Hunter - flip over hood doesn't make it quicker to get up.
Layout blinds are not very friendly for old guys and bad backs.
 
My hunting buddy is an old fart. He upgraded to a bigger one that is taller. I don't know what model but he swears it is easier to shoot out of.
Personally, I think that he is still slow getting up to shoot , but at least now the birds are still in range.
My son is the "blind Nazi" and makes sure it is well brushed in because it is almost a foot higher.
It is more comfortable to lay/sit in.
 
The body of the Avery Power Hunter has no stiffening tubes, low profile, but if you wiggle much it sheds some stubble.
It is handy for packing in, with backpack straps.
It is not a big guy blind. I am 5 foot 10 inches, and 165 pounds. There's no extra room.
 
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