Let’s Dive into Avery Outdoors Real Grass
The Avery Outdoors Real Grass is designed as an easy-to-use solution for camouflaging hunting blinds, boats, and other outdoor setups. Avery Outdoors, known for its commitment to quality and innovation in hunting gear, offers this product to help hunters and outdoor enthusiasts seamlessly blend into their surroundings. I’ve seen too many hunts blown by inadequate concealment, and I was eager to test if this “real grass” could actually make a difference.
My quest for better concealment stemmed from several frustrating duck hunts where my boat blind stuck out like a sore thumb. The local vegetation never seemed to match commercially available camouflage netting, leaving me and my hunting buddies exposed. The promise of a customizable, natural-looking solution prompted me to try the Avery Outdoors Real Grass.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the sheer volume of material; four 4′ x 4′ mats seemed like a lot, but I knew my boat blind would need significant coverage. The slow-dried palm leaves had a natural, earthy scent, and the double-woven/double-knotted weave felt robust and well-constructed. Initial impressions suggested this product was a step above flimsy, single-use camouflage options.
I considered several competing products, including synthetic camouflage netting and other grass-like mats from different manufacturers. I chose the Avery Outdoors Real Grass primarily for its promise of realism and durability. The ability to paint the grass to match my specific environment was a significant factor. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; the quality seemed good, but the real test would be in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Avery Outdoors Real Grass to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Avery Outdoors Real Grass took place on a late-season duck hunt on a brackish tidal marsh. I used the mats to completely cover my 14-foot jon boat blind, weaving the edges into existing vegetation along the shoreline. The weather was cold and damp, with a persistent drizzle threatening to soak through everything.
The grass mats performed remarkably well in the challenging conditions. The natural texture and color provided excellent concealment, and the birds didn’t seem to notice the boat blind, even at close range. It was easy to cut the grass mats to fit the contours of my blind, resulting in a custom, seamless look. The first hunt was a success, both in terms of harvest and confirming the grass mats’ camouflage capabilities.
The Avery Outdoors Real Grass was surprisingly easy to work with. I didn’t need any specialized tools, just a pair of heavy-duty scissors and some zip ties to secure the mats to the blind frame. There were no major issues, though I did find a few loose palm leaves that needed trimming before use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Avery Outdoors Real Grass has held up remarkably well. Despite exposure to sun, rain, and the occasional saltwater spray, the mats show minimal signs of wear and tear. The double-woven construction has prevented unraveling, a common problem with cheaper camouflage materials.
The grass mats have proven to be quite durable. I have noticed some fading of the color in areas exposed to direct sunlight, but this actually enhances the natural look. Regular brushing to remove debris is the only maintenance I’ve performed. The ability to paint the grass has allowed me to refresh the color and further customize the camouflage to match changing environmental conditions.
Compared to my previous experiences with synthetic camouflage netting, the Avery Outdoors Real Grass is a significant upgrade. The natural appearance and durability are unmatched. The Avery Outdoors Real Grass has far exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Avery Outdoors Real Grass
Specifications
The Avery Outdoors Real Grass comes in the following specifications:
- Dimensions: Each package contains four 4′ x 4′ grass mats, providing a total coverage area of 64 square feet. This generous size allows for ample customization and coverage for various blind types.
- Material: The mats are constructed from slow-dried palm leaves, which contribute to their realistic appearance and long lifespan. The slow-drying process helps prevent premature decay and maintains the natural texture of the leaves.
- Weave: Avery Outdoors utilizes an exclusive double-woven/double-knotted weave that prevents unraveling. This robust construction ensures the grass mats can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
- Customization: The grass mats can be easily cut to fit specific blind dimensions or shapes. This feature allows for a truly custom camouflage solution.
- Paintable: The palm leaves can be painted to blend with specific natural surroundings. This customization option allows you to adapt your camouflage to changing seasonal conditions or different hunting locations.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the product’s effectiveness and longevity. The size offers flexibility, the material provides realism, the weave ensures durability, and the customization options guarantee a tailored camouflage solution.
Performance & Functionality
The Avery Outdoors Real Grass excels at its primary function: providing effective camouflage. The natural appearance of the palm leaves seamlessly blends into various environments, from marshes and fields to wooded areas. The mats are lightweight and easy to handle, making setup and takedown a breeze.
The product’s strength lies in its realism and ease of customization. While initial color matching might require some effort, the ability to paint the grass to perfectly match the surroundings is a game-changer. Some users might find the initial bulkiness of the mats a challenge, but this is easily addressed by cutting and shaping them to fit specific needs.
The Avery Outdoors Real Grass has surpassed my expectations in terms of both camouflage effectiveness and durability. Its performance in the field has been consistently impressive.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Avery Outdoors Real Grass is simple yet effective. The natural texture and color of the palm leaves provide excellent visual cover. The mats are lightweight and easy to manipulate, making them comfortable to work with during setup.
The product is inherently user-friendly, requiring minimal technical knowledge or specialized skills. The ability to cut and shape the mats to fit specific blind designs adds to its versatility. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Avery Outdoors Real Grass is designed for long-term use. The slow-dried palm leaves and double-woven construction contribute to its overall durability. The mats are resistant to tearing and unraveling, even in harsh weather conditions.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular brushing to remove debris is generally sufficient. Painting can be used to refresh the color or further customize the camouflage. With proper care, the Avery Outdoors Real Grass should last for several seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Avery Outdoors Real Grass does not come with specific accessories, as its primary function is to provide camouflage. However, it is highly compatible with various existing blind systems and attachment methods. Zip ties, bungee cords, and hog rings can be used to secure the mats to blind frames.
The most significant customization option is the ability to paint the palm leaves. This allows users to match the camouflage to their specific environment. The Avery Outdoors Real Grass is compatible with a wide range of paints designed for outdoor use.
Pros and Cons of Avery Outdoors Real Grass
Pros
- Excellent Camouflage: The natural appearance of the palm leaves provides highly effective concealment.
- Durable Construction: The double-woven/double-knotted weave prevents unraveling and ensures long-term use.
- Customizable: The mats can be easily cut and shaped to fit specific blind designs.
- Paintable: The palm leaves can be painted to match specific environments.
- Easy to Use: Setup and takedown are simple and straightforward.
Cons
- Initial Bulk: The mats can be bulky to transport before cutting and shaping.
- Color Fading: Direct sunlight can cause some color fading over time (although this often enhances the natural look).
Who Should Buy Avery Outdoors Real Grass?
The Avery Outdoors Real Grass is perfect for hunters, particularly waterfowl and deer hunters, who require effective and customizable camouflage for their blinds. It’s also well-suited for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking to blend into their surroundings. Anyone needing realistic, durable concealment will benefit.
This product might not be ideal for those seeking a completely maintenance-free camouflage solution. While maintenance is minimal, it does require occasional brushing and potential repainting. Also, if ultimate portability and lightweight are critical and camouflage is secondary, then this may not be the ideal choice due to size.
A must-have accessory is a good pair of heavy-duty scissors for cutting and shaping the mats. Camouflage paint is also essential for matching the grass to specific environments.
Conclusion on Avery Outdoors Real Grass
The Avery Outdoors Real Grass is a highly effective and durable camouflage solution that offers exceptional value for the price of $89.99. Its realistic appearance, customizable design, and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment for any serious hunter or outdoor enthusiast. The Avery Outdoors Real Grass has proven itself a critical asset in my hunting arsenal.
The price is justified by the product’s performance, durability, and the increased success it brings in the field. Cheaper camouflage options often fall short in terms of realism and longevity, making the Avery Outdoors Real Grass a superior choice. The Avery Outdoors Real Grass is an investment in success.
I would highly recommend the Avery Outdoors Real Grass to anyone seeking a realistic, durable, and customizable camouflage solution. Don’t let your next hunt be compromised by inadequate concealment; invest in Avery Outdoors Real Grass and experience the difference.