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Greenhouse kits by type

Hoop House, High Tunnel & Caterpillar Tunnel Kits

The best hoop house kits for backyards and small farms: 10x12 hobby tunnels, NRCS-ready high tunnels, caterpillar and low tunnels, with film and snow facts.

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Quick answer

For a backyard hoop house, the Bootstrap Farmer 10x12 Hobby kit gives you 120 sq ft of walk-in growing space with 6 mil, 4-year film, for about what a name-brand 6x8 polycarbonate kit like the Palram Mythos costs. Need it longer? The 10 ft Essential Round runs up to 32 ft. Small farms chasing NRCS cost-share should look at the 14 or 20 ft Essential Round High Tunnel, or a gothic kit where snow is heavy. For season extension over a bed, a low tunnel costs less than a bag of fertilizer.

  1. 1
    Best backyard hoop houseBootstrap Farmer 10x12 Hobby Hoop House

    Backyard hoop house that fits typical 120 sq ft HOA/accessory-structure limits.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $650typical, Oct 2026
  2. 2
    Best longer backyard tunnelBootstrap Farmer 10' Essential High Tunnel

    Longer backyard hoop house without freight shipping.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $848–$1,475typical, Oct 2026
  3. 3
    Best budget DIY kitBootstrap Farmer DIY 10' Hoop House

    Cheapest entry to a real hoop house if you can source pipe locally.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $496–$1,260typical, Oct 2026
  4. 4
    Best for snowBootstrap Farmer DIY Gothic Greenhouse

    Snow-belt growers who want a gothic arch without paying for shipped steel.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $936–$2,200typical, Oct 2026
  5. 5
    Best NRCS high tunnelBootstrap Farmer Essential High Tunnel (14'/20')

    NRCS-eligible high tunnel on a budget for small farms.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $2,240–$6,400typical, Oct 2026
  6. 6
    Best caterpillar tunnelBootstrap Farmer All-Metal Caterpillar Tunnel

    Market growers who want a caterpillar tunnel tougher than rebar-pinned kits.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $2,778–$8,100typical, Oct 2026
  7. 7
    Best low tunnelBootstrap Farmer DIY Low Tunnel

    Movable low tunnel you can switch from plastic in spring to shade cloth in summer.

    No published wind or snow rating
    $36–$70typical, Oct 2026

A hoop house is the cheapest way to put a roof over real growing space. The trade-off is that film wears out, round bows hold snow, and the headline kit price rarely includes everything. These picks come from manufacturer catalogs, extension-service engineering guides (UConn, UVM, University of Arkansas) and published specs. We have not built these tunnels ourselves.

Hoop house, high tunnel, caterpillar tunnel or low tunnel?

The names overlap, so decide by job first:

TypeTypical sizeWalk in?Best forMain catch
Backyard hoop house10 ft wide, 12-32 ft longYesHome gardeners who want in-ground beds under coverNeeds anchors, base boards and a door you build
High tunnel14-20+ ft wide, 20-100 ft longYes, tractor-height on bigger kitsMarket gardens and homesteads; NRCS cost-shareFreight, height rules, serious snow and wind engineering
Caterpillar tunnel14-20 ft wideYesFast, movable cover for crop rotationPinned to the soil, less rigid than post-and-baseboard tunnels
Low tunnelAbout 4 ft wide and tall, any lengthNoFrost protection over a single bedYou lift the cover to harvest or vent

If you want rigid panels, a lockable door and a structure that looks like a "greenhouse", start with our walk-in greenhouse kits or polycarbonate greenhouse kits instead. If you just want a few degrees over one bed, a cold frame may be enough.

The best hoop house kits

Best backyard hoop house

Bootstrap Farmer 10x12 Hobby Hoop House

4-yr warranty
$650typical, Oct 2026

This is the hoop house most backyard growers should start with. Three pre-bent 1 3/8 in galvanized hoops, a ridge pole, 36 in ground stakes and 6 mil film with a 4-year rating give you 120 sq ft that you can walk into. That size also matters: many towns exempt small accessory structures from permits up to a set floor area, often 120 sq ft. It ships in boxes, not by freight. The two homesteader quotes on Bootstrap Farmer's page are testimonials the seller picked, so treat them as such.

Why it stands out

  • Fits a typical suburban lot and many permit-exempt size limits
  • Ships in boxes without freight
  • Same 6 mil, 4-year film as the farm tunnels

Watch out for

  • No door included: buy the scissor door or end-wall frame kit, or build one
  • Baseboards and hipboards come from your local lumber yard
  • Bootstrap Farmer's own FAQ says snowy or windy sites need extra anchoring or snow removal
Full specs
Sizes
10 x 12 (120 sq ft)
Footprint
10 x 12
Peak height
7.9 ft
Frame
1 3/8 in galvanized steel, 3 pre-bent hoops plus ridge pole
Cover
6 mil greenhouse plastic, 4-year rating
Door
Not included (scissor door or end-wall door frame kit sold separately)
Warranty
Plastic: 4-year rating

Specs from bootstrapfarmer.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best longer backyard tunnel

Bootstrap Farmer 10' Essential High Tunnel

4-yr warranty
$848–$1,475typical, Oct 2026

Same 10 ft width and 1 3/8 in galvanized hoops on 4 ft bow spacing, but you can go from 12 ft up to 32 ft long. Bootstrap Farmer quotes nearly 8 1/2 ft of working height. At 16-20 ft long, it gives a serious home grower room for rows of tomatoes and a winter salad bed without stepping up to a 14 ft farm tunnel.

Why it stands out

  • Lengths from 12 to 32 ft on one kit design
  • 4 ft bow spacing matches UConn's recommended maximum
  • Ships without freight

Watch out for

  • Door and lumber not included
  • Round profile: you'll need to clear snow in snowy regions
Full specs
Sizes
10 wide x 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 long
Footprint
10 x 12 to 10 x 32
Peak height
8.5 ft
Frame
1 3/8 in galvanized steel hoops, 4 ft bow spacing, ridge pole
Cover
6 mil greenhouse plastic, 4-year rating
Door
Not included
Warranty
Plastic: 4-year rating

Specs from bootstrapfarmer.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best budget DIY kit

Bootstrap Farmer DIY 10' Hoop House

4-yr warranty
$496–$1,260typical, Oct 2026

The cheapest way into a real 10 ft wide hoop house, if you're willing to source steel. The kit gives you the cross connectors, hardware, post driver and 6 mil film. You buy 1 3/8 in top rail (the same tube used for chain-link fence) and lumber locally. Lengths go to 100 ft, so it works both for a big backyard and for a starter market garden.

Why it stands out

  • Lowest entry price for a walk-in tunnel
  • Local steel saves on shipping
  • Scales from 20 to 100 ft

Watch out for

  • The headline price leaves out the steel and lumber
  • Not eligible for returns, and not NRCS-eligible
  • You need to bend the steel or buy the bender, plus time and patience
Full specs
Sizes
10 wide x 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 long
Footprint
10 x 20 to 10 x 100
Peak height
8.5 ft
Frame
You buy 1 3/8 in top rail and lumber locally; kit has cross connectors and hardware
Cover
6 mil greenhouse plastic, 4-year
Door
Assumes a single door (not included)
Warranty
Plastic: 4-year

Specs from bootstrapfarmer.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best for snow

Bootstrap Farmer DIY Gothic Greenhouse

4-yr warranty
$936–$2,200typical, Oct 2026

Gothic tunnels rise to a point, so snow slides off instead of piling on a flat crown. UConn's high tunnel guidance recommends gothic shapes for northern sites for exactly this reason. This kit supplies the preformed gothic peaks, hardware and film, while you buy top rail and lumber locally. At 14 ft wide it stands about 12.5-13.5 ft tall, and the 20 ft version about 15.5-16.5 ft, so check local height limits first.

Why it stands out

  • Pointed profile sheds snow far better than round bows
  • Taller sidewalls and headroom than round tunnels of the same width
  • Cheaper than shipping a full steel gothic kit

Watch out for

  • Height can trip zoning limits
  • Steel and lumber are extra; no returns on DIY kits
Full specs
Sizes
14 or 20 wide x 20-100 long
Footprint
14 x 20 to 20 x 100
Peak height
12.5 ft
Frame
Preformed gothic peaks; 1 3/8 in top rail and lumber bought locally
Cover
6 mil greenhouse plastic, 4-year
Door
Assumes single door (not included)
Warranty
Plastic: 4-year

Specs from bootstrapfarmer.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best NRCS high tunnel

Bootstrap Farmer Essential High Tunnel (14'/20')

4-yr warranty
$2,240–$6,400typical, Oct 2026

This is a complete farm-scale high tunnel: US-made 16-gauge (0.065 in) hoops and ridgepole, steel ground posts, and film that also covers the end walls. You can add an optional metal door and frame. Bootstrap Farmer says the Essential Round kit qualifies for NRCS funding. That matters, because the NRCS seasonal high tunnel practice under EQIP can reimburse part of the cost for eligible agricultural producers. Rates vary by state, and you must apply and be approved before you buy.

Why it stands out

  • Full steel kit, NRCS-eligible per the seller
  • 14 or 20 ft wide, 20 to 100 ft long
  • Film wraps the end walls

Watch out for

  • Round profile sheds snow worse than gothic
  • Hipboards and baseboards bought locally
  • 16 ga at 1 3/8 in is lighter than the 14 ga tubing UConn recommends, so add bracing on exposed sites
Full specs
Sizes
14 or 20 wide x 20-100 long
Footprint
14 x 20 to 20 x 100
Peak height
9.33 ft
Frame
USA-made galvanized 16-gauge (0.065 in) 1 3/8 in hoops and ridgepole
Cover
6 mil plastic with 4-year warranty, covers end walls
Door
Metal door and frame, or no door (build your own)
Warranty
Plastic: 4-year

Specs from bootstrapfarmer.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best caterpillar tunnel

Bootstrap Farmer All-Metal Caterpillar Tunnel

4-yr warranty
$2,778–$8,100typical, Oct 2026

Most caterpillar tunnels are pinned to the ground with rebar. This one uses 16-gauge steel ground posts driven with an included post driver, plus a 1 3/8 in ridge pole and wind braces. Bootstrap Farmer pitches that as a tougher anchor than rebar pins. The clamshell "butterfly" end doors open wide for airflow. Peak height is about 9'4" on the 14 ft width and 11'4" on the 20 ft.

Why it stands out

  • Steel ground posts instead of rebar pins
  • Butterfly doors open the whole end for ventilation
  • Optional truss parts for wind and snow

Watch out for

  • Ships by freight
  • No published snow (psf) or wind (mph) rating
Full specs
Sizes
14 or 20 wide x 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 long
Footprint
14 x 20 to 20 x 100
Peak height
9.33 ft
Frame
US-made 16-gauge galvanized pre-bent hoops; 1.375 in OD 16 ga ridge pole and wind braces; 1 in OD 16 ga ground posts
Cover
6 mil greenhouse plastic (4-year warranty)
Door
Clamshell 'butterfly' end doors
Warranty
Plastic: 4-year

Specs from bootstrapfarmer.com, bootstrapfarmer.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best caterpillar tunnel for snow

Farmers Friend Gothic Caterpillar Tunnel

5-yr warranty
$1,582–$6,398typical, Oct 2026

Farmers Friend popularized the caterpillar tunnel among market growers, and its gothic version sheds snow better than its Classic. The 16 ft width uses 14-gauge bows, which Farmers Friend says are 40% thicker than the 17-gauge on its 14 ft tunnels. Crossbars sit at 6'9" on the Standard Gothic. The 16 in lift kit, included in the Pro, raises them to 8'1". The 5-year storm-damage warranty gives 50% off replacement parts plus free shipping, though not labor or crop loss.

Why it stands out

  • Gothic shape plus 14 ga bows on the 16 ft width
  • Storm-damage warranty is rare in this category
  • 4 or 5 ft bow spacing options

Watch out for

  • Standard rebar anchors are, by the seller's own account, for moderate winds
  • No official wind rating published
Full specs
Sizes
14 or 16 wide; 4 or 5 ft bow spacing; lengths from 20 ft
Footprint
14 x 20 and up
Frame
1 3/8 in OD steel hoops; Farmers Friend says its 16-ft wide tunnels use 14-gauge bows (up from 17-gauge)
Cover
6 mil greenhouse plastic, 4-year rating
Warranty
5-year storm damage warranty (50% off replacement parts)

Specs from farmersfriend.com, farmersfriend.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Best low tunnel

Bootstrap Farmer DIY Low Tunnel

$36–$70typical, Oct 2026

A low tunnel is a hoop house for one bed. This kit is just the EMT cross connectors and snap-on clamps: you buy 3/4 in conduit locally (8 sticks for 10 ft, 16 for 20 ft) and a 4 ft hoop bender. The payoff is a tunnel you can swap from plastic in spring to shade cloth or insect netting in summer. If you'd rather bend your own hoops from 1/2 in conduit, the Johnny's Quick Hoops 4 ft bender ($107–$119) is the standard tool.

Why it stands out

  • Cheapest season extension that still survives a wind
  • One frame for plastic, shade cloth, insect net or frost blanket
  • Moves between beds

Watch out for

  • Fittings only: conduit, bender and cover are extra
  • Not walk-in; you lift the cover to harvest and vent
Full specs
Sizes
10 or 20 long (4 ft hoop bender sold separately)
Frame
3/4 in EMT conduit (bought locally: 8 sticks for 10 ft, 16 for 20 ft) with EMT cross connectors
Cover
Your choice: plastic, shade cloth, insect netting or frost blanket (sold separately)
Door
Snap-on clamps hold the cover

Specs from bootstrapfarmer.com. Prices checked Oct 2026 and change often.

Hoop house kits compared

ModelSizesFrameAnchoringTypical priceShop
Hobby Greenhouse Kit 10' x 12'10 x 12 (120 sq ft)1 3/8 in galvanized steel, 3 pre-bent hoops plus ridge pole36 in ground stakes with post driver$650Bootstrap Farmer
10' Essential Round High Tunnel10 wide x 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 long1 3/8 in galvanized steel hoops, 4 ft bow spacing, ridge pole36 in ground stakes with post driver$848–$1,475Bootstrap Farmer
DIY Greenhouse Kit - 10 ft Wide Hoop House10 wide x 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 longYou buy 1 3/8 in top rail and lumber locally; kit has cross connectors and hardwareGround post driver included$496–$1,260Bootstrap Farmer
DIY Gothic Greenhouse Kit14 or 20 wide x 20-100 longPreformed gothic peaks; 1 3/8 in top rail and lumber bought locallyGround post driver included$936–$2,200Bootstrap Farmer
Essential Round High Tunnel Kit (14' and 20' widths)14 or 20 wide x 20-100 longUSA-made galvanized 16-gauge (0.065 in) 1 3/8 in hoops and ridgepoleUSA-made steel ground posts$2,240–$6,400Bootstrap Farmer
All-Metal Caterpillar Tunnel Kit (with Butterfly Doors)14 or 20 wide x 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 longUS-made 16-gauge galvanized pre-bent hoops; 1.375 in OD 16 ga ridge pole and wind braces; 1 in OD 16 ga ground posts16 ga steel ground posts with post driver (replaces rebar pins); optional truss parts for high wind/snow$2,778–$8,100Bootstrap Farmer
Classic Caterpillar Tunnel14 or 16 wide; 4 or 5 ft bow spacing; lengths from 20 ft1 3/8 in OD steel hoops: 17-gauge on 14-ft wide, 14-gauge (40% thicker) on 16-ft wideRebar with earth-lock plates standard; cemented ground posts or earth anchors optional$1,392–$5,895Farmers Friend
Gothic Caterpillar Tunnel14 or 16 wide; 4 or 5 ft bow spacing; lengths from 20 ft1 3/8 in OD steel hoops; Farmers Friend says its 16-ft wide tunnels use 14-gauge bows (up from 17-gauge)Rebar with earth-lock plates standard; upgrades available$1,582–$6,398Farmers Friend
Bobcat High Tunnel Kit 16' x 48' (sold by Rimol and Johnny's Selected Seeds)16 x 481.315 OD 17 ga steel bows at 4 ft spacing; 1.66 OD 14 ga ground posts, 4 ft long, driven 2 ft4 ft ground posts with driver$3,952–$3,995Rimol
DIY Portable Low Tunnel Kit10 or 20 long (4 ft hoop bender sold separately)3/4 in EMT conduit (bought locally: 8 sticks for 10 ft, 16 for 20 ft) with EMT cross connectors—$36–$70Bootstrap Farmer
Prices are typical ranges checked Oct 2026. Specs from manufacturer and retailer listings.

One more option for farms: the Rimol Bobcat 16x48 high tunnel, sold by Rimol and Johnny's Selected Seeds, is an entry commercial kit with 5 ft sidewalls. Its bows are 17 ga at 1.315 in, lighter than UConn's recommendation, so plan to add trusses if you get real snow.

How to choose a hoop house kit

Size: width decides almost everything

Width sets your bed layout, headroom and how much wind and snow load the bows carry. A 10 ft tunnel fits two beds and a center path. A 14 ft tunnel fits three beds, and a 20 ft one fits small-tractor access. Length is cheap to add because you're just adding bows every 4 ft. Before you go big, check two numbers with your town: the floor area at which a permit is required, and the maximum accessory-building height. The model residential code exempts one-story detached accessory buildings up to 200 sq ft, but many towns use a smaller limit, and zoning setbacks still apply. Our 10x12 greenhouse guide covers the most common permit-friendly size in more detail.

Steel: gauge and diameter

Lower gauge means thicker steel. UConn's high tunnel engineering guide recommends 1.66 in x 14 ga tubing for tunnels under 26 ft wide, 1.90 in x 14 ga for wider ones, and bows no more than 4 ft on center. Here is what the kits actually use:

KitBow steel
Bootstrap Farmer Essential / caterpillar tunnel1 3/8 in, 16 ga (0.065 in), US-made
Farmers Friend 14 ft1 3/8 in, 17 ga
Farmers Friend 16 ft1 3/8 in, 14 ga
Rimol / Johnny's Bobcat1.315 in, 17 ga bows on 1.66 in, 14 ga ground posts

None of the hobby-scale kits meet UConn's commercial-tunnel spec, and that's normal at this price. It just means bracing, anchoring and snow removal are part of owning one.

Film: thickness, layers and lifespan

Every kit here ships 6 mil greenhouse film rated or warranted for 4 years. That lines up with the University of Arkansas greenhouse course, which puts UV-treated polyethylene at three to five years and untreated film at two to three. UConn says 4 mil greenhouse-grade film is fine if you take it off before winter, but use 6 mil if it stays on year-round. Don't substitute hardware-store plastic sheeting: it isn't UV-stabilized for greenhouse use and degrades much faster in full sun.

Single-layer poly transmits about 85-87% of light. A double, inflated layer insulates better but drops to roughly 74-77% (University of Arkansas figures). For an unheated backyard hoop house, a single layer is the norm. Double inflated poly pays off when you heat in winter. Our winter greenhouse guide covers that trade-off.

Snow load

UConn estimates that 3 in of wet snow or 12 in of dry snow adds about 5 lb per square foot. That's enough to flatten a round crown that has no trusses. In snowy regions:

  • Pick a gothic profile. UVM's extreme-weather guide also recommends a steep, roughly 6:12 roof pitch for shedding snow.
  • Add a truss and truss brace on every bow.
  • Brush snow off evenly from both sides with a soft broom during the storm, not after. Clearing one side only twists the frame.
  • In caterpillar tunnels and unheated hobby tunnels, some growers take the film off for the deepest months.

Wind and anchoring

Wind lifts a hoop house more than it pushes it. UConn calculates that an 80 mph wind puts about 16 psf on the sidewalls and roughly 220 lb of uplift per linear foot of roof. Posts should go 24-30 in deep. The kits differ a lot here:

  • Rebar pins (Farmers Friend standard): the seller itself calls them "effective in moderate winds".
  • Driven steel ground posts (Bootstrap Farmer, Bobcat): stronger, and you can still pull them out to move the tunnel.
  • Earth anchors: Farmers Friend says they hold "like concrete" but can still be removed.
  • Cemented posts: the strongest, and permanent.

UVM also recommends wind bracing on all four corners, cross-connectors rather than pipe straps, and keeping wiggle wire tight so film can't flap itself loose. More base options are in our greenhouse foundation guide.

Ventilation

A closed film tunnel overheats fast on a sunny spring day. Plan for roll-up sides on 10-20 ft tunnels and opening end walls or doors at both ends. On a caterpillar tunnel, you roll up the ends and lift the sides between the ropes. Add an automatic vent opener or a fan if nobody is home at noon. Our roundup of greenhouse fans, vent openers and shade cloth has the gear.

Assembly reality

The 10x12 Hobby kit is a weekend job for two people with basic tools. Long tunnels need a crew on film day, and you need a calm day. Many growers pull film on a warm afternoon so it tightens as it cools instead of sagging. DIY kits add an extra job: cutting and fitting your own top rail.

What does a hoop house cost?

OptionKit price (checked Oct 2026)What you still buy
Low tunnel fittings$36–$70EMT conduit, hoop bender, cover
DIY 10 ft hoop house$496–$1,260Top rail, lumber, door
10x12 Hobby kit$650Baseboards/hipboards, door kit
10 ft Essential Round$848–$1,475Lumber, door
Caterpillar tunnels$1,392–$5,895 (Farmers Friend Classic)Anchor upgrades, freight
14-20 ft high tunnel$2,240–$6,400Lumber, door, freight, site prep

Then add replacement film roughly every four years, plus wiggle wire, roll-up hardware and lumber. Compare that with rigid kits in our greenhouse cost guide. Per square foot, film tunnels are still by far the cheapest covered space you can buy.

Mistakes to avoid

  1. Skipping the anchors Use every ground post the kit includes, set them at full depth, and add corner bracing. Most tunnel losses happen in wind, not snow.
  2. Buying round in snow country If you get regular snow, the gothic price premium is cheaper than a crushed frame.
  3. Forgetting the door and lumber Most kits ship without them. Budget for both before you compare kits on price.
  4. Loose film Flapping film tears itself apart. Tension it on a warm, calm day and re-tighten the wiggle wire after the first season.
  5. No ventilation plan A sealed tunnel can cook seedlings in an hour of spring sun. Roll-up sides or doors at both ends are not optional.
  6. Ignoring height and setback rules A gothic 20 ft tunnel is taller than many towns allow for an accessory building.

Alternatives to a hoop house

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a hoop house and a high tunnel?

Mostly scale and use. Both are steel bows covered in greenhouse film. "High tunnel" usually means a farm-scale, walk-in tunnel you grow in the ground with no permanent heating, the term NRCS uses for its cost-share program. "Hoop house" is used for anything from a 10x12 backyard tunnel to the same farm structure.

How long does hoop house plastic last?

Kits from Bootstrap Farmer, Farmers Friend and Johnny's ship 6 mil film rated or warranted for 4 years. The University of Arkansas puts UV-treated polyethylene at three to five years and untreated film at two to three.

Is a hoop house cheaper than a greenhouse?

Per square foot, yes, by a wide margin. A 120 sq ft Bootstrap Farmer hobby kit costs about the same as a name-brand 48 sq ft (6x8) polycarbonate kit, though you add lumber, a door and anchors, and you replace the film every few years.

Do I need a permit for a hoop house?

It depends on your town. The model residential code exempts one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 sq ft from a building permit, and many towns set a lower 120 sq ft limit, but zoning setbacks and height rules can still apply. Call your building department before you order.

Can a hoop house handle snow?

A properly braced one can, but round tunnels collect snow. Choose a gothic (pointed) profile in snowy regions, add trusses or snow braces, and sweep snow off evenly from both sides during storms.

What is a caterpillar tunnel?

A light, movable high tunnel where ropes run over the film between each bow instead of wiggle wire on a baseboard, which gives it a segmented look. It is quick to build and ventilate by rolling up the ends, but it is pinned to the ground rather than set on posts and lumber.

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