Wildlife photography demands patience, adaptability, and the right gear to withstand unpredictable conditions. While hunters and wildlife photographers may pursue different goals, the environments and challenges we face are often the same—long hours in wet marshes, sudden downpours in dense woods, or freezing mornings in open fields. A blind that offers concealment, weather protection, and comfort can make the difference between missed shots and once-in-a-lifetime images.
I recently spent a week testing TideWe’s new Hunting Blind, a model similar in structure to their popular 270° view blind but with enhanced waterproofing. My focus was not hunting, but observing and photographing wildlife across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—loons in wetlands, sandhill cranes in fields, and whitetail deer in maple/beech forest. This review evaluates the blind from a wildlife photographer’s perspective, highlighting strengths, drawbacks, and practical considerations.
Out of the box, the hunting blind gave an impression of sturdiness and utility. The material felt thicker than TideWe’s 270° blind, with a noticeable waterproof coating. Stitching along seams appeared reinforced, and the zippers on the doors were more substantial than those found on many comparable blinds.
Visually, the blind retained TideWe’s signature camo patterning, designed with hunters in mind but equally useful for wildlife photographers who need to blend seamlessly into landscapes. Whether tucked into balsam fir shadows or set up along a cattail edge, the blind did not stand out in a distracting way.
Set-up time was impressively quick—under three minutes on my own after the first attempt. For photographers who often need to adapt rapidly to changing light or wildlife activity, ease of setup cannot be overstated.
The blind’s most notable upgrade over the standard 270° model is its waterproof shell. Many blinds on the market advertise “water resistance,” but in practice that often means you’ll stay dry only in a light drizzle. This TideWe model shrugged off sustained rainstorms, keeping both me and my gear completely dry.
The roof panel was angled in a way that prevented pooling, and taped seams stopped leaks at the stress points. For photographers who rely on expensive equipment, this is critical. I had full confidence leaving a camera with a 600mm lens mounted on a tripod inside, knowing a sudden downpour wouldn’t force me to pack up.
Inside, space was generous. I could comfortably fit a tripod with a gimbal head, a second camera for video recording, a folding chair, and a gear bag, with room left to shift angles. You could even fit a second person in there with all of this gear! At 6’3”, I appreciated that I could stand to stretch without brushing the ceiling!
The windows provided the same 270° panoramic visibility as TideWe’s earlier model. For photography, this meant I could track birds moving across wetlands without having to reposition the blind itself. The windows opened quietly, using slide adjustments rather than zippers, which helped minimize sound disturbance. These slides made it silent to adjust windows to either move cameras or deploy them. This is a he feature for both hunters and photographers.
Over several outings, I tested the blind in diverse conditions: heavy rain, early-morning fog, and blustery winds.
- Waterproofing – The blind lived up to its promise. During a two-hour downpour while photographing great blue herons, I remained completely dry. More importantly, my camera equipment—thousands of dollars’ worth of glass and electronics—was protected. This feature alone sets it apart from most blinds in its price range.
- Concealment – The camo pattern worked exceptionally well in boreal and hemi-boreal environments. For photographers who rely on natural animal behavior, this is essential.
- Comfort – Ventilation was adequate, though on warm, humid days condensation built slightly on the inside. That said, no blind is perfect in this regard. The waterproofing naturally sacrifices a little breathability; a trade-off most photographers will accept for the security it provides.
- Noise – One area where TideWe consistently excels is quiet design. The blind’s fabric did not crinkle loudly, even in wind. Window adjustments were silent. This is invaluable when photographing easily spooked species like loons or wood ducks.
- Portability –While not feather-light, it struck a balance between durability and portability.
The true test of any blind is whether it allows you to capture images you otherwise could not. In this regard, the TideWe Waterproof Blind delivered.
- One day I was photographing along an opening and managed to photograph a late hatched sandhill crane baby without the parents being nervous.
- Along a wetland edge, I waited out a storm and captured intimate images of loons preening in the rain, something I would have avoided without the waterproofing.
These experiences highlight the blind’s value for wildlife photographers: more time in the field, in less-than-ideal conditions, with less risk to expensive gear.
- True waterproofing, not just water resistance.
- Quick and intuitive setup, even solo.
- Ample interior space for tripods, long lenses, and bags.
- 270° view ideal for tracking mobile wildlife.
- Quiet operation when adjusting windows or moving inside.
- Large adjustable windows to operate to cameras.
- Effective concealment in northern forest and wetland habitats.
Areas for Improvement
No piece of gear is perfect, and this blind has a few trade-offs:
- Ventilation – On warmer days, interior air circulation is limited. Small mesh vents or upper flaps could improve breathability without compromising waterproofing.
- Weight – While not heavy, long hikes into backcountry wetlands might leave some wishing for a lighter option. A stripped-down waterproof version could fill this niche.
- Window Height – The lower window line was ideal for firearm hunting, but when using a tripod-mounted lens, I sometimes had to raise my tripod higher than preferred. Adjustable lower flaps would improve shooting angles for photographers for some species.
TideWe’s Waterproof Hunting Blind is more than just an incremental update to their 270° model—it is a significant improvement for anyone who works or hunts in wet or unpredictable weather. For wildlife photographers, it provides what many blinds lack: confidence that your time, comfort, and equipment are protected no matter what the sky delivers.
While ventilation could be refined and weight reduced for long treks, the blind’s waterproofing and visibility make it a standout. Over my week of use, it transformed marginal field days—those damp, gray mornings that usually drive photographers back to the vehicle—into productive sessions that yielded some of my favorite images this season.
In short, this blind doesn’t just keep you hidden; it keeps you working when conditions would otherwise send you home. For wildlife photographers serious about spending more time in the field, it’s a highly worthwhile investment.
