CJ Wildlife Nature Photographer’s Hide

£90/$113 www.birdfood.co.uk

By using the same tech you’d find in a pop-up reflector or softbox, this waterproof hide literally springs from its 60cm round carry pouch and stands with no poles required.

The tall and narrow 115x115x155cm design is conveniently compact, but the space tapers in tightly towards the top, making it a little awkward to thread a long lens through one of the four upper windows. Each can be used as a stealthy slit, or peeled wider for a better view. Four slits are positioned low down for use in low-level shooting, though only with a narrow lens, and you’ll need to perform some nifty yoga moves to manoeuvre within the hide’s tight confines.

It’s a pity the camouflage design is relatively basic, so a scrim cover may be necessary if your local wildlife has you rumbled, but even this won’t conceal the jangling made by over 40 metal zip pullers.

Pros Effortless set-up; eight openings across all sides; compact footprint Cons Basic camo design and obvious shape outline; quite tight for space inside We say

Compact, well-priced, and easy to see out of, but not the best camouflaged Overall score