Buteo Photo Gear Hide Aquila Mark III Snow

The Aquila Mark III Snow is the latest version of our two-person shelter tent. We have extensively looked for areas of improvement and listened carefully to feedback from many users and our ambassadors of these shelters. Thanks to some clever applications, the Aquila Mark III Snow is much more resistant to precipitation, keeps you perfectly dry in 'bad' weather conditions, and features better photo and viewing windows.

The Tent from the Outside

• The tent is much more resistant to precipitation due to clever applications:
• On 3 sides, an additional 'awning' has been added, which prevents precipitation from entering through the insect net and also better protects your lens from the rain.
  In addition to protection from precipitation, this canopy also acts as a sunshade, the photo window with your lens will be more shaded and therefore less noticeable.
  These awnings can all be folded in when not in use or when not needed. This is also useful if you leave the tent standing for an extended period, as the tent will then be less noticeable and also less susceptible to wind.
• Thanks to the improved construction with longer poles that run all the way to the ground, the tent retains its shape better.
• 8 pegs: Longer, wider, and stronger than previous versions. 18 cm long, black aluminum, triangular in shape.
• The use of (thick) strings on all zipper runners and the removal of Velcro eliminates annoying noises.
• All windows are closable with a zipper, and there are no windows where water can easily enter anymore.

The Tent from the Inside

• All windows and insect nets can also be operated from the inside with zippers.
• Strings and 'tunnels' inside the tent are made in brighter colors to make them easily visible in the dark.
• Label with instructions.

Photo and Viewing Windows

• All photo windows are much larger than before, measuring 40x36 cm (W x H). The photo windows are also viewing windows (upper part of the window), so they are much wider than in the Buteo Mark II. There are no separate, small viewing windows anymore, as in the previous version. With a zipper that can be operated from both sides (left/right), you can make the viewing window larger or smaller as desired.
• On the left, there is a wide window available, perfect for filmmakers or if you need more space.
  In this wider window, there is an additional regular photo window (the same size as all the other photo windows).
• All windows are fully closable with high-quality zippers so they can be sealed waterproof. (Operable from both inside & outside).
• No Velcro is used anymore, no more annoying sounds.
• The insect nets in the windows consist of 2 parts that overlap in the middle, with an elastic band to securely surround your lens.
• These insect nets are attached to the tent fabric with a zipper, so they can be fully opened if desired or if you want to insert a snoot as an alternative photo window (see snoot description below).
• The insect nets are alternately vertical or horizontal. The advantage of the vertical design is that there is more margin in height, allowing you to vary with the height of your lens. This margin is also useful for taller or shorter people. The insect nets on the front and right sides are vertically designed.
  The advantage of the horizontal design is that it is easier for filmmakers to swivel left/right. The insect nets on the left side are horizontally designed.
• Photo windows at 3 alternating heights, spread over 3 sides. A large photo window (perfect for filmmakers) is located on the left side.
• In rainy weather, it is even possible to close the outer fabric of the photo windows and seal it around your lens with a zipper in the middle, so the tent stays sealed, but you can still take photos (see also pictures).
• The sides you are not using to photograph can still be used as viewing windows by partially opening the zipper, also adjustable in size as desired.

Carrying Bag

• The carrying strap of the carrying bag/cover is longer (but adjustable) making it easier to carry.
• Separate compartment on top of the carrying bag for accessories such as pegs, guy lines, etc.

Photographing from the Tent

The spacious entrance has a high-quality zipper, stays neatly on the side when opened, and is also equipped with an insect mesh in the same camouflage pattern. The tent with the (slightly) open door is still perfectly camouflaged.
Once inside the tent, you will notice that it is quite dark due to the black coating on the inside. However, the strings on the zippers and the edges of the storage pocket and 'tunnels' for the fiberglass poles in the roof are more brightly colored, making them visible in the dark.

The photo and viewing windows are available at 3 different levels:
Two photo windows at the front, at 87 cm height (middle photo window).
On the left, you will find a wider panoramic window at eye level with an insect net, in this wider window there is an additional 'regular' photo window. This panoramic window is ideal for filmmakers.
At the bottom left, there is one photo window, perfect for low-level photography, at 36 cm height (middle photo window).
On the right, you will find photo windows at eye level, at 75 cm height (middle photo window).
The photo windows are equipped with an insect net, which consists of 2 parts that overlap in the middle and are fitted with an elastic band to securely surround your lens. In rainy weather, it is possible to close the outer fabric as well and insert your lens through a zipper opening. This way, you can still take photos, but you and your equipment are maximally protected from the elements.
All insect nets in these windows can be partially or completely zipped away. This allows the viewing window to be adjusted in size as desired. These viewing windows are wide, so you have a perfect view outside. On the left and right sides, you will find the same options for good visibility as well. In the door at the back, there is a smaller viewing window that can be sealed waterproof.
The tent provides enough space for chairs, tripods with camera/lens, and photo backpacks or bags. At the front, there is a storage pocket where you can store small items.