Tarnplanen: Camouflage Tarps for Survival & Outdoors

Quick answer

Tarnplanen are camouflage tarpaulins designed for concealment and protection in outdoor, survival, and military environments. Lightweight yet durable, they help users blend into natural or urban surroundings while offering weather resistance. Ideal for camping, hunting, photography, and tactical operations.

Introduction

In survival, tactical, or outdoor scenarios, remaining unseen is sometimes just as important as staying dry or warm. Tarnplanen—a term rooted in German—combines camouflage (“Tarn”) and tarpaulin (“Planen”) to describe multipurpose, camo-patterned sheets that offer both concealment and protection from the elements.

Originally built for military use, tarnplanen are now staples in civilian life. Whether you’re setting up a stealthy wildlife observation point, creating an emergency shelter, or shielding gear from weather, these tarps offer flexible solutions.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what tarnplanen are, explore their materials, uses, camouflage patterns, and how to use them effectively. If you value durability and discretion outdoors, read on.

Let’s uncover why every adventurer or tactician should know about tarnplanen.

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Tarnplanen Quick Facts

What is a Tarnplanen?

Tarnplanen are specialized tarps used to blend into surroundings while protecting from weather and visibility.

A Dual-Purpose Tool

They serve two main purposes:

• Conceal equipment, people, or supplies
• Shield from rain, wind, and sunlight

Typically rectangular, these sheets feature camo prints suitable for forest, desert, or urban settings.

Military Origins

Initially developed for soldiers to cover gear and stay hidden in the field, tarnplanen have proven their worth in:

• Tactical cover
• Sniper hideouts
• Equipment concealment

Tarnplanen Uses and Applications

Tarnplanen have found a place far beyond the battlefield.

Military and Tactical Use

They remain core gear in modern armed forces.
Applications include:

• Hiding vehicles, artillery, or comms gear
• Building quick-deploy shelters
• Reducing infrared visibility

Source: army-technology.com

Camping and Survival

In survival situations, tarnplanen can be lifesavers.
Use them to:

• Construct rainproof bivouacs
• Wrap or protect food and supplies
• Create ground covers or windbreaks

They fold compactly, making them a solid addition to bug-out bags.

Hunting and Wildlife Photography

Need to get close without disturbing nature? Tarnplanen help you disappear.

• Use them as blinds to watch or shoot
• Mask scent with environmental layering
• Match seasonal changes with appropriate camo

Common Materials Used in Tarnplanen

Material choice affects durability, weight, and performance.

Polyester and Nylon

• Lightweight & packable
• Tear-resistant and quick-drying
• Often treated with PVC or polyurethane coatings for waterproofing

Canvas or Cotton Blends

• Heavy-duty and rugged
• Better breathability, useful in hot conditions
• May need waterproof treatment (wax or silicone)

Tip: Use canvas for semi-permanent setups; opt for synthetics when on the move.

Grommets & Eyelets

These allow secure fastening to trees, poles, or the ground.
Look for:

• Rust-resistant metal rings
• Even spacing along the edges
• Reinforced corners

Types of Camouflage Patterns

Different terrains demand different patterns.

Woodland

• Greens, browns, and blacks
• Ideal for forests or bushy regions

Desert

• Tans, light browns, and beige tones
• Matches arid, sandy terrain

Urban

• Grays, blues, and dark tones
• Suits cities or industrial zones

Digital Camouflage

• Pixelated shapes confuse visual and infrared recognition
• Versatile across multiple environments

Source: camopedia.org

How to Use Tarnplanen Effectively

Align with Your Surroundings

A mismatch between tarp and background ruins the camo effect.
Always match the environment—trees, rocks, buildings.

Supplement with Natural Cover

Hide harsh edges with:

• Leaves
• Grass
• Mud or soot

This extra effort enhances blending significantly.

Anchor Securely

Unsecured tarps flap or blow away—wasting effort and alerting others.
Use:

• Paracord
• Stakes
• Zip ties

Avoid Symmetry

Nature is random. Avoid neat lines or repeated shapes—it draws attention.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Military-Like Appearance

In some regions, it’s illegal for civilians to wear or display military-style camo.
Check local laws before use.

Wildlife Areas

Protected zones may ban camo blinds or tarps.
Consult with local wildlife authorities.

Hunting Ethics

Don’t use camo to violate fair chase laws or mislead other hunters.

Source: usfw.gov

How to Choose the Right Tarnplanen

Material

• Go synthetic for wet conditions
• Choose canvas for strength and breathability

Size

Match to purpose:

• Small (2x2m): Groundsheet
• Medium (3x4m): Shelter
• Large (5x6m+): Equipment cover

Waterproof Coating

Look for specs like:

• Hydrostatic head rating (mm)
• Seam-sealed edges

Camouflage Pattern

• Forests: Woodland
• Desert: Tan or coyote brown
• Urban: Grayscale or digital

Portability

Check:

• Packed weight
• Folded size
• Stuff sack included

Where to Buy Tarnplanen

• Military surplus stores (high durability)
• Outdoor gear retailers (variety + customer service)
• Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay (wide selection, reviews)

Trusted Brands:

• Helikon-Tex
• Snugpak
• Mil-Tec

Always read user reviews and check waterproofing and stitching quality.

Conclusion

Tarnplanen are more than just sheets with patterns. They’re tactical, multi-use tools designed for concealment, protection, and survival. Whether you’re in the woods or on the battlefield, knowing how to use these camouflage tarps can enhance your safety, stealth, and preparedness.

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