When you venture into the wild—whether it’s for hunting, survival practice, wild camping, or tactical use—there’s one tool that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting: the tarnplanen (camouflage tarp). Not only does it shield you from wind, rain, and blazing sun, but it also keeps you unseen. These camo tarps are unsung heroes in rugged terrain, blending in while protecting what matters most—your gear, your shelter, and your safety.
Let’s dive deep into why a tarnplane isn’t just useful—it’s a necessity. You’ll learn how to pick the right one, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize performance based on real-world insights.
What Makes Tarnplanen So Useful?
Tarnplanen are more than just plastic sheets with a pattern. They’re engineered tools built to meet the demands of nature. Most come in muted camouflage patterns—woodland, digital, multicam—and use tear-resistant, water-repellent fabrics.
Imagine a sudden thunderstorm in the forest. With no tent and wet ground, your tarnplane becomes a lifesaver—rigged as a shelter, stretched as a canopy, or wrapped to protect gear. Whether you’re setting up a bushcraft camp or waiting out game during a hunt, a well-placed camouflage tarp makes all the difference.
From my own trips, especially a week-long survival trek in the Bavarian Alps, I can say this: my PVC-coated 3×4 m flecktarn tarp was the MVP. It kept me dry at night, helped hide my food stash from view, and even doubled as a wind block near the fire.
Types of Materials: Which One Should You Choose?
Not all camouflage tarps are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials and what you can expect from them:
- Polyethylene (PE): Lightweight, water-resistant, and budget-friendly. Works fine for short-term use but tends to degrade under UV rays.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Thicker and heavier, but far more durable. Ideal for long-term setups or rough environments. They resist mold, UV, and abrasion.
- Ripstop Nylon: High-tech and ultralight, ripstop is favored in survivalist circles. Though expensive, it holds up under pressure and packs down small.
One of the key lessons from long-term outdoor use? Never judge a tarp just by its thickness or color. Look at reinforced corners, sealed seams, and the grommet system. These tell you if the tarp can stand up to gusty winds and frequent repositioning.
Choosing the Right Pattern: Match the Environment
Camouflage is only effective when it matches your surroundings. There’s no one-size-fits-all.
- Woodland: Deep greens and browns—great for European or North American forests.
- Flecktarn: German military pattern that works well in mixed foliage.
- Multicam: Versatile, works across environments from urban ruins to highland meadows.
- Snow camo: Essential in winter or alpine use—white with gray shades.
If your environment changes often, a reversible tarp (snow camo one side, woodland the other) is a smart bet.
Real-World Use Cases
Let’s look at how different users rely on tarnplanen daily:
- Hunters: For still hunting, a silent tarp set as a ground blind or overhead cover keeps both movement and profile low. In wet weather, it shelters both hunter and optics.
- Survivalists: In emergencies, tarps become shelters, stretchers, water collectors, and privacy screens.
- Campers: At festivals or basecamps, they serve as sun shades, gear protectors, or quick lean-tos.
- Tactical Users: Military-style tarps add concealment over vehicles, equipment, and personnel without the bulk of netting systems.
In my field testing with a survival group, our best use was using three tarps lashed into a triangle shelter for group cover during heavy rain. With a trench dug and heat reflectors in place, we stayed dry and warm through the night.
Setting Up Your Tarp: Practical Guide
A solid tarp setup isn’t rocket science, but there are tricks to make it work well:
- Create a ridgeline using paracord between two trees.
- Hang the tarp over the line in an A-frame or lean-to design.
- Stake down the corners, angling away from wind direction.
- Use guy lines to tighten and shape your tarp.
- In winter, angle the tarp to shed snow, not collect it.
Reinforced grommets make the process easier and more stable. Always bring extra cord—guy lines often double as clotheslines, traps, or spare tie-downs.
Key Features to Look For When Buying
Shopping for a tarnplane? Keep these points in mind:
- Grommets every meter or reinforced loops for custom setups.
- Double-stitched edges and taped seams.
- UV and mold resistance, especially for longer stays or humid zones.
- Noise factor: Cheaper tarps can crinkle loudly—bad for hunting.
- Weight vs. durability: Ultralight is good for short trips, but thicker tarps last longer in basecamps.
Avoid tarps that look thin or have printed-on camo that flakes off. These typically fail under stress or weather exposure.
Tarnplanen vs. Ordinary Tarps
Camouflage tarps may cost more, but they offer:
- Better concealment
- Tactical flexibility
- Enhanced resilience
- Field-tested features
Ordinary blue tarps reflect light, stand out in nature, and often tear easily. Tarnplanen, by contrast, keep you hidden and secure.
Maintenance: Make It Last
A good tarp can serve you for years if cared for:
- Dry thoroughly before folding to prevent mildew.
- Store loosely—don’t compress for months.
- Patch holes with tarp tape or adhesive repair kits.
- Avoid long-term UV exposure to prevent material breakdown.
FAQs
What is a tarnplane used for?
Tarnplanen are camouflage tarps used for shelter, concealment, and protection during outdoor or tactical activities.
Are camouflage tarps waterproof?
Only those with sealed seams and coated fabrics (like PVC or PU) are reliably waterproof in heavy rain.
What size tarp is best for camping?
A 2×3 m tarp is ideal for solo camping. For group use or gear storage, a 3×4 m or larger is more practical.
Can I use camouflage tarps in winter?
Yes, with the right pattern (snow camo) and angled setup, they make excellent wind and snow shelters.
Final Thoughts
A tarnplane is more than just a tarp—it’s a survival asset. When chosen wisely, it offers concealment, shelter, and reliable protection across seasons and terrains. For hunters, survivalists, and outdoor adventurers, it’s not a luxury—it’s a core part of your gear.
If you’re serious about outdoor preparedness, don’t skimp. Invest in a durable, tested tarp that fits your environment and activity level.
