Quick Summary
Tarnplanen are camouflage tarpaulins designed to conceal shelters, gear, or vehicles while providing weather protection. To pick the right tarnplanen: match the biome pattern, choose the right fabric and size, and learn quiet, low-profile setups like the A-frame, lean-to, or plow-point. Use ethically and in full compliance with local laws.
What Is a Tarnplanen?
Tarnplanen (plural of German Tarnplane) are camo tarps that combine weatherproof shelter with visual deception. They’re popular with hikers, hunters, wildlife photographers, bushcrafters, preppers, landowners, and outdoor instructors who want low-visibility cover that also stands up to rain, wind, and sun.
Unlike plain tarps, a tarnplanen uses biome-specific patterns, non-reflective finishes, and often extra tie-outs to break up shape and shine. Some models add coatings that reduce near-infrared reflectivity and surface glare.
Choosing the Right Tarnplanen
1) Fabric & Build
- Ripstop nylon/poly: Light, compact, great for hikers; may need re-tensioning in extended rain.
- PE (polyethylene): Tough, budget-friendly, slightly bulkier; reliable for static camps.
- PVC/polyester: Heavy-duty and highly waterproof; best for long-term cover or vehicle concealment.
Look for double-stitched hems, reinforced corners, many tie-outs/loops, and a matte or low-gloss face.
2) Size & Coverage
Choose size by people + gear + pitch type. More coverage increases weather margin and concealment angles.
3) Hardware
- Rust-resistant grommets and bar-tacked loops for flexible rigging
- Low-noise cordage and line-locs for quick, quiet tensioning
4) Mission & Duration
- Fastpacking: Ultralight ripstop, minimalist tie-outs.
- Hunting/wildlife hides: 3D/leaf-cut panels and low-shine finish.
- Static/base camps: Heavier PE/PVC for durability and year-round exposure.
Pattern & Biome Matching
- Woodland: Greens/browns with bark-like texture; add leaf litter around edges to break the outline.
- Desert/Scrub: Tans and muted ochres; dust the guy lines to kill bright fibers.
- Winter: Off-white/grey with sparse texture; avoid stark straight lines on snow.
- Urban: Fragmented greys and shadows; align with rooflines, fences, or rubble geometry.
- Reversible/Hybrid: Flip between biomes on multi-climate trips.
Micro vs Macro: Match macro colors first (what a passerby sees at 30–50 m), then micro texture (close-range breakup).
Stealth Setups You Can Trust
A-Frame (fast, storm-worthy)
- Run a ridgeline between two trees at head height.
- Center the tarnplanen over the line, stake the four corners at 45°.
- Add side tie-outs for pitch tension; tuck gear back from the edges.
Best for: Rain, wind, and predictable orientation to the weather.
Lean-To (wide view, quick bail-out)
- Stake the rear edge to the ground.
- Prop the front edge with poles or trees; angle downwind.
- Feather edges with brush to soften the horizontal line.
Best for: Observation posts, cooking, and mild conditions.
Plow-Point (low-profile solo shelter)
- Stake one corner into the wind.
- Raise the opposite edge on a short pole/branch.
- Stake remaining sides to create a compact wedge.
Best for: Tight spaces, fast deployment, minimal silhouette.
Rigging & Knots
- Trucker’s hitch – quick high-tension guy lines
- Taut-line hitch – adjustable guys without hardware
- Clove hitch – simple attachment to poles/branches
Silence matters: Cushion metal on metal, tape loose ends, and pre-tension lines to stop flap noise.
Weather Tactics & Condensation Control
- Wind: Lower windward edge; use more stakes and steeper angles.
- Rain: Add a drip line (short cord on the ridgeline) so water falls before reaching the shelter interior.
- Snow: Bump up pitch height for airflow; knock off loading periodically.
- Heat/Sun: Create a high-shade porch; ensure a vent gap to avoid heat buildup.
- Condensation: Vent from two sides, avoid pitching over saturated ground, and keep wet items outside.
Care, Repair & Lifespan
- Rinse mud and salt; let fully dry before storage.
- Patch punctures with fabric-specific repair tape or adhesive patches.
- Refresh waterproofing as needed; follow the fabric manufacturer’s guidance.
- Store loosely folded in a cool, dark place to protect coatings.
Common Mistakes (and Fast Fixes)
- Pattern mismatch: Fix by adding local brush and re-orienting the print to terrain lines.
- Straight edges visible: Break borders with branches; avoid perfect rectangles.
- Guylines glowing: Replace reflective cord with matte or dust with soil.
- Sagging in rain: Re-tension and add a center tie-out; consider a steeper pitch.
- Metallic shine: Cover shiny tools/gear with cloth; keep under the tarp.
Buyer Profiles & Sizing Cheatsheet
| User | Recommended Size | Fabric Choice | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo fastpacker | 2.4×3 m (8×10 ft) | Ripstop nylon/poly | Light, compact; accept occasional re-tensioning |
| Two people + gear | 3×3 m (10×10 ft) | Ripstop or PE | Room for A-frame; good weather margin |
| Small team/basecamp | 3×4 m (10×13 ft) | PE or PVC | Durable; more tie-outs for creative rigs |
| Vehicle/boat cover | 4×5 m (13×16 ft)+ | PVC/PE heavy-duty | Long-term exposure; strong reinforcement |
FAQs About Tarnplanen
Are tarnplanen waterproof?
Most are designed to be waterproof and UV-resistant, but performance varies by fabric and construction. Check ratings and seam finish.
Which pattern should I choose?
Match the dominant environment first (woodland, desert, winter, urban). Then align micro-textures to local bark, soil, and foliage.
What knots should I learn first?
Trucker’s hitch for high tension, taut-line hitch for adjustability, and clove hitch for fast attachment.
How big should a tarnplanen be for two people?
3×3 m (10×10 ft) is a reliable baseline for an A-frame; size up if you carry bulky gear or expect heavy weather.
Can civilians use IR-treated tarnplanen?
Some models include low-shine or IR-reduction coatings. Availability and usage rules vary—always follow local regulations.
Safety, Legal & Ethical Use
- Use camouflage responsibly and legally; never to evade lawful safety checks or enable harm.
- Respect land access, permit rules, hunting seasons, and protected habitats.
- Practice Leave No Trace: minimize impact, manage fires carefully, and pack out all waste.
Final Take & Next Steps
A well-chosen tarnplanen gives you weather security and low visual signature without the weight penalty of a full tent. Match your biome, size for coverage, master a couple of quiet pitches, and maintain your tarp—then enjoy discreet, comfortable camps wherever your trips take you.