Combining tactical gear and outdoor gear with everyday civilian fashion, one piece of apparel has stood the test of time – Tarnplanen. While the term “camouflage tarps” gives them little justice, Tarnplanen are much more than simple covers or tarps. Initially developed and used in military settings, Tarnplanen are now widely used in civilian life and with campers, survivalists, tactical teams, and even outdoor enthusiasts.

This guide comes with everything you need to know from the historical roots Tarnplanen, the types of materials used, modern uses, camouflage technology, legal restrictions, Tarnplanen care tips, and how to choose which one best suits your needs.

What Is Tarnplanen?

The term “Tarnplanen” comes from German:

“Tarn” means to camoflauge something

“Planen” means a tarpaulin or covering

When put together, it means tarpaulin and camoflauge, which is exactly what it is: a durable sheet used to hide objects.

Its origin is in military use, but it is used now by:

• Hikers and survivalists.
• Campers and hunters.
• Wildlife photographers.
• Outdoor workers.
• Tactical enthusiasts.

Tarnplanen come in the shape of squares or rectangles and have eyelets or loops so they can be tied in to the trees and ground pegs. Many models are modular, which means you can tie multiple Tarnplanen to make larger shelters or hideouts.

The History of Tarnplanen

Military Origins

Tarnplanen began in Europe in the early 20th century, particularly in the German armed forces.

The concept was to issue soldiers a multifunctional tarp that could:

• Act as a personal rain shelter
• Be donned as a poncho
• Cover gear or equipment
• Conceal hostile position in enemy territory

During the Second World War, the Wehrmacht and SS units adopted speckled forms of camouflage such as Flecktarn, Splittertarn, and Sumpftarnmuster. These forms of design shaped tactical gear for decades to come, influencing not only Germans but also NATO and Warsaw Pact forces.

Cold War and Civilian Adoption

By the Cold War period, almost every country had their own styled version of Tarnplanen. In civilian life after the war, surplus military Tarnplanen became easily accessible and cheap. This caught the attention of outdoor enthusiasts and preppers, leading to the mainstreaming of camouflage tarps in modern survivalist culture.

Material Composition & Design Features

Modern Tarnplanen are designed with rugged functionality in mind. The best ones balance durability, portability, and weather resistance. Here’s what you can expect:

Common Materials

Key Features

Reinforced Grommets: For secure tie-downs.

Waterproofing: Often with PU or PVC coatings.

Infrared Suppression: Some models hide heat signatures.

Double-stitched Seams: To withstand wind and weight.

Modular snaps or eyelets For joining several tarps.

Camouflage Patterns

The camouflage features are what set Tarnplanen apart from regular tarps. The aim is to break up the silhouette of the shelters and gear, or personnel to make them harder to see.

Popular Patterns

Flecktarn: German woodland camo with dots.

Woodland: The traditional forest green brown camo.

Desert DPM: For use in arid climates.

Snow Camo: For winter concealment in white and grey.

Urban Camo: City environment in grayscale.

Multicam: A modern, multi-terrain and multi-environment pattern.

Reversing Tarnplanen make it adaptable to changing terrains with a woodland pattern on one side and desert on the other.

Practical Uses of Tarnplanen and Its Tactical Applications

The most important aspect of Tarnplanen is that both their vertical and horizontal utility folds are very important. As an example, if you are an outdoor enthusiast, militaristic individual or even a survivalist person, you can repurpose them into a lot of different things.

Military and Tactical Applications

• As a Tarnplanen, a camouflage can be designed for ground troops, vehicles, and their equipments.
• Field stretchers, rain shelters and even sniper hideouts can be used for outdoor and practical survival.
• Also, Tarnplanen can be used to help mask heat signatures that can be viewed from night vision or thermal imaging equipment.
• They can be used as noise reducing barriers in static positions.

Outdoor Practical Survival Uses

People can use makeshift tents and lean-tos for survival.

They can be used as ground covers for sleeping bags.

As an example, a person can use remains as an emergency rain poncho or as a windbreak.

They can help in water catchment or as a funneling device.

They would work for an improvised stretcher or gear sled as well.

Civilian and Urban Uses

These applies for:

– a. Farm or garden equipment covers.
– b. Construction site screening.
– c. Photography hideouts
– d. Bike or car covers
– e. Event staging or booth backdrops.

Technology Tarnplanen and its Modern Uses

The Advanced Tarnplanen do more than conceal a person visually. They use modern material science and modern design to conceal a person visually.

Infrared Camouflage

First example Tarnplanen suppress IR (infrared) signatures. Military grade Tarnplanen are designed to be undetectable by drones, night vision goggles or thermal cameras. Camouflage and concealment is crucial for military and surveillance operations.

UV resistance

Normal tarps tend to degrade after prolonged exposure to UV. Tarnplanen built with UV inhibitors are designed to withstand open field conditions.

Flame Retardancy

Military versions are compliant with NATO or ISO fire standards, so they self-extinguish or slow flame spread during emergencies.

Mold & Mildew Resistance

Some Tarnplanen are resistant to bacterial and fungal growth, particularly in tropical or damp regions, due to advanced coatings.

Choosing the Right Tarnplanen

While purchasing Tarnplanen, the following should be kept in mind:

1. Purpose

• Backpacking? Choose lightweight options like nylon or PE.
• Military or tactical use? Look for IR suppression.
• Camping/survival? Durable and weatherproof canvas or PVC is best.

2. Size

• Solo cover options are best with: 5’x7’ or 6’x8’.
• For shelters: 8’x10’ or larger.
• Gear covers or multi-person tents: 10’x12’ or larger.

3. Camouflage Pattern

Choose the pattern based on the environment you are most likely to use.

For example:

Forests → Woodland or Flecktarn.

Snow → Arctic Camo.

Desert → Tan or Multicam.

Urban → Grey-scale urban camo.

4. Attachment Points

Make sure it has reinforced grommets or webbing loops every 12-18 inches for flexible spacing.

5. Weight & Packability

Tarps made from canvas are more rugged, so they are heavier. Nylon and PE are lighter with a smaller pack size, but wear out faster.

Maintenance and Care

Tarnplanen are built to last, but not without proper care. To help, follow the tips below:

Cleaning

• Use a damp cloth, mild soap, and water to wipe down surfaces
• Do not use bleach or strong solvents as they will ruin the coatings

Storage

• Always fully dry items before folding to prevent mold
• Avoid areas with direct sunlight and store items in a cool, dry place

Inspection

• Regularly check items for frays, cuts, or grommets that are missing
• Use repair tape or patch kits for small cuts

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Flecktarn military surplus camo may not be allowed for civilian use in certain regions. Always check local laws before buying. It is not advisable to wear military camo in conflict zones or politically sensitive regions as it may result in misunderstandings and fines.

Additionally, using Tarnplanen for concealment in public spaces like parks, streets, or cities, may breach laws around trespassing, camping, or being too visible.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Options

Tarnplanen made out of recycled plastics or are biogradble are being manufactured for eco-conscious outdoor enthusiasts looking to decrease their environmental impact.

Look for these certifications:

• OEKO-TEX
• Bluesign
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management

Conclusion: Why Tarnplanen Matter?

Tarnplanen are the perfect blend of style and practicality. More than just equipment, they serve as tactical assets, emergency lifesavers, and multi-use outdoor gear. Tarnplanen are efficient and stylish whether you are shielding a vehicle, setting up a covert campsite, or just protecting your firewood.

Tarnplanen are still relevant in almost every situation today, proving their usefulness from their origins in wartime survival kits to modern-day preparedness gear.