If you’ve ever wanted something that hides gear, shelters you from the elements, or simply gives your backyard a rugged look, a tarnplanen (camouflage tarp) is a surprisingly handy tool. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife made of fabric — it shelters, conceals, and adapts. This guide walks you through everything: what they are, how they work, buying tips, setup tricks, and even how to keep yours looking and working great for years. Ready? Let’s dig in.
What is a Tarnplanen? (Quick Definition)
A tarnplanen is a tarpaulin designed with camouflage patterns and often built from weather-resistant fabrics. Unlike a plain blue tarp, a tarnplane blends into natural or urban surroundings while offering the same practical benefits: protection from rain, wind, sun, and dust. It’s a simple idea — cover and conceal — but the applications go far beyond the obvious.
Why People Choose Tarnplanen: Main Advantages
Stealth and Concealment
Want to hide a hunting blind, camping gear, or equipment in the yard? Tarnplanen reduces visibility and helps you stay unnoticed. It’s like wearing a coat that matches the scenery — instant invisibility, kind of.
Weather Protection
Most tarnplanen are treated to resist water, UV rays, and wind. They protect gear from rain and act as a lightweight roof or windbreak.
Versatility for Outdoors & Urban Use
From rooftop paintball setups to backyard parties, these tarps are flexible. They’re as comfortable on a forest trail as they are draped over a pergola.
Common Materials Used in Tarnplanen
Polyester and Nylon
Lightweight, tear-resistant, and often coated for waterproofing. These are the most common, especially in packable models.
PVC-Coated Fabrics
Heavier and more durable, PVC coatings improve waterproofing and longevity. Great when you need a tarp to last through harsh seasons.
Natural-Fiber Alternatives
Cotton duck canvas variants exist and breathe better, but they’re heavier and need treatment to be water-resistant. They’re nicer to handle but demand more care.
Camouflage Patterns Explained
Woodland & Forest Patterns
Greens, browns, and leaf shapes — perfect for temperate woods. If trees are your daily backdrop, woodland patterns work like a charm.
Desert and Arid Patterns
Tans, beiges, and sandy blotches. Ideal for dry, dusty regions or open fields.
Urban & Digital Patterns
Greys, broken shapes, and pixelated patterns blend into concrete and mixed environments — useful for urban storage or paintball courses.
Choosing the Right Pattern for Your Environment
Match the dominant colors and shapes of your environment. A junky old trick: take a photo where you’ll use the tarp and compare it to pattern samples. Pick the one that “disappears” best.
Popular Sizes and How to Choose One
Small (1–2 m)
Perfect for backpacks, camera covers, and quick concealment. Lightweight and packable.
Medium (3–4 m)
Good for two-person shelters, ground covers, and small gear caches.
Large (5 m+)
Use these for vehicle covers, large tarps between trees, or to create communal shelters. They weigh more but offer big coverage.
How to choose? Measure the area you want to protect, add 20–30% for drape and tie points, and remember that bigger gives flexibility but adds weight.
Key Features to Look For When Buying
Reinforced Eyelets and Grommets
These are your anchor points. Reinforced ones resist tearing and make setup easier.
UV and Water Resistance
UV stabilizers stop patterns from fading; waterproof coatings prevent seepage and protect gear.
Weight and Packability
If you’ll hike with it, choose lightweight nylon/polyester. For fixed installations, heavier PVC options last longer.
Fire Resistance & Safety
Some tarps are treated to be flame-retardant — a nice-to-have if you’ll be near open flames (campfires, grills, or torches). Always follow safety guidelines.
Practical Uses for Tarnplanen
Camping and Shelter
Use as a rainfly, groundsheet, or roof. Quick, effective, and lighter than many tents.
Hunting and Wildlife Observation
Set up a blind to hide your silhouette and reduce movement detection. Add natural vegetation for extra realism.
Photography and Film
Great for hiding equipment or diffusing sunlight, a tarp can be a low-cost backdrop or flag.
Garden, Patio & Home Use
Shade for plants, privacy screens, or a rugged picnic shelter — practical and stylish.
Tactical, Military & Paintball
Used for concealment, staging areas, and obstacle covers. In sports settings, it adds realism and strategy depth.
How to Set Up a Tarnplane: Step-by-Step
Basic A-Frame Shelter
- Find two trees about 2–3 meters apart.
- Throw a ridge line and tie the tarp over it so it forms an inverted V.
- Stake the corners and adjust tension.
This is your “go-to” shelter — quick and reliable.
Flat Roof Shelter
- Stretch the tarp between four anchor points.
- Create a slight slope for water runoff.
- Secure all corners with guy lines.
Use this on flat spots where you need more headroom.
Ground Cover and Concealment Tips
Lay flat and stake down edges. Add leaves or branches on top for extra camouflage — but avoid sealing the tarp under soil for long periods (moisture damage).
Maintenance: Cleaning, Repair, and Storage
Washing Without Damaging Coatings
Hand wash with mild soap and water. Avoid machine washing and harsh detergents that strip waterproof coatings. Rinse well and air dry completely before storage.
Fixing Tears and Broken Grommets
Small tears? Use adhesive repair patches or sew with waterproof thread and sealant. For grommet damage, reinforce with a patch and install a new grommet kit.
Best Storage Practices
Store dry, folded loosely in a cool, dark place. Avoid compressed storage for PVC-coated tarps for long periods — they can develop creases and cracks.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Using Camouflage in Public Spaces
Camouflage might attract attention in public or urban areas. It could be misinterpreted, so check local rules and be mindful — especially around sensitive locations.
Hunting Laws and Local Restrictions
Many areas regulate hunting blinds and concealment. Check local hunting regulations to ensure your setup complies with seasonal rules and safety requirements.
DIY Tarnplane Hacks & Customization
Making a Two-Tone Camouflage
Hit a plain tarp with spray paint or fabric dye in splotches to mimic local foliage. Use stencils for leaf shapes. Always test on a scrap first.
Adding Pockets, Loops, and Fasteners
Sew on webbing loops for extra tie-points; add zippered pouches for tool storage. Modular bits like MOLLE-style straps turn a tarp into an organized kit.
Environmental Impact & Eco-Friendly Options
Recyclable Fabrics and Natural Dyes
Look for tarps made from recycled polyester or those using water-based dyes. Some manufacturers make PVC-free tarps or use lower-impact coatings — better for the planet.
Minimizing Waste
Repair rather than replace. Small repairs extend life and cut down landfill waste — plus they save money.
Tarnplanen vs Regular Tarps: Quick Comparison
Functionality
Tarnplanen: concealment + protection.
Regular tarps: plain protection.
If blending in matters, tarnplanen win.
Durability
Depends on the material. A PVC plain tarp can outlast a cheap camouflage nylon, but many premium tarnplanen are equally rugged.
Price
Tarnplanen often cost slightly more due to printing and specialized coatings, but there’s wide variance — budget and premium options exist.
Buying Guide: Where to Buy and How Much to Spend
Budget Options
Expect low-cost tarps under budget brands — okay for occasional use or short trips. They may lack reinforced features.
Mid-Range Picks
These balance durability and price: reinforced grommets, decent coatings, and better pattern printing.
Premium Choices
High-end options offer heavy-duty PVC, superior UV resistance, and advanced patterns. Great if you rely on the tarp heavily or need long life.
Tip: Check user reviews, warranty info, and whether the seller provides detailed specs (denier, coating type, weight). Those numbers tell the real story.
Conclusion
Tarnplanen are simple but powerful tools. They combine protection with concealment in a way that regular tarps simply don’t. Whether you’re a weekend camper, a nature photographer, a gardener, or someone staging a backyard event, a good camouflage tarp expands your options—like adding a multi-tool to your outdoor kit. Match the material to use, pick the right pattern for your environment, and treat the tarp kindly with proper cleaning and repairs. With the right tarnplane and a bit of know-how, you’ll be ready for shelter, stealth, and creative uses that make outdoor life — and urban projects — smoother and more stylish.
FAQs
Q1: Can a tarnplane be used as a tent replacement?
A1: Yes — for many situations. A tarnplane can serve as a lightweight tent alternative (e.g., A-frame or lean-to), but it won’t offer the insulation or bug protection of a full tent. Use a tarp tent for lightweight camping and add a bivvy or netting if bugs are a concern.
Q2: How do I keep my tarnplane from fading?
A2: Store it out of direct sunlight when not in use, rinse mud off after trips, and look for UV-stabilized fabrics. Over time, some fading is inevitable, but UV-resistant coatings slow the process.
Q3: Will a camouflage pattern actually make me invisible?
A3: Not literally — but it reduces detection by breaking the outline and mimicking the surroundings. In nature, movement and scent matter more than pattern alone, but a tarnplane significantly reduces visual detection for gear and static hides.
Q4: Are tarnplanen waterproof on their own?
A4: Most are water-resistant due to coatings, but seams and grommets are weak points. Look for taped seams and high-quality coatings if you need full waterproofing. Reapply seam sealant if required.
Q5: Can I dye a plain tarp to make it a tarnplane?
A5: You can create a DIY camouflage look with fabric dyes or spray paints appropriate for the material, but results vary by fabric type and coating. Test on scraps and use breathable, UV-stable products to avoid weakening the fabric’s waterproof qualities.
