Tarnplanen: The Practical Guide to Camouflage Tarps

Tarnplanen is a camouflage tarp. That’s all it is. Not a revolution. Not new tech. Just a tarp meant to help you stay hidden outdoors. It’s used by people who want to disappear into the background—hunters, survivalists, military, wildlife photographers. It’s also used by people who just want to cover their gear without advertising it to the world. That’s where it starts. No need for fancy introductions. This is about function.

What Tarnplanen Actually Is

Tarnplanen is a word that comes from German. “Tarn” = camouflage. “Planen” = tarp. Together: camouflage tarp. The idea is to help whatever’s under it blend in with natural surroundings. Sometimes it’s mesh. Sometimes it’s solid fabric. Could be army surplus. Could be homemade. But the job is the same: reduce visibility.

These tarps often use muted colors—browns, greens, greys. Sometimes white if it’s for snowy environments. The design isn’t for looks. It’s there to match terrain.

Who Uses Tarnplanen and Why

• Hunters use it to stay hidden from game.
• Wildlife photographers use it to get closer without being seen.
• Military and tactical teams use it to cover gear and positions.
• Campers and bushcrafters use it for shelters that don’t stand out.
• Preppers use it to stay low-profile during emergencies.

It’s not about fashion. It’s about not being seen. Or not drawing attention to your stuff.

Common Uses

1. Shelter – Tie it between trees, you’ve got a quick lean-to. It blocks wind and rain. If you’re trying to stay hidden, this works better than a bright tent.
2. Gear Cover – Drop it over backpacks, woodpiles, or a stash of supplies. Keeps things dry and harder to spot.
3. Groundsheet – Keeps you and your gear off wet or dirty ground.
4. Blind – Lay it over a branch structure and you’ve got a place to sit quietly and wait—whether for hunting or taking photos.

What to Look for in a Good Tarnplanen

• Quiet Material – If it crinkles loudly when the wind hits, that’s a problem. Sound gives you away.
• Matte Finish – Shiny surfaces reflect light. Bad idea.
• Strong Build – You don’t want it to tear or fail in rain or wind. Polyester and ripstop fabrics are common choices.
• Color Match – The camo pattern has to fit your environment. Woodland camo in the desert is useless.
• Tie Points – Grommets or sewn-in loops make it easier to set up.

Avoid the super cheap plastic tarps. They’re loud, bright, and they break easily.

Mistakes People Make with Tarnplanen

1. Wrong Pattern – Just because it’s “camo” doesn’t mean it’s right for your area. Use browns and greens in forests, but go light in snow. Match the terrain, not the idea of camo.
2. Flat and Tidy Setup – Nature isn’t flat. If your tarp looks like a perfect rectangle, it stands out. Bunch it. Drape it. Add sticks and grass. Break up the shape.
3. Too Much Movement – Don’t let it flap around. Secure it tight. Movement catches the eye.
4. No Texture – A smooth surface catches light. Add branches or leaves to make it blend.
5. Over-reliance – Tarnplanen is one tool. Not a magic solution. Use it with smart positioning and natural cover.

Making Your Own Tarnplanen

You can buy them. But some people make their own. Here’s how:

• Start with an old army tarp or neutral-color fabric.
• Paint or spray on camo patterns using stencils or sponges.
• Add netting or mesh.
• Stitch on loops for tying it up.
• When you’re in the field, weave in grass, branches, leaves.

DIY gives you more control. And you can build for your local terrain. It’s not hard, but you need to test it. What looks good in your garage might stand out in real woods.

When to Use Tarnplanen

Use it when you want to:

• Hide your shelter
• Disguise gear
• Stay dry without being obvious
• Take photos or hunt without spooking animals
• Move through areas discreetly

It’s also good for basic survival. A tarp that’s camouflaged is still a tarp. Shelter first. Camouflage second.

What Happens if You Don’t Use It?

Let’s say you skip Tarnplanen and use a blue or orange tarp. Now your camp stands out. Your gear’s visible from far away. Animals avoid you. People can find you. If it rains, your stuff gets soaked. If the sun’s out, it fades and breaks down faster.

Even if you don’t need to hide, it’s still useful. It keeps your gear dry. Blocks wind. Adds a layer between you and the ground. Tarnplanen is cheap insurance.

Real Examples

• A hunter in Norway used a mesh-style Tarnplanen to build a quick blind near a deer trail. Added some pine branches to blend it better. Got a shot within an hour.
• A group of bushcrafters used old military Tarnplanen to build lean-tos during a weekend trip. Stayed dry during an unexpected storm.
• A prepper group included a camo tarp in their bug-out bags. Not just for hiding—also for rain shelter and gear cover.

These aren’t glamorous stories. But they show real, practical use. That’s what this is about.

FAQs

Can Tarnplanen be used in the snow?
Yes. Use a white or grey camo pattern. Don’t use forest camo in snow. You’ll stand out.

Is it legal to use in public spaces?
Usually yes, but some parks ban camo shelters to prevent confusion or safety issues. Check local rules.

Is it waterproof?
Many are. Some are only water-resistant. Check product info or treat it yourself with a waterproofing spray.

Can I use a regular tarp instead?
You can. But it won’t hide you. Tarnplanen blends in. That’s the point.

How long does it last?
Depends on material. Good ones last years. Cheap ones rip or fade fast.

Conclusion

Tarnplanen is simple. It’s not high-end gear. But it works. It’s for people who care more about staying unnoticed than looking cool. It helps you hide, stay dry, protect your gear, and avoid being seen. That’s it.

If you’re going into the woods, or into any situation where blending in helps—bring one. Or make one. Test it. Use it right. Don’t assume any camo is good camo. Tarnplanen works when it’s used smartly.

Written by James flick