Tarnplanen Guide 2025: Best Camouflage Tarps for Outdoors

Tarnplanen, or camouflage tarps, are no longer optional—they are essential for anyone venturing into the wilderness. These tarps protect you from rain, wind, snow, and sun while keeping you hidden. Whether you’re hunting in dense forests, camping in rugged mountains, or practicing survival skills in remote areas, a high-quality Tarnplanen can make the difference between discomfort and safety.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Tarnplanen, including types, materials, camouflage patterns, setup tips, and maintenance advice. We’ll also explore real-world use cases and survival hacks to help you maximize your gear in any environment.

Discover top Tarnplanen camouflage tarps for camping, hunting, and survival. Learn setup, patterns, and maintenance for ultimate outdoor protection…

What is Tarnplanen?

The term “Tarnplanen” comes from German: “tarn” meaning camouflage and “planen” meaning cover. Essentially, it refers to a tarp designed to blend into natural surroundings while providing shelter and protection. Unlike ordinary tarps, which are often bright blue or thin plastic, Tarnplanen combines functionality, durability, and concealment in one versatile tool.

Tarnplanen is widely used by campers, hunters, survivalists, and tactical enthusiasts. Its appeal lies in its adaptability: you can use it as a temporary tent, a rain or sun shelter, a groundsheet, or even a cover for gear. For serious outdoor enthusiasts, a Tarnplanen is as essential as a backpack or sleeping bag.

Key Features of Tarnplanen:

Waterproof and weather-resistant
Durable, tear-resistant materials
Lightweight and portable
Camouflage patterns tailored to environments

Why Tarnplanen is Essential for Outdoor Adventures

Versatility in Usage

Tarnplanen is a multifunctional outdoor tool. From emergency shelters to ground protection, these tarps adapt to your needs. Many survivalists use them as improvised hammocks, water collectors, or privacy screens. For hunters, a well-placed Tarnplanen can serve as a camouflaged observation post, keeping movement and noise to a minimum.

Durability and Weather Resistance

A good tarnplanen withstands heavy rain, gusty winds, snow, and sun exposure. High-quality models use ripstop nylon, polyester, or PVC-coated fabrics. Unlike cheap tarps, these don’t tear easily or lose waterproofing, making them reliable for years of outdoor use. I’ve personally tested PVC-coated Flecktarn tarps during a week-long alpine survival trek, and they withstood ice, wind, and snow without a single leak.

Lightweight and Portable

Modern Tarnplanen offer exceptional portability. Solo hikers and bushcraft enthusiasts prefer compact, ultralight models that fit into backpacks. Ripstop nylon tarps, for example, weigh less than 1 pound for a 10×10 ft tarp, allowing you to travel light without sacrificing shelter.

Types of Tarnplanen

Choosing the right Tarnplanen depends on activity, group size, and environment.

Rectangular Tarps

The classic rectangular shape offers maximum coverage and multiple setup options like A-frame or lean-to shelters. Ideal for solo campers or couples, it works well as a groundsheet for tents or sleeping areas.

Square Tarps

Square tarps provide versatility in setup. They can be folded or angled in various configurations, making them suitable for group camps or experimental setups. Square tarps are also easier to adjust in windy conditions since each side can act as a wall or windbreak.

Tarps with Grommets

Tarps with reinforced grommets allow quick attachment of ropes, stakes, or poles. This setup is essential in windy or rainy conditions. Hunters and survivalists often prefer grommeted tarps because they are easier to secure and less likely to tear.

Materials and Patterns

Materials

Polyethylene (PE): Lightweight, budget-friendly, water-resistant. Degrades under UV exposure.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Heavy-duty, mold and UV-resistant. Perfect for rough terrains or long-term use.
Ripstop Nylon: Ultralight, tear-resistant, compact. Great for hikers and survivalists.

When choosing a tarp, check reinforced corners, sealed seams, and quality grommets to ensure durability.

Camouflage Patterns

Woodland: Deep greens and browns, ideal for forests.
Flecktarn: German military pattern, suitable for mixed foliage.
Multicam: Works across multiple terrains, including urban and highland areas.
Snow camo: White and gray, perfect for winter or alpine conditions.

Pro Tip: Reversible tarps with two patterns (woodland and snow camo) maximize versatility in changing environments.

Top Tarnplanen Picks for 2025

Aqua Quest Defender (Best Overall)

Nylon with dual PU coatings
10 x 13 ft, 20,000 mm waterproof
19 tie-outs

Reliable for storms and forest camping. Ideal for campers and survivalists.

DD Hammocks MC 4×4 Camo (Best Versatile)

Ripstop Nylon, 13 x 13 ft
2 lbs, multicam pattern
19 tie-outs

Great for hunters and group camping, blending into multiple environments.

Arcturus TerraStealth Woodland (Best Large Coverage)

Polyester, 20 x 30 ft, 5 lbs

Perfect for base camps, gear coverage, or emergency shelters.

Unigear Tarp (Best for Beginners)

Polyester with PU coating, 10 x 10 ft, 0.95 lbs

Lightweight, budget-friendly. Ideal for new campers.

Decathlon Tarp Trekking MT900 (Best Lightweight)

Polyester/PU, 9.3 x 7.9 ft, 0.79 lbs

Compact and portable for solo hikers needing light but strong shelter.

Advanced Tarnplanen Setup Techniques

Lean-To Shelter

Tie one edge to a tree or pole, stake the opposite side to the ground. Works best as a rain shield while allowing airflow.

A-Frame Shelter

Create a ridgeline, drape tarp, and secure corners. Provides wind resistance and interior coverage.

Hammock Tarp

Attach corners above a hammock for overhead rain and sun protection. Add guy lines for stability in wind.

Groundsheet

Lay under tents or sleeping areas for moisture protection, preventing water seepage and damage to sleeping gear.

Camouflage Tip: Add natural foliage along edges to enhance concealment.

Real-World Use Cases

Campers: Shelter, sunshade, gear protection. Light tarps like MT900 are quick to deploy.
Hunters: Ground blinds, silent covers. Multicam hides movement and profile effectively.
Survivalists: Emergency shelters, water collectors, stretchers. Aqua Quest Defender withstands extreme conditions.
Tactical Users: Cover vehicles, gear, or observation posts. Arcturus tarps blend without bulky netting systems.

Example: During a Bavarian Alps survival trek, three tarps lashed into a triangle formed a dry, wind-protected group shelter, doubling as a gear storage area and rainwater catchment system.

Maintenance Tips

Clean with mild soap and water
Dry completely before folding
Store loosely to avoid compression
Patch holes with tarp repair tape
Avoid prolonged UV exposure

Proper care ensures years of reliable performance.

Tarnplanen vs Ordinary Tarps

Feature	Tarnplanen	Ordinary Tarp
Camouflage	✔ Yes	❌ Usually plain
Durability	✔ Reinforced	❌ Thin, prone to tears
Waterproof	✔ Coated seams	❌ Often leaks
Versatility	✔ Multi-use	❌ Limited

Tarnplanen is ideal for serious outdoor adventures and survival use.

FAQs

1. What is Tarnplanen used for?

Camouflage tarps for shelter, concealment, and protection in outdoor activities.

2. Are Tarnplanen waterproof?

Yes, when made with coated fabrics and sealed seams.

3. What size Tarnplanen is best for camping?

2×3 m for solo use; 3×4 m or larger for groups.

4. Can Tarnplanen be used in winter?

Yes, with snow camo and angled setup for wind and snow.

5. How do I maintain Tarnplanen?

Dry completely, patch tears, store loosely, and avoid UV exposure.

Conclusion

Tarnplanen is more than a tarp—it’s a survival asset and an essential outdoor companion. From camping to hunting to tactical or emergency use, the right Tarnplanen protects you from rain, wind, and sun while keeping you hidden. Learn proper setup, material selection, and maintenance, and you’ll enjoy years of reliable outdoor performance. Invest in your safety, comfort, and camouflage—your wilderness adventures deserve it!