The term tarnplanen comes from German, combining “Tarn” (camouflage) and “Planen” (tarpaulins or covers). Tarnplanen are camouflage tarpaulins designed to conceal, protect, and adapt to natural or man-made environments. They are most closely associated with military use, but their value extends to outdoor recreation, hunting, survival, and emergency situations.
Unlike ordinary tarps, tarnplanen are engineered for durability, concealment, and adaptability. They are produced with materials capable of withstanding rain, snow, sun, and wind while maintaining a camouflage effect that helps reduce visibility in the field. Over decades of use, they have evolved from heavy, simple coverings into lightweight, multi-functional tools used worldwide.
This article explores tarnplanen in depth: their history, design, materials, camouflage strategies, military and civilian uses, advantages, limitations, and ongoing developments.
Historical Background
The origins of camouflage tarpaulins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when armies began to understand the importance of concealment in modern warfare. Prior to this period, brightly colored uniforms and visible encampments were common. With the introduction of aerial reconnaissance and long-range weapons, the need to hide soldiers, vehicles, and equipment became urgent.
During the First World War, militaries experimented with camouflage patterns on uniforms and netting. By the Second World War, tarpaulins with camouflage prints became common. German forces, in particular, advanced the use of camouflage cloths, which later influenced both NATO and Warsaw Pact militaries. These tarps were used to cover vehicles, create temporary shelters, and blend campsites into surrounding terrain.
After the war, surplus tarnplanen found civilian buyers. Campers, hunters, and farmers adopted them for shelter and equipment protection. Over time, manufacturers expanded designs beyond strictly military purposes, offering variations for outdoor sports and emergency use.
Materials and Construction
Tarnplanen are built to be stronger than ordinary plastic or canvas tarps. Their construction typically involves the following elements:
- Base Fabrics: Polyester, nylon, or canvas are common. These materials provide a balance between strength and flexibility.
- Coatings: Polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coatings are applied to make the fabric waterproof and resistant to mold.
- Camouflage Printing: Patterns are printed using durable dyes that resist fading from sun exposure and repeated folding.
- Reinforcement: Edges are often hemmed with strong stitching, and metal grommets or loops are added for tying down.
- Weight Classes: Lighter versions are made for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, while heavier military-grade options prioritize durability over portability.
The result is a tarp that can withstand long exposure to the elements, provide concealment, and be reused over many years.
Camouflage Patterns and Environments
The camouflage of tarnplanen is designed to reduce visibility in specific surroundings. Different environments require different patterns. Some of the most common include:
- Woodland: Green, brown, and black combinations to blend with forests.
- Desert: Tan and light brown shades for arid landscapes.
- Snow: White and light grey designs to disappear in snowy fields.
- Urban: Grey and darker patterns for use in city or industrial environments.
- Multicam/Digital: Modern designs using pixelated or blended colors to work in multiple environments.
These patterns are not only used for concealment from human eyes but also designed with consideration of aerial observation, infrared detection, and night vision equipment in advanced military versions.
Military Applications
Tarnplanen have long been part of standard military gear. Their uses in defense contexts include:
- Vehicle Concealment: Covering trucks, armored vehicles, and artillery to prevent detection from the air or ground.
- Temporary Shelters: Soldiers use them to create improvised tents or protection against wind and rain.
- Equipment Protection: Radios, supplies, and ammunition can be shielded from both weather and enemy observation.
- Observation Posts: Concealed lookouts and sniper nests are often built using camouflage tarps as overhead cover.
- Logistical Use: Large areas such as field hospitals or command centers can be hidden with connected tarps.
In many armies, each soldier is issued a personal camouflage tarp, sometimes called a shelter half, which can be used alone or combined with others to build larger structures.
Outdoor and Civilian Uses
Beyond the military, tarnplanen serve a wide range of outdoor and civilian purposes:
- Camping: They can be pitched as makeshift tents, ground covers, or rain shelters.
- Hunting: Hunters use them to build blinds that conceal their position from animals.
- Survival Training: Survivalists and bushcrafters rely on them to create quick shelters and protect firewood.
- Emergency Relief: Aid organizations use camouflage or plain tarps after natural disasters to create temporary shelters.
- Agriculture: Farmers employ them for covering equipment or protecting harvested crops from sudden rain.
Their versatility makes them a staple piece of equipment in outdoor and emergency gear kits.
Advantages of Tarnplanen
Tarnplanen remain widely used because they combine several benefits:
- Durability: Resistant to tearing and harsh conditions.
- Concealment: Camouflage patterns reduce visibility in specific environments.
- Weather Protection: Waterproof coatings protect both people and equipment.
- Flexibility: Can be used as tents, covers, ground sheets, or improvised shelters.
- Portability: Foldable and relatively lightweight compared to permanent structures.
- Multi-Use: A single tarp can fulfill several roles in one outing or operation.
For both soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts, these advantages justify carrying the extra weight in their packs.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite their strengths, tarnplanen are not without drawbacks:
- Weight: Military-grade versions can be heavy and cumbersome to carry long distances.
- Visibility in the Wrong Setting: A woodland camouflage tarp stands out in a desert or snow environment.
- Wear and Tear: Although durable, repeated folding, sun exposure, and stress can eventually cause damage.
- Cost: High-quality camo tarps are more expensive than ordinary plastic tarps.
- Setup Skills: Using them effectively requires knowledge of knots, tie-downs, and fieldcraft.
These limitations mean that tarnplanen are not always the best solution for casual users, but in the right hands they remain highly effective.
Modern Developments
Recent decades have seen innovation in the production and design of camouflage tarpaulins. Advances include:
- Digital Camouflage: Patterns based on pixelated designs for better blending across varied terrains.
- Infrared Reduction: Special coatings reduce heat signatures to make detection by thermal imaging more difficult.
- Lightweight Fabrics: New synthetic blends offer strength without the traditional bulk.
- Modular Systems: Tarps designed to interlock with others for larger or specialized structures.
- Dual-Sided Camouflage: Some tarps have different patterns on each side, allowing use in multiple environments.
These improvements make modern tarnplanen more effective for both military and outdoor markets.
Tarnplanen in Everyday Civil Use
While military use dominates discussions, tarnplanen are increasingly visible in civilian contexts. Outdoor retailers market them for campers and preppers. Farmers and construction workers use them as reliable covers. Even photographers use camouflage tarps to build hides for observing wildlife without disturbance.
The civilian versions often borrow designs from military models but are sold in smaller sizes, lighter weights, and more affordable price ranges. In regions affected by frequent storms or floods, relief organizations stockpile camouflaged and plain tarpaulins for rapid deployment.
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
As with all synthetic materials, the environmental impact of tarnplanen has become an issue. PVC coatings, in particular, can pose challenges for recycling. Manufacturers are experimenting with alternative coatings that are less harmful and easier to recycle. Some companies have introduced biodegradable tarpaulins for limited use in temporary shelters.
Additionally, durability plays a role in sustainability. A tarp that lasts ten years prevents the need for frequent replacement, reducing overall waste. Many outdoor communities now promote repair kits and patching methods to extend the life of tarnplanen.
Practical Tips for Using Tarnplanen
For users unfamiliar with camouflage tarpaulins, some practical advice includes:
- Choose the Right Pattern: Match the camouflage to your environment.
- Secure Properly: Use strong knots or bungee cords to prevent flapping in the wind.
- Avoid Overstretching: Tension should be even to prevent tearing at grommets.
- Layer for Effectiveness: Combine with natural foliage for improved concealment.
- Maintenance: Clean and dry before storage to prevent mildew and extend lifespan.
These steps ensure both effective concealment and long service life.
Conclusion
Tarnplanen — camouflage tarpaulins — remain a simple yet essential tool for military, outdoor, and civilian use. Their history reflects the evolution of camouflage in warfare, but their relevance extends well beyond the battlefield. Built to withstand weather and wear, designed to hide and protect, and adaptable to countless situations, tarnplanen occupy a unique role in practical field equipment.
From a soldier covering a vehicle in a combat zone to a camper building a quick rain shelter, tarnplanen continue to prove their worth. Their development into lighter, more advanced, and environmentally conscious products suggests they will remain in demand for years to come.
