Tarnplanen: What Are These Camouflage Covers and Why Are They Useful?
Introduction
From outdoor camping and wildlife photography to protecting equipment from the rain, these simple camouflage sheets have more uses than many people realise.
A plain tarpaulin can keep your belongings dry. But what happens when you also want your outdoor setup to blend into the trees, grass, or surrounding landscape? That is where Tarnplanen come in.
Tarnplanen are camouflage tarps or protective sheets commonly associated with camping, outdoor activities, wildlife observation, and equipment storage. They combine the practical covering function of a traditional tarp with colours and patterns that make covered objects less noticeable.
The name comes from German. And although it might sound like a specialist product, the idea is simple: a useful outdoor cover that can provide shelter, protection, and visual camouflage.
Quick Facts About Tarnplanen
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Tarnplanen |
| Language | German |
| English meaning | Camouflage tarpaulins |
| Singular form | Tarnplane |
| Product type | Outdoor protective covering |
| Main purpose | Weather protection and visual camouflage |
| Common materials | Polyester, nylon, canvas, coated fabrics |
| Typical colours | Green, brown, olive, woodland camouflage |
| Common users | Campers, outdoor workers, wildlife photographers |
| Waterproof | Depends on the material and coating |
| Main advantage | Protection combined with camouflage |
| Maintenance | Cleaning, drying, and careful storage |
What Does the Name Actually Mean?
The German word has two parts.
Tarn relates to camouflage or concealment. The verb tarnen describes hiding or disguising someone or something so it is harder to recognise.
Planen is the plural of Plane, which can mean a tarpaulin or protective sheet.
Together, Tarnplanen means camouflage tarpaulins.
One sheet is a Tarnplane. Several sheets are Tarnplanen.
These are descriptive German words, not the name of one particular manufacturer. Different companies can sell products under this description, and their designs, materials, and intended uses may differ.
A camouflage tarp may look simple when folded into a bag. Unfold it outdoors, however, and it can become a rain cover, temporary roof, protective sheet, or shelter wall.
Where Did These Covers Come From?
Camouflage coverings have a long association with military field equipment.
Before modern synthetic outdoor fabrics became common, armies used various cloth coverings, camouflage materials, and shelter sheets to protect equipment and reduce its visibility.
Military shelter sheets also influenced civilian outdoor equipment. Portable covers became useful for campers, hikers, hunters, and people working outside.
Today, camouflage-patterned tarps are available through general outdoor retailers as well as specialist equipment suppliers.
Their purpose is not always concealment. Many customers simply prefer the natural colours and practical design.
What Makes These Sheets Different?
At first glance, a camouflage tarp and an ordinary tarpaulin may seem almost identical.
They can share similar materials, waterproof coatings, reinforced edges, and attachment points.
The main visible difference is the camouflage design.
A bright blue or orange tarp stands out in a wooded campsite. A green and brown patterned sheet can blend more naturally with vegetation.
This does not mean every camouflage sheet provides better weather protection than an ordinary tarp.
That depends on its construction.
Camouflage Patterns
Woodland designs often combine greens, browns, and dark shapes.
Other patterns may use sand colours, grey shades, or muted earth tones.
The right appearance depends on where the cover will be used.
Weather-Resistant Construction
Some outdoor tarps use coated polyester or nylon to help stop water from passing through.
Others are designed mainly for visual screening or light rain.
It is worth checking the product description before expecting full waterproof protection.
Attachment Points
Many designs have metal eyelets, reinforced loops, or corner fittings.
These allow ropes, stakes, or support poles to hold the sheet in place.
Good attachment points can make a noticeable difference when the wind picks up.
Portable Design
Smaller sheets fold into compact bags and can be carried in a backpack.
Heavier covers may be more suitable for vehicle storage, gardens, or longer outdoor use.
Common Uses in Everyday Outdoor Life
One reason these covers remain useful is that a single sheet can serve several purposes.
Camping and Temporary Shelters
Campers may suspend a tarp between trees or support it with poles to create a temporary roof.
This can provide shade, a covered sitting area, or some protection from rain.
An A-frame shelter is a common arrangement. The sheet slopes down on two sides, allowing water to run away from the centre.
A tarp is not automatically a substitute for a proper tent, particularly during strong winds, cold weather, or heavy rainfall.
Wildlife Photography
Animals can notice sudden movement and unfamiliar shapes.
A camouflage sheet can provide a visual screen for a photographer sitting at a safe distance.
It may also reduce the chance of disturbing wildlife, provided the photographer follows local access rules and keeps an appropriate distance.
A cover should never be used to approach protected nests or disturb animals.
Outdoor Equipment Protection
Gardening tools, camping equipment, and other outdoor belongings sometimes need temporary covering.
A suitable tarp can shield them from dirt, falling leaves, and rain.
However, moisture may collect underneath an airtight cover. For long-term storage, airflow is important.
Garden and Backyard Projects
Camouflage-patterned sheets can also provide temporary visual screening.
People may use them around garden work areas, outdoor storage spaces, or temporary structures.
They should be secured properly rather than left loose in windy conditions.
Outdoor Field Activities
Temporary outdoor workstations, survey sites, and recreational field setups sometimes benefit from low-profile protective coverings.
In these situations, suitable weather resistance and secure installation matter more than appearance alone.
What Materials Are Commonly Used?
Material affects how a tarp feels, how much it weighs, and how well it performs.
| Material | Main advantage | Possible drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Relatively light, commonly available | Performance depends on coating |
| Nylon | Lightweight and flexible | Some fabrics can stretch when wet |
| PVC-coated fabric | Strong moisture barrier | Often heavier |
| Canvas | Sturdy traditional fabric | Can be bulky and slow to dry |
| Ripstop fabric | Helps limit the spread of small tears | Does not guarantee waterproofing |
There is no single material that suits every situation.
A lightweight backpacking sheet and a heavy-duty storage cover have different jobs.
That is why understanding the intended use matters more than choosing the thickest fabric available.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Cover
Buying a camouflage tarp should involve more than finding an attractive pattern.
Start with the actual job.
1. Decide where it will be used.
A woodland campsite, open garden, and vehicle storage area may require different sizes and materials.
2. Check the dimensions.
Measure the area before purchasing. Remember that a sloping shelter covers less horizontal ground than a completely flat sheet of the same dimensions.
3. Look at water protection.
Water-resistant and waterproof are not necessarily identical claims. Check whether the manufacturer provides information about fabric coating, seams, and intended weather conditions.
4. Examine the attachment points.
Reinforced loops and eyelets are useful for creating a stable setup.
5. Consider the weight.
Someone walking long distances will usually prefer lighter equipment than someone keeping a tarp in a car.
6. Read the care instructions.
A properly maintained cover may remain usable for longer, especially when it is regularly exposed to moisture and sunlight.
Are All Camouflage Tarps Waterproof?
No.
This is an important difference.
A camouflage pattern describes how the cover looks. It does not prove that the material can withstand heavy rain.
For example, Decathlon Germany lists a Treemetic camouflage hunting sheet made from polyester, with protection intended for wet outdoor conditions.
That is a specific product description, not a guarantee that every sheet sold under the same general German term performs equally well.
When checking a product, look for its stated water resistance, fabric treatment, seam construction, and recommended use.
A lightweight screening sheet may be perfectly suitable for shade or photography while providing limited rain protection.
How to Set Up a Basic Tarp Shelter
Setting up a simple cover does not have to be complicated.
For an A-frame arrangement:
- Choose a safe, permitted location away from unstable branches and areas likely to flood.
- Stretch a suitable ridgeline between two stable support points or use appropriate shelter poles.
- Position the tarp over the line.
- Secure the corners with stakes and guy lines.
- Adjust the tension so the fabric is firm without overstressing the attachment points.
- Angle the roof to help rainwater drain away.
Inspect the setup after wind or rainfall.
Avoid placing cooking flames, heaters, or hot equipment too close to the fabric unless the manufacturer specifically permits that use with the required clearances.
Also remember that camouflage can make a campsite harder for other people to see. Visibility and safety should always take priority near roads, trails, emergency access areas, and shared outdoor spaces.
Proper Cleaning and Storage
Good care can extend the practical life of outdoor equipment.
After use, shake away loose leaves, dust, and soil.
Use a soft cloth or brush with mild cleaning products approved for the material. Strong chemicals may damage some waterproof coatings.
Allow the cover to dry fully before folding it for storage.
Check for damaged eyelets, loose stitching, or small tears. Minor damage is usually easier to deal with before it becomes larger.
Store the folded sheet somewhere dry, away from unnecessary heat and prolonged direct sunlight.
Never assume that one cleaning method works for every fabric. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions whenever they are available.
Advantages and Limitations
Camouflage tarps can be practical, but they are not perfect.
Main Advantages
- Can provide a temporary covering for outdoor activities.
- Earth-tone patterns may blend better with natural surroundings.
- Available in different sizes, materials, and weights.
- Some designs provide useful rain and wind protection.
- Can serve more than one purpose, reducing the number of separate covers needed.
Possible Limitations
- Lightweight fabrics may tear under excessive tension.
- Low-cost designs may have weak eyelets or seams.
- Not every sheet is waterproof.
- Poor ventilation can allow trapped moisture to build up.
- Strong winds can make improperly secured shelters unsafe.
- Camouflage reduces visibility, which is not always desirable.
A good purchase comes down to matching the product to its intended conditions.
Are These Covers Worth Buying?
For someone who regularly camps, photographs wildlife, or needs temporary outdoor protection, a suitable camouflage tarp can be a useful piece of equipment.
Its practical value comes from flexibility.
You can carry a compact cover, arrange it into different shapes, and reuse it for several outdoor jobs.
But there is no reason to pay extra for camouflage if colour does not matter to your purpose.
For simple storage in a backyard, an ordinary waterproof tarpaulin may work equally well or better.
Choose based on construction and performance, not marketing language.
Final Thought
Tarnplanen may be an unfamiliar word to English-speaking readers, but the item itself is straightforward.
It is a camouflage protective sheet that can offer useful coverage in outdoor environments.
Some are made for lightweight recreational use. Others have heavier construction or particular features for equipment protection.
What matters most is the fabric, dimensions, weather protection, and fastening system.
A well-chosen tarp can be surprisingly useful. A poorly chosen one may disappoint the moment the weather changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Tarnplanen mean in English?
It means camouflage tarpaulins or camouflage protective sheets. The term comes from German.
2. Is it a brand name?
No. It is a general descriptive term rather than one specific brand or manufacturer.
3. Can these covers be used for camping?
Yes. Suitable outdoor tarps can provide shade, temporary shelter, and rain protection during camping.
4. Are all camouflage tarps waterproof?
No. Water protection depends on the actual material, coating, and construction.
5. What is the best material for a lightweight shelter?
Coated nylon and polyester are common options. The right choice depends on the required weight, strength, and weather resistance.
6. Can a camouflage sheet replace a tent?
It can serve as a basic shelter in appropriate conditions, but it does not automatically provide the enclosed weather, insect, or temperature protection of a tent.
7. What is the difference between a normal tarp and a camouflage tarp?
The camouflage version has colours or patterns intended to blend with the surroundings. Other performance differences depend on the specific product.
8. How should the cover be stored?
Clean and dry it fully, inspect any damage, fold it carefully, and keep it in a dry storage area.
