Tarnplanen are also called camouflage tarps. They are strong sheets of fabric that protect people and equipment from rain, sun, and wind. The special thing about tarnplanen is their camouflage pattern. This pattern helps the tarp blend into nature, such as forests, grass areas, or dry land.
Many people use tarnplanen for camping, bushcraft, hiking, hunting, fishing, and outdoor work. They are also useful at home for covering tools, firewood, bikes, or garden furniture. This guide explains what tarnplanen are, how to use them, and how to choose the right one.
What Is a Tarnplane?
A tarnplane is a large, flat sheet made from waterproof or water-resistant material. It has small metal holes (called eyelets) around the edges. You can use ropes or cords through these holes to fix the tarp to trees, poles, or the ground.
Main Features of Tarnplanen
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Camouflage colors and patterns
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Protect from rain, sun, and wind
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Strong edges so they do not tear easily
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Eyelets for easy setup
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Can be folded and carried
Tarnplane vs. Normal Tarp
Both tarnplanen and normal tarps protect from weather. The main difference is how they look and where people use them.
| Feature | Tarnplane (Camouflage Tarp) | Normal Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Color / pattern | Camouflage (forest, desert) | Blue, green, gray |
| Blends into nature | Yes | No |
| Use in camping | Very good | OK |
| Use at home | Good | Very good |
| Look in nature | Natural | Stands out |
Where Can You Use Tarnplanen?
Tarnplanen are useful in many situations.
1. Camping and Hiking
You can use a tarnplane to:
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Make a small roof to sleep under
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Put it on the ground to keep your bag dry
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Protect your backpack from rain
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Create shade from the sun
2. Bushcraft and Survival
In bushcraft and survival, a tarnplane can help you:
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Build a simple shelter
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Block wind
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Collect rainwater
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Cover firewood and food
3. Hunting and Nature Watching
People who hunt or watch animals use tarnplanen to:
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Hide themselves better
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Cover equipment
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Build small hiding places
4. Home, Garden, and Storage
At home, you can use tarnplanen to:
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Cover bikes and motorbikes
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Protect garden tools
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Cover wood for winter
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Protect furniture from rain
Materials Used for Tarnplanen
Tarnplanen are made from different materials. Each material has good and bad points.
| Material | Good Points | Bad Points | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE (plastic) | Cheap, waterproof, strong | Heavy, not very small | Garden, storage, base camp |
| Polyester | Light, easy to carry | Less strong than plastic | Camping, hiking |
| Nylon | Very light, strong | More expensive | Long trips, trekking |
Sizes and Shapes
Tarnplanen come in many sizes. The right size depends on how you want to use it.
Common Sizes
| Use | Good Size |
|---|---|
| One person shelter | 2 x 3 meters |
| Two people shelter | 3 x 3 meters |
| Group shelter | 3 x 4 meters or more |
| Covering gear | Depends on gear size |
Shapes
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Rectangle (most useful)
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Square (easy to build shelters)
Camouflage Patterns
Different patterns work better in different places.
| Place / Area | Best Pattern |
|---|---|
| Forest | Green woodland |
| Dry land / desert | Brown desert |
| Snow | White winter pattern |
| Mixed areas | Mixed camo pattern |
If you use the tarp mostly in your garden or campsite, the pattern is not very important. If you want to hide well in nature, choose a pattern that matches the area.
How to Set Up a Tarnplane (Easy Ways)
You can set up a tarnplane in many ways. Here are some simple ones:
Simple Setup Types
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A-frame: Tie the tarp between two trees like a small tent.
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Lean-to: One side high, one side low. Good for wind and rain.
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Flat roof: Use it as a sun shade.
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Low shelter: Put it close to the ground to block wind.
Things You Need
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Rope or cord
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Tent pegs or stakes
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Trees, sticks, or poles
How to Choose the Right Tarnplane (Buying Guide)
Before you buy, think about these points:
Simple Buying List
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What will you use it for? (camping, garden, survival)
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Do you need it to be very light?
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How big should it be?
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Will you use it often or only sometimes?
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Do you need full waterproof protection?
Price and Quality
| Price Level | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Low price | Heavy plastic tarp, basic quality |
| Medium | Better material, stronger edges |
| High price | Light, strong fabric, long life |
Care and Storage
If you take care of your tarnplane, it will last much longer.
Easy Care Tips
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Clean dirt and mud after use
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Let it dry before packing
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Do not leave it in the sun for many weeks
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Store in a dry place
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Fix small holes early
Tarnplanen and Other Options
You can also use other products instead of tarnplanen. Here is a simple comparison:
| Product | Good Points | Bad Points |
|---|---|---|
| Tarnplane | Protects from rain + hides well | Heavier than poncho |
| Normal tarp | Cheap and easy to find | Very visible |
| Camo net | Hides very well | No rain protection |
| Poncho tarp | Can be worn, very light | Small shelter |
Safety Tips
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Camouflage can make you hard to see. Be careful near roads or people.
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Do not place the tarp close to fire.
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Do not use tarnplanen as permanent buildings.
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In hunting areas, follow local safety rules.
Conclusion
Tarnplanen are simple but very useful tools. They can:
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Protect you and your gear from rain and sun
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Help you build quick shelters
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Help you blend into nature
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Replace many other outdoor covers
With the right size and material, a tarnplane can be used for camping, bushcraft, survival, hunting, and home use. It is a smart and flexible piece of equipment that many outdoor lovers find very helpful.