Tarnplanen: The Best Military Camo Tarp in the USA – Waterproof Tarpaulin for Camping, Hunting, Bushcraft & Survival

November 19, 2025 Noah

Tarnplanen is the real German army camouflage tarpaulin that has become the most popular tarp in America in 2025. It is made from thick polyethylene with double plastic coating on both sides, so not even one drop of water can get inside. Every 20 inches, it has strong metal eyelets that never rust or tear out, no matter how hard you pull. The famous flecktarn pattern uses green, brown, black, and tan spots that make you completely invisible in the woods or desert. A full 10 × 10 ft size weighs only 3–4 pounds and folds down to the size of a football, so it fits easily in any backpack. Real German soldiers still use this exact pattern today. Hunters, campers, preppers, veterans, and even kids across the USA say it is the best tarp they have ever owned.source

Table of Contents

Why Americans Love Tarnplanen

Americans buy cheap blue tarps every year, but they rip fast and leak like a broken bucket. Tarnplanen is different because it lasts 10–20 years, even in cold Alaska winters or hot Arizona sun. The material is fully UV-resistant, so the beautiful camo colors never fade. It is very quiet when the wind blows and makes almost no noise. You can drag it over rocks, pull it with a truck, or walk on it, and it stays perfect. One Tarnplanen can be a roof, ground sheet, poncho, gear cover, or emergency stretcher. It costs only $65–$110 with free Amazon Prime shipping, which is cheaper than many American brands. That is why it is the number one-selling camouflage tarp in the USA right now¹.

How to Use Tarnplanen for Camping

Using Tarnplanen for camping is very easy and takes only a few minutes. First, find two strong trees about 12–15 feet apart at your campsite. Tie a strong paracord or 550 cord high between the trees to make a ridgeline. Throw the middle of the Tarnplanen over the ridgeline to create a perfect A-frame shape. Pull all four corners tight and push tent stakes or sticks through the metal eyelets into the ground. Add two extra guy-lines on each side if it is windy. Now you have a completely dry and hidden room that keeps out rain, snow, bugs, and cold. Campers in Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, Boundary Waters, and all national parks use this setup every weekend.source.

Best Camo Tarp for Hunting in the USA

Tarnplanen is the best camouflage tarp for hunting in the USA because animals like deer, elk, turkey, and hogs have very sharp eyes. Normal bright tarps scare them away fast, but the real military flecktarn or woodland pattern makes you disappear in oak forests, pine woods, or sagebrush. Hunters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, Colorado, and every state fill more tags with this tarp. You can quickly make a ground blind or just sit under it with your rifle or bow all day. It keeps you 100 % dry in rain or snow, so you never have to move and scare the animals. Big hunting YouTube channels call it the invisible hunting tarp and an unfair advantage. Bow hunters love the quiet fabric because there is no noise when they draw the bow. If you want to see more games and bring home more meat, this is the tarp for you.

Army & Tactical Use in America

Army and tactical use in America is very popular because many US veterans trained in Germany and already know how great Tarnplanen is. It is the same pattern and quality that the German Bundeswehr still gives to soldiers in 2025. Tactical teams, airsoft players, paintball groups, ROTC units, and survival schools buy them in large numbers. You can hide full-size trucks and Jeeps, build silent observation posts, or set up hidden shelters in minutes. The metal eyelets are strong enough to hold the tarp with bungee cords, even on military vehicles. Preppers and bushcraft schools teach the classic Tarnplanen lean-to as the fastest and strongest survival shelter. It works perfectly in Florida swamps, Montana mountains, California deserts, and everywhere else. That is why it is the top tactical tarpaulin across the whole country².

Sizes & Prices in USA (2025)

Sizes and prices in the USA in 2025 are easy to choose for everyone. The 6.5 × 10 ft size is perfect for one person and costs only $35–$60. The 10 × 10 ft is the most popular size for two people and costs $65–$110 with free Prime shipping. The 10 × 13 ft works great for a small family or extra gear and costs $100–$150. The big 13 × 20 ft can cover a full Jeep or make a large base camp and costs $180–$250. Almost every seller gives free shipping in the lower 48 states. Many stores sell bundles with paracord and stakes for just a few dollars more. Prices stay low because they come straight from big surplus warehouses, so you get real German army quality for less money.source

Where to Buy Fast in the USA

Where to buy fast in the USA is simple and convenient for everyone. Amazon Prime has the biggest selection and delivers in 1–2 days right to your door. Varusteleka, the official European surplus store, ships to the USA with tracking in 5–10 days. eBay has new and lightly used ones, sometimes 20 % cheaper. Military surplus stores near big bases like Fort Bragg, Tacoma, and San Diego always have them in stock. Bushcraft and prepper websites like SelfRelianceOutfitters carry them too. Many sellers offer 30-day returns if you don’t love it. You can even find American-made copies, but the original German ones are still the favorite. They restock every week because they sell so fast.

FAQs

What is Tarnplanen and how to use it for camping?

Tarnplanen is the original German army camouflage tarpaulin made of strong waterproof plastic with metal eye373lets. You tie it between two trees with a rope to make a quick, rain-proof shelter in minutes. It is perfect for camping because it keeps you dry, hidden, and warm no matter the weather.

Best camouflage tarps for hunting and survival?

Tarnplanen is the #1 choice for American hunters and preppers because the real military pattern makes you invisible to game. It is lightweight, super tough, and 100 % waterproof for long sits in rain or snow. Thousands of hunters fill more tags every season thanks to this tarp.

How to set up a Tarnplanen as a survival shelter?

Tie a strong ridgeline rope high between two trees or trekking poles, then throw the Tarnplanen over it. Pull all corners tight and stake them down with pegs or sticks for a solid A-frame. In less than 5 minutes, you have a hidden, dry shelter that works in storms and snow.

Best camouflage shelter for extreme weather?

Tarnplanen beats every other tarp in hurricanes, blizzards, and desert heat because it is double-coated and UV-proof. The strong grommets and thick material hold tight even in 50 mph wind without leaking or tearing. Preppers and overlanders trust it with their lives in the worst conditions³.

Where to buy affordable Tarnplanen in the USA?

Amazon Prime has the fastest shipping and lowest prices, starting around $65 with free delivery. Varusteleka and eBay also sell original German ones with good deals and tracking⁴. Check local military surplus stores or bushcraft websites for bundles with cord and stakes.

Conclusion

Tarnplanen is hands-down the coolest, strongest, and most loved camouflage tarp in America in 2025. From weekend campers in the Smoky Mountains to hardcore preppers in Idaho and hunters in Texas, everybody wants one. Get your own Tarnplanen today and disappear in the woods like a real pro!