Zeltbahn 31 poncho/tent
In the early 1930s, the German military introduced a clever and multifunctional shelter component officially adopted in 1931. Originating from a 1929 patent filed by Walter Reichert, also known by the brand name “Warei,” this triangular shelter quarter became a core item in the field gear of the Wehrmacht. Designed to serve as both a rain poncho and a modular part of group shelters, it offered soldiers a compact, lightweight, and highly versatile solution to meet a range of needs.
Each unit measured approximately 250 by 200 by 200 centimeters and weighed about one kilogram when dry. Constructed from a tightly woven, water-repellent cotton fabric called Makostoff, it featured a slit for the head, allowing it to be worn as a poncho. Buttonholes and grommets along the edges enabled it to connect with others for larger applications. Four could be buttoned together to form a four-man pyramid tent known as a “Viererzelt.” The item’s configuration also allowed it to function as a groundsheet, camouflage tarp, stretcher, or improvised flotation aid, depending on the situation.
A standout feature was the distinctive splinter camouflage pattern, known as Splittertarnmuster. This design incorporated jagged polygons in green and brown over a grey or tan background, with added rain-stripe overlays to further break up visual outlines. Many versions were reversible, offering a lighter side for use in spring and summer and a darker one for autumn and winter—an early example of seasonal camouflage adaptation.
To carry it, soldiers typically folded and rolled the shelter quarter tightly into a cylindrical shape and strapped it horizontally across the rear of their Y-straps, just above the belt—creating what is often referred to by collectors and reenactors as a "bum roll." This position allowed it to sit comfortably above the bread bag and mess kit, balancing the load without interfering with mobility. The roll could also contain other shelter components such as the pole sections and stakes, neatly secured using leather straps or canvas ties. This method of carry kept the gear readily accessible while also conserving rucksack space.
A typical soldier’s shelter gear included tent stakes, ropes, and a collapsible pole made of sectional wood or metal, all stored in a small pouch. These additions allowed for rapid shelter construction in varying terrain and weather conditions. Soldiers often improvised with the equipment, forming small or large tents depending on the number of available units and personnel.
As the war progressed, material shortages and changing demands led to design variations. Early models used high-quality components like aluminum buttons and full grommet sets. Later wartime examples featured simplified construction, including the use of steel or bakelite buttons and alternate fabrics, such as captured Italian camouflage cloth. Despite these changes, the core design remained largely intact due to its effectiveness.
Although exact production numbers are unknown, this shelter quarter was widely issued and became a common sight among German ground forces. Multiple manufacturers across Germany contributed to its production. Some known makers included Heinrich Hofmann of Wetzlar-Garbenheim and Hermann Wighardt of Fulda. In later years, manufacturer details were often replaced with coded markings as part of the Reichsbetriebsnummer system, reflecting the shift to more secretive and dispersed wartime manufacturing practices.
