The German shelter quarter (or zeltbahn) was made from a cotton duck twill which when wet swells slightely making it more waterproof. The WW2 version is triangular with buttons along each side, holes in the corners for tent pegs and a tent pole.
The triangular zeltbahn is based on the square pattern of 1892 used up until the mid 30's, 4 could be buttoned together to make a four man tent (comfy to sleep in), more could be put together to form even bigger structures:
It could also be worn as a poncho to keep dry:
Early ones were field grey (I have a couple of these, check me) but wartime they were camoflaged so that every soldier had some basic pattern disruptive clothing. They were made in numerous patterns for both wehrmacht and SS, most of which were reversable.
Wehrmacht splinter pattern:
SS oakleaf pattern:
The Zeltbahn could also be used to make basic flotation aids:
Or a stretcher:
Pretty cool eh? Sort of like an issue origami set. Similar equipment has been issued in most armies for years, probably decended from the watch cloaks used since medieval times. The Russians had the 'plash palatka' which was rectangular and was used as a rain cape or basic shelter. The British had a similar rain cape as did the US, post war the poncho was introduced in the British army but with the advent of gortex they have been withdrawn (due to being useless for keeping you dry and the hood being problematic for shelter making) and replaced with a PLCE basher, functional and one of the best items of kit we have at the moment.
For more info on he Zeltbahn visit
http://www.zeltbahn.net/
Not exactly a weapon ...
