Camping is about enjoying the great outdoors and living in a simpler way. However, there are some things you’ll need just to make life easier and since you’ll likely be eating a lot of canned foods, having something to open them with is imperative.
The best camping can openers are easy to use, compact and reliable. After all, the last thing you want when you’re out on a remote campsite is for your tool to break.
In this guide, we’ll be reviewing some of the top camping can openers as well as giving you some tips on finding a reliable and durable tool.
Camping Can Openers - Our Top Picks
There isn’t a huge amount of difference between can openers; they all open cans. However, while looking for the best ones, we found that there are some camping can openers that just have that something extra special.
OUR TOP PICK
We love this versatile can opener that doubles as a bottle opener. If you’re keen to have a few beers with your meal, this is the perfect tool for you. But what really makes this can opener stand out from the crowd is that the mechanism is cleverly designed to prevent sharp edges. Keeping those fingers safe has never been easier.
If you don’t use the entire can at once, the way that this can opener cuts through the lid means that it can be refitted, keeping your food at its best until you’re ready to finish it.
When you’re camping, the last thing you want is a tool that’s difficult to use. What’s great about the Lantana can opener is that it operates incredibly smoothly. It’s also lightweight and easy to pack; it really does have the best of everything.
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight | We couldn’t find anything wrong with this can opener |
Cuts smooth edges | |
Easy to use | |
2 in 1 function | |
Allows to refit lid |
BET MULTIFUNCTIONAL CAN OPENER
We know that sometimes you need more than one kitchen tool when you’re out on an adventure, but taking several can weigh you down. That’s why we love this 3 in 1 can opener from Belloxis which also functions as a bottle opener and a lever.
One of the best things about this can opener is that it’s made from very durable materials making it the perfect choice for outdoor use. Stainless steel is not only super strong and reliable but it’ll also stand up well to exposure to moisture without easily rusting.
This one is an excellent option for people whose hand strength or dexterity isn’t quite as good. It’s designed to be super smooth and easy to use. The large knob makes gripping and rotating easier than ever. In fact, the manufacturer recommends it for elderly people which demonstrates its user friendliness for specific groups of people.
Pros | Cons |
Easy to use | A little heavier than other can openers |
Multifunctional | |
Made from durable materials | |
Doesn’t leave sharp edges | |
Comfortable rubber grip |
BEST VALUE
While you might be happy to invest a good amount of money into your at home kitchen utensils, you’re probably keen to save where you can when you’re on the road. The great thing about this can opener is that it’s super affordable and yet still performs excellently.
What’s best about this tool is how compact and lightweight it is. If you are already weighed down by a whole array of camping equipment, this will slot into even a small pocket and go pretty much unnoticed. But it’s still extremely durable and made from strong materials designed to withstand heavy duty use.
This is not a traditional can opener that latches onto the can but instead requires the user to stab the sharp end into the can. While this is a simple and quick way to get the job done, do keep in mind that it’s slightly less safe.
Pros | Cons |
Great value for money | Not as safe as other can openers |
Compact and lightweight | |
Durable | |
Simple to use | |
Easy to clean and dishwasher safe |
BEST FOR RING PULL CANS
If you don’t want to take masses of equipment on your camping trip then you’ll love these compact can openers. They are designed for use with ring pull cans which are commonplace now and make pulling the lid off super quick and easy.
They’re designed for people whose grip and hand strength is lacking but can easily be used by anyone. What’s more, this set of two can openers. Feature an ergonomically designed handle that’s comfortable to hold and won’t slip.
The Garta easy open can opener is made from stainless steel which is a very heavy duty material that won’t easily warp, break or corrode. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use.
Pros | Cons |
Makes opening cans easier for those with strength or grip problems | Can only be used with ring pull cans |
Lightweight and compact | |
Made from durable materials | |
Comes in a pack of two | |
Comfortable grip handle |
BEST COMPACT
There are a lot of compact can openers out there that are great for camping but this one really stands out from the crowd. Not only is it super lightweight and easy to pack but it has a wealth of other features that make it comfortable, easy and safe to use.
The can opener is fitted with an easy grip handle making it far simpler to open cans without struggling. What’s more, the sharp point used to open the cans can be folded in when not in use so there’s no risk of accidents.
The NOGENT can opener is extremely versatile and can open almost any size can weighing up to 20kg; not that you’d be carrying something that heavy out into the wilderness! But this means that it will serve almost any camping need.
Pros | Cons |
Comfortable non slip handle | Expensive |
Safety features | Only designed for right handed use |
Versatile | |
Lightweight and easy to pack | |
Durable |
What To Look For In A Camping Can Opener
A can opener is a can opener, right? In a way that’s true but while they’re all designed to do the same job, they’re not all made equal. Don’t be tempted to just buy the first and cheapest can opener you find as it might not perform as expected. Take a little time to look over the features of the can opener to make sure it’s going to serve you well.
Ease Of Use
It goes without saying that a camping can opener needs to be a manual device. Powered can openers are great for at home but when you’re out in the wild, you might not have an electricity hook up.
However, some manual can openers are very tricky to use and that’s the last thing you want when trying to prepare a meal for your hungry tribe. To avoid problems, look for can openers that will latch on easily and turn smoothly. You’ll also want to make sure that, once the tool is latched on, it doesn’t slip or come off.
You might also wish to think about how easy the can opener is to clean. Some can openers have little nooks and crannies that are hard to access and if food gets stuck in these, it may cause the metal to rust, not to mention it’s not hygienic.
Durability
When you are out and about, it’s no secret that things can get a little rough, especially if you’re camping in the wilderness. For this reason, it’s essential to look for a camping can opener that is made from high quality, robust materials that will stand up to the challenges of outdoor life.
Moreover, you want to make sure that the build quality is excellent and that the tool isn’t going to fall apart the moment you show it a can!
Safety
Some can openers will leave very rough edges and this can be dangerous but there are plenty out there that make a smoother cut. This is important in any case but even more so if you’re camping with children. If you’ve ever cut yourself on an open tin can, you’ll know why we think this is so essential.
Storage And Size
The last thing you want when camping is to have to take heavy, oversize or inconvenient equipment. Now, while a can opener is a small tool, some can be quite heavy. That’s great in terms of robustness but not so good when you’re trekking to a camping spot.
The key to happy hiking is to always take lightweight equipment. Don’t sacrifice quality for this but do keep it in mind. Moreover, you’ll want to look for a can opener that can easily fit into a side pocket of your bag.
Conclusion
When you’re enjoying camping, food is one of the main activities to bring campers together. There’s nothing quite like sitting around an open fire and enjoying a meal with your friends and family. It’s difficult to use fresh food on a camping trip unless you’re willing to take cool bags and mini fridges so most people opt for canned foods.
This is convenience at its best but you will need something to open your cans with. A camping can opener should be lightweight, robust, reliable and easy to use. We’ve picked out some great products so all you need to do is work out which one will suit your needs best.
