As a camper, canned food and survival in the great outdoors go hand in hand, and just as canned food is indispensable, so is the can opener since there would be no way to enjoy that awesome meal without opening the can. 

Finding the best camping can opener in 2023 that meets the criteria of durable, strong, and lightweight that won’t leave you hanging and hungry at any time is quite a task. And to save you the stress of endless hours of scrolling through Amazon, here is a comprehensive and short guide to the best can opener for your next camping expedition.

Top 6 Most Practical Camping Can Opener Reviewed

1. P-38 and P-51 Can Opener

When all you want in a camping can opener is functionality and practicality, this product is not just the top 1 but also the best bet. The brand US Shelby CO came up with the most practical of them all and did not forget to consider your pocket in terms of size and terms of value. 

Although this powerful combo of P-38 and P-51 can openers are considered small by all measures, with P-38 measuring approximately 1.5 inches long and P-51 measuring about 2 inches long, they are pretty strong thanks to their stainless steel make. 

The can openers look very much alike, with the only difference being their sizes and are very compact considering their almost non-existent weight. Still, when you think about what they can do, there is no doubt that these two tiny wonders are the real deal. 

Considered the best travel can opener, the combo functions not just like your regular can opener but also doubles as a nail cleaner, a perfectly functional screwdriver, a seam opener, and a cutting edge. 

In terms of usage, these can openers merely require a little bit of force to do their work as they are manual, but never doubt them as they always get the job done. 

Pros

  • Very durable thanks to their stainless steel make
  • Very compact, being able to fit into anything, including a pocket
  • Combo pack is lightweight despite the material composition
  • Super affordable
  • Versatile in usage

Cons

  • Requires the use of force as its manual
  • Prone to bending overtime

Takeaway

US Shelby CO brings to you practicality, versatility, and compactness in just one single combo pack with its combo P-38 and P-51 camping can opener. With this small but mighty combo set, you are guaranteed an excellent can-opening experience that will not cost you much and that will last for as long as you need it. 

2. Zyliss Manual Handheld Can Opener

A worthy of mentioning, easy to use and innovative can opener, the Zyliss Lock N’ Lift Manual Handheld can opener puts ease in the easy manual and looks easy on the eyes with its unique aesthetic design and composition.  

For starters, its material composition is of a wide variety. While its blade is made from stainless steel, durable, strong, and rust-resistant, its entire body is a mixture of TPE, PP, POM, GF, nylon, and brass. All that for one single design to ensure that you have functionality and beauty in one single product. 

To complement the pretty aesthetics, its functionality features are off the chart. Its locking mechanism allows the opener to securely lock its cutting wheel in place, allowing for an easy and smooth cut all through. In addition to that, the soft-touch handle is built for smooth, easy turning that saves you the stress of applying too much vigor while cutting and prevents any form of slipping while opening the can. 

And for the finishing touch, this unique camping can opener has built-in magnets that help you lift the lid off the can right after cutting for safe and easy disposal. It is super easy to clean with a simple hand wash and very easy to store. 

Pros

  • Modern and very unique design
  • Strong and durable with the unique material composition
  • Advanced locking mechanism for secure cutting
  • Built-in magnets to lift the cut lid
  • Very practical and functional

Cons

  • Not as compact and lightweight as others with the material composition
  • Might require a pouch for safe-keeping with the externally placed blade

Takeaway 

Considering its looks and functionality, this product is a top-of-the-line can opener. Aptly equipped with innovative features like its soft-touch grip for smooth and secure handling and its well-sharpened high-grade stainless steel blade, opening a can with such a tool would be a thing to look forward to. 

3. OHSAY USA World’s Best Can Opener

For campers looking for the best made in the USA camping can opener, the search is finally over as OSHAY USA World’s Best Can Opener is what you are searching for and more. It has all you need, from the right function to the right features. 

As a made in US product, the originality of this can opener goes strongly hand-in-hand with its functionality. For starters, this product is the definition of strong, made from 1008 carbon steel featuring a heat-treated blade and zinc plated with a plastic/rubber handle. The durability of this can opener is assured any day, any time, not to talk of the extreme sharpness of the blade. 

Asides from the very strong make, the design of the can opener incorporates an easy turn crank mechanism with a torque that allows for easy maneuvering when cutting. To add to that, it features a non-slip grip handle that is designed for comfort and easy handling. 

As a utensil that has been fined tuned for over 70 years, the resulting product is one of high-grade quality with a lot to offer its users. 

Pros

  • Very strong material composition with a lasting guarantee
  • Unique easy turn crank mechanism for better maneuvering
  • Non-slip grip for safe and comfortable handling
  • A strong blade that can cut through anything
  • Highly functional

Cons

  • A bit heavy with the material composition
  • Many find it a bit tasking to clean and maintain

Takeaway 

If what you are after is a can opener that you would pass on to your great-grandchildren still standing and functional, then this is the best choice for you. With great functionality and durable make, this can opener incorporates ease and safety into can opening to give you a stress-free can opening experience. A great choice at all times.  

4. Bartelli Soft Edge Can Opener

In the category of the best camping can opener in 2023, the Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener is the king without contest. This model exhibits core innovation, practicality and guarantees its users a long lifespan in any situation. 

One of the major recognizable features of the Bartelli Soft Edge can opener is its material make. The blade of the can opener is made from stainless steel, which makes it last longer as it is built to withstand rust, the major problem of any item such as it. With the material construction, there is also strength as it allows you to open any can of any size without breaking a sweat. 

The stainless steel blade is encased in a high-strength plastic that is strong and soft enough to handle.  

Beyond the material, there is the innovative design that makes it even more alluring. It features an innovative no-squeeze mechanism that automatically locks onto the can with the help of a large turn knob that allows you to freely cuts the edges without the need to apply force.  

In addition to the ease of attachment, the can opener is designed to cut the edges safe and smoothly in such a way that you can re-seal the lid to preserve your food and drinks. Plus, it can function as a very handy jar opener and also a bottle opener.   

Pros

  • Features an innovative cutting mechanism for easy handling
  • Made with strong and durable materials
  • Rust-resistant
  • Allows for the preservation of food with its resealable lid creation
  • Multi-functional serving as a can opener, bottle, and jar opener

Cons

  • The plastic handle could weaken over time
  • It’s a bit expensive for a can opener

Takeaway

In terms of innovative mechanism that facilitates functionality, the Bartelli Soft Edge 3-in-1 Ambidextrous Safety Can Opener is one of the best camping can opener choices in the market. With its design and 3-in-1 functions, you are sure of using a great product without stressing and without worrying.  

5. Kuhn Rikon Can Opener with Ring Pull

This chapter of an innovative and technologically safe camping can opener has the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety LidLifter/Can Opener. As a widely known brand in the kitchen utensils section, Kuhn Rikon has always looked for better ways of manufacturing easy-to-use and safe products, and they got it right with this can opener. 

The first thing to note about this unique product is the overall design and material construction. The casing of the lid lifter/ can cutter is made of high-quality plastic that is easy to handle yet strong enough to last. Then the blades are made from enhanced stainless steel, strong, durable, and rust-resistant. 

This product features a very advanced lock-on technology that allows the can opener to attach to the lid quickly to add to the unique design. Asides from that, to ensure maximum hygiene and to prevent contamination of food, the opener is designed to open the can without cutting the metal,  leaving a clean-cut edge, and to finish up, it also features mini-pliers/pincers on the side that help lift the lid easily without any form of contact. 

The overall design of this can opener is eye-opening as everything about it is safe and easy to maneuver, providing you with a hygienic experience when handling your canned and tinned items. 

To cap it all up, this innovative tool is super easy to clean and maintain and functions for various things like can opening, lid/lifting, and ring-pull opening. 

Pros

  • Highly innovative design that allows for easy maneuvering
  • Made with strong and durable material
  • Highly functional with a 3 in one functionality
  • Easy to handle
  • Clean and hygienic with the smooth side edge cutting feature

Cons

  • The side-cutting mechanism is unusual and, as such, might confuse users
  • It’s not so lightweight due to its material and functionality composition

Takeaway 

Kuhn Rikon has consistently surpassed the rest in terms of technologically advanced products, and with the Kuhn Rikon Auto Safety Smooth Touch Can Opener, they truly outdid themselves. This product is an all hygienic and efficient can opener that allows you to open a can easily and hygienically without worries. 

6. Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool

For backpackers searching for a can opener with a little more style but with high functionality and practicality, then the Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Pocket Knife fits the profile. It offers you the experience of a can opener for all your camping expeditions and still goes ahead to give you a little more. 

The can opener is made from stainless steel construction which directly translates to longevity as the steel is created to withstand corrosion. It is encased in a smooth and unique case to protect the opener and the other tools further. The level of durability is expected as Victorinox comes with an air of foreign standard as it’s made in Switzerland. 

This compact apparatus offers more than just a can-opening experience to complement its already flawless stainless steel construction build. Incorporated within its uniquely designed casing are other tools which perform a variety of functions. The tools include long and short blades, Philips Screwdriver 1/2 and screwdriver of 3 and 6mm size, bottle opener, a wire stripper, scissors, toothpick, tweezers, keyring, reamer/punch sewing awl, as well as a multipurpose hook. 

If you ask me, that’s quite a package for a tiny little pocket can opener. But with the Swiss Army brand, which has been in the business for so long, the aim is to give you all the tools you need even when you are far away from home. 

Pros

  • Multi-functional
  • Strong and durable with its stainless steel construction make
  • Unique and sleek design
  • Lightweight and pocket sizeable
  • Perfect choice for campers and those on survival expeditions

Cons

  • Has too many functions for those who are after a simple can opener
  • Quite pricey for a can opener

Takeaway

As a Swiss-made product, the guarantee of durability and functionality is highly visible. The Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Pocket Knife is everything you would need to survive in the great outdoors without worrying that you are short on a vital tool. If you are after something a bit more than a can opener, then this is the product for you. 

Buying Guide 

Material

A good can opener should be strong and durable, able to withstand corrosion, pressure from bending and cutting, and even bluntness over time; you don’t want to have your can opener bend or be blunt while on a camping expedition. 

The ideal material for a can opener is stainless, which is durable and rust-resistant. At the same time, others made from carbon steel or titanium are also great choices as all have assured durability. 

Compactness 

As a camper, the ideal is to always travel as light as possible, and that would involve your traveling items being compact and easy to store. Unlike the can openers used at home daily, a good camping can opener should be lightweight and compact that won’t take too much space in your backpack. 

Added Features

Having a simple, straightforward can opener to open your can is great, but having a can opener that comes with added features for easy usage is an added advantage. Features such as the lock-on technology, or no-squeeze mechanism, and the rest are some of the things that would make your can opening experience better. 

FAQs

How do I use a camping can opener?

If you are concerned about how to use a camping can opener, then worry. Not as many can openers come with simple edge-cutting technology. For the ones with more complex functionalities, you can easily look up their functionalities online to know what to do and read up on their instruction manuals. 

Parting Thoughts

Be it a simple can opener with a simple cutting mechanism or a more sophisticated and advanced feature composition, a can opener remains a vital part of your backpacking itinerary, and that means that you must have the best to enjoy what it does. We do hope that this well-detailed guide of the best camping can openers in 2023 can go a long way in helping you make that final decisive choice of the best practical can opener for you.