Best Camping Can Opener

(updated for 2024)

Best camping can opener needs to be small, light and functional. It should take very little space in your backpack, or maybe even fit in your pocket.

Our 3 top choices match the mentioned criteria.

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1. P-38 & P-51 can openers

P-38 and P-51 combo pack are made in the USA by Shelby company. Both can openers look alike, but are different sizes: P-38 is smaller – measures only one and a half inch long, and P-51 is the larger one – two inches long.

These openers are lightweight and compact, they can even fit on your key ring to carry in your pocket.

To open cans you need to move the opener toward yourself in an up and down motion along the can rim (read more about manual can openers with no moving parts in Can opener types).

It is possible to find other creative uses for these openers, such as flathead

screwdriver, cutting edge, groove cleaner, or seam opener. Some people report that these gadgets are not sturdy enough and can bend while opening larger cans.

It seems like the quality of the items is inconsistent according to customer reports, yet a large number of reviewers gave this opener set 4 and 5-star rating.

Check out high quality, but pricey, alternative to P-38 here.

2. Victorinox Fieldmaster Multitool

Victorinox Fieldmaster is not actually a can opener. It is Swiss Army Knife with 15 tools included, a can opener being one of them. Besides a can opener, Fieldmaster has 2 blades, 3 screwdrivers, wood saw, scissors, toothpick, wire stripper, reamer, hook, tweezers, bottle opener and a key ring.

Victorinox Fieldmaster features a can opener that is combined with a flat head screwdriver on the tip. (Take a look at the video screenshot below where Victronix knife with the opened can opener/flat head screwdriver tool is pictured in the middle).

To open a can with this tool – you need to move it in a forward motion. (To see how it is done, watch the YouTube video below made by Nomadic) .

The gadget is Swiss made of stainless steel and comes with a lifetime warranty. It makes an ultimate gift for a man – each time he reaches for the knife in his pocket- it will remind him of the giver.

3. OXO Compact Can Opener/Bottle Opener

The OXO Compact Can Opener for camping has received positive reviews for its compact design and ease of use. Users have found it to be a fantastic tool with smooth action, making it a valuable addition to their camping gear. Although some initial attempts may be needed to master the locking mechanism, it is essential to ensure proper operation.

To use it effectively, position the cutting wheel on the inner edge of the lid, pivot the opener to hang down at a 90-degree angle, and turn the handle to lock it in place. This method allows the opener to pierce the lid, after which you can start turning. Once the lid is fully cut, you can retrieve it using the magnet at the bottom of the opener.

Many users have found this compact can opener suitable for regular home use, not just for camping. Despite its relatively higher price point, users have deemed it well worth the investment. The construction quality is robust, combining stainless steel and plastic elements, and it feels comfortable to hold. In summary, the OXO Compact Can Opener is a portable and convenient tool for those seeking a compact and versatile option for camping and everyday use.

4. Camping Can Opener for Left-handed Individuals – Nogent Classic Mini Kim

These openers come in two versions – for right handed and left handed individuals:

Nogent Classic Mini Kim Left and Right.

It is a very smart solution because small size manual can openers with no moving parts are not easy to operate. It is especially difficult for left-handed people to use the right-handed version, so having an opener that really fits your individual needs while camping or on a trip is invaluable.

( Read more information and watch a video featuring this opener in Best left-handed can openers).

Mini Kim is 100% French made and comes with a lifetime warranty. The stainless steel blade of the opener is sharp, and the butterfly-shaped handle gives good leverage which makes can opening easy.

The drawback is that the blade sticks out, it doesn’t have a hinge to lay flat like in the P-38 and P-51 can openers.

If you want a can opener with good leverage that has a folded blade – then continue reading about Japanese can openers.

Please, be aware, that all manual openers with no moving parts will leave a very sharp jagged edge on the lid and on the can.

5. Other camping can openers to consider – Japanese can openers

There are a few more can openers that are worthy of honorable mention as good choices for campers and travelers:

Kotobuki Japanese retro can opener

This nifty high quality can opener is made in Japan. Its size is 4.38 x 3 x 1.13 inches and it weighs 0.8 oz. Its compactness and light weight makes it great for camping.

The body is made from a single piece of stainless steel, with a sharp blade riveted to it on the opposite side of the rolled handle.

This opener works like the P-38, but because it has a larger handle it gives more leverage, which makes can opening jobs easier.

Kotobuki can opener has an integrated bottle opener, cool design, and won’t rust ( you can even place it in dishwasher).

The only drawback of this gadget is its high price.

Japanese Can Opener (Ganji Kankiri).

This one is really great can opener that didn’t make the top 3 because of its larger size: 5.1 x 2.8 x 1.3 inches.

It still takes very little room, folds flat and weighs just 4.8 oz, but as a traveler, you would want a smaller size, though this tool is perfect to put in your picnic basket or to keep at home as a backup in case your electric can opener or electricity is out.

It is very sturdy and the large handle makes can opening a breeze. This opener is featured in Best can openers: top 5, read the article to find out more information about this gadget.

All openers mentioned in the article are also good candidates for an emergency/preparedness kit.

And now, view the best camping can openers in the comparison tables below and choose the best one that fits your needs.

Note. The faded out text in the tables shows what features are not available in the particular opener.