The Often Overlooked Camping Essential You Don't Want To Forget On Your Next Trip

Whether you're camping with friends and family or learning how to master camping on your own, exploring the great outdoors is always a good time. But one of the most important parts about camping is making sure you don't leave home without the essentials. While there are camping must-haves you'll always wish you brought more of, there's an often-overlooked necessity you don't want to forget on your next trip: a can opener. After all, the last thing you want is to have packed canned goods for your meals, only to realize you have no way of opening them.

Although some canned foods have pull-top rings, most still need to be opened with a can opener or another device that can break through metal. So if you want to avoid trying to open a can by cracking it open with a hatchet or something similar, what can help you remember is making a packing list and sticking to it. If you start the list a few days in advance, you're likely to recall certain items — like a can opener — so you can add them to the list.

What you also want to keep in mind in regards to this camping essential is that you have options. You don't need to lug a heavy-duty can opener into the woods with you, because smaller versions are just as effective. From military to bunker to butterfly can opener designs, these small devices get the job done but don't take up space or add to the weight of your pack.

If you do forget a can opener, not all hope is lost. One of the safest options for opening a can is using a spoon. With the can in one hand on a flat surface, take a spoon and rub the center of the can's top in a back-and-forth motion. Within a couple minutes, the friction between the two metals will let you break through, allowing you to then move the spoon around the perimeter of the top of the can until it's removed. Although this is a relatively safe option because spoons aren't sharp, it's important to remember that the lid has rough edges that can definitely result in accidentally cutting yourself if you're not careful.

If while looking for a can opener, you realize you forgot spoons too, then let's at least hope you have a sharp knife — ideally a chef's knife with a pointy end. With the can on its side, puncture the can right below the rim with the knife and continue puncturing until you're able to slice through the can, removing the lid. It's worth noting that if you're in the habit of forgetting these types of items, you can ditch your bulky camping cooking gear for a convenient Costco kit that automatically comes with spoons and a chef's knife.

Lastly, if you absolutely must, you can rub the top of the can on a rock or asphalt to sand through the rim. Not only will this take some time and can result in your food going everywhere if you don't pay attention, but it's likely to guarantee you'll never forget a can opener again. Ever.