Outdoor Edge ChowPal Camping Utensil Review

Bottom Line

From river rafting trips to backpacking in the Colorado Rockies, we put the Outdoor Edge ChowPal multi-tool to the test against the most challenging foods and backpacker mush. Despite its novel, quirky design, the ChowPal impressed us with its well-rounded functionality.

While some of its multi-tool features—like the wrench and can opener—are more a handy novelty than capable of replacing your go-to multitool, the real standout is its sharpened blade. Unlike most included knives in camping cutlery sets, the ChowPal’s knife actually slices. Paired with the long, sturdy fork prongs, it’s a capable setup for campers who like a little more utility in their mess kit.

Built from sleek, polished stainless steel, the ChowPal feels solid in hand and is tough enough to last for years. Of course, that durability comes with extra weight, so ultralight hikers may want to check out our other favorite camping utensils. For bushcrafters, car campers, and short backpacking trips, though, it’s a fun, functional piece of gear that pulls its weight—literally.

How We Tested

We tested this mealtime multi-tool on a Colorado River raft trip with a feast fit for kings and on several nights backpacking with typical dehydrated meal pouches. We also put it through quantitative tests at home, becoming intimately familiar with every last characteristic and quirk that sets it apart from the competition.

Functionality

The Outdoor Edge ChowPal packs some unique functions into one clever little tool. It’s part utensil set and part multi-tool. You get a spoon, fork, fully sharpened knife, and a handful of built-in tools, including a bottle opener, can opener, and multiple wrench sizes.

The spoon is on the smaller side, measuring about 2 inches by 1.3 inches with a 5 milliliter capacity, but it still gets the job done. The fork functions exceptionally well. Its three long, 1.25-inch prongs are sturdy enough to actually stab food instead of just chasing it around your plate. You can even cut food with the side of the fork, a rare quality in camp utensils. 

The knife is equally impressive: a real, sharpened 2.5-inch stainless steel blade that cuts and carves far better than most. The only awkward part is that it folds down into the handle of the spoon without locking. While we haven’t had any mishaps, it feels like something you’ll want to handle carefully.

As for the multi-tool features, the bottle opener is a definite win – simple, effective, and always appreciated at the end of the day. The can opener technically works, but the skinny handle makes it uncomfortable to use with the force required actually to open a can. It took us quite a bit of effort to penetrate a can lid with it. The wrench cutouts also function in a pinch, but the fork tends to get in the way, and it’s no substitute for a real wrench.

Design

Overall, the ChowPal feels comfortable and balanced in hand. The fork is the lighter of the two main utensils, while the spoon and knife have a satisfying heft that gives them a bit more control. 

The multi tools don’t get in the way as much as you would think, but it’s hard to ignore how the knife blade folds into the spoon handle. Outdoor Edge has clearly taken safety measures, like a well-fitting friction closure and a blade guard, but it should still be handled with care. 

Everything is made from smooth stainless steel, giving the set a clean, durable feel that’s easy on both hands and mouth.

The spoon and fork can be nested together for packing or joined at the ends to form an extended 11.5-inch utensil. This length is handy for reaching into deep dehydrated meal pouches. However, the friction fit between the two pieces is a little loose, causing some wobble and the occasional separation mid-bite.

Construction

The ChowPal’s quality construction is one of its standout features. Made entirely of stainless steel, it has a solid, satisfying feel in hand that instantly sets it apart from flimsier plastic utensils. It’s built to last through years of backcountry trips, overlanding, and truck-bed dinners without bending, warping, or showing much wear.

The stainless steel also makes it highly heat-resistant. We have no concerns about leaching chemicals or melting handles while stirring a simmering pot or eating straight from a hot pan.

Beyond durability, it’s a beautiful piece of gear. The polished finish gives it a clean, sleek look, while the smooth surfaces are easy to wipe down after a meal. That said, the ChowPal’s clever folding design and multi-tool cutouts do create a few nooks and crannies where food can sneak in and get stuck. It’s not a huge issue, but it does mean you’ll want to take extra care not to drop the whole thing in your pot of chili (we learned from experience).

Weight & Packability

At 2.5 ounces, the ChowPal lands on the heavier side of the utensil spectrum and the second heaviest in our lineup. Fortunately, that weight comes with a lot of functionality.

If you prefer to split up the pieces, the spoon-and-knife combo weighs in at 1.7 ounces, while the fork and multitool half come to just 0.6 ounces.

The two pieces nest neatly together, keeping things tidy and compact at a packed length of 6.5 inches. It won’t fit in most lightweight backpacking cookware sets, but it still packs reasonably well. 

Outdoor Edge even includes a nylon drawstring carrying case, which is nice for keeping the sharp bits contained and protecting your other gear from stray pokes. It’s not ultralight, but it’s thoughtfully designed for campers who value versatility and organization.

Should You Buy the Outdoor Edge ChowPal?

The ChowPal is for campers, overlanders, and backcountry cooks who appreciate having a full set of tools in one compact package. It’s perfect for those who want the functionality of real utensils—plus a knife that can actually cut something—without packing a full kitchen drawer. The stainless steel construction will last for years of use, and works well for anyone who values versatility and doesn’t mind a little extra weight in exchange for toughness and capability.

That said, its 2.5-ounce (71 g) weight is not ideal for ultralight backpackers counting every gram or for those who prefer minimalist simplicity. Its moving parts and extra features add bulk and complexity.

Considering its quality materials and multi-tool functionality, the ChowPal offers solid value. It’s a long-lasting, do-it-all utensil that punches above its weight when you factor in the cutting performance, versatility, and packable design.

What Other Camping Utensils Should You Consider?

For more variety, check out our full guide to the best camping utensils, where we tested everything from ultralight sporks to complete utensil sets.

Toaks Titanium 3-Piece Cutlery Set Review: For a fully functional, ultralight utensil kit, the 3-piece cutlery set from Toaks is hard to beat. It weighs just a few ounces more than a typical spork, and you get three dedicated utensils to eat like a civilized human. While the knife doesn’t cut as well as the ChowPal’s, it functions better than most others. 

Ust Klipp Utensil Set Review: This set offers the functionality of kitchen drawer silverware without breaking the bank for ultralight gear. It’s the heaviest set on our list, but it comes with a generous spoon and a decent fork. The knife is lacking, but you can always leave that at home to save weight. 

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Spork and Sticks Review: This combo is ideal for folks who love utensil sets but prefer to eat with chopsticks. It’s admittedly a novel piece of gear, but for the right backpacker, it could be a perfect complement to the rest of their mealtime setup.