REASONS TO BUY
Burly construction
Lifetime warranty
Easy-to-use latches
Two-speed drain plug
REASONS TO AVOID
Inconsistent availability
Canyon Outfitter 55 V2 Review
This cooler has a rugged yet elegant design that impressed us as it aced all of our tests, and its storage-friendly shape and convenient weight truly set it apart
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Genaveve Bradshaw ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ May 27, 2025
Contributions From: Kolby Anderson
RELATED: The Best Coolers of 2025
Our Verdict
The Canyon Outfitter 55qt V2 is a stout roto-molded cooler with a rugged yet elegant appearance. It features a modern flush square wall design that's convenient to store and simple to carry without getting hung up on branches, ropes, or whatever else might be in your way. It's a very well-built cooler that's IGBC-certified as bear-resistant. The lifetime warranty that comes with the Canyon 55 is second to none and is one of the best warranties we've encountered in all our time reviewing coolers. This cooler is built with high-performance and quality components in mind. If you're looking for a durable, well-built cooler, look no further. Be sure to check out our full review of the best coolers on the market to feel confident in finding the right cooler for you.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Excelling in all of our testing metrics, the Canyon Outfitter 55qt V2 is a solid cooler that offers impressive durability and one of the best warranties of all of the coolers we've reviewed. We loved the high-quality details of the construction of the Canyon and its unique approach to building a high-performance cooler.
We verify each specification that manufacturers advertise to ensure that they are accurate.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Insulation
The Canyon Outfitter is constructed with rotomolded kayak plastic that our tester noted felt “grippy and rugged.” The lid features a premium soft-touch seal that effectively keeps it airtight and well-insulated. We noted that during our testing, the seal developed some wrinkle marks in its material, although they didn't affect the seal's performance. It weighs just over 27 pounds, so we expected it to be well insulated and keep ice for days. In our insulation testing, it didn't disappoint. It kept temperatures 40 degrees or lower for 5.2 days and 50 degrees or lower for an additional half a day.
Surround by ice, we place multiple sensors inside a mason jar to keep a close eye on temperatures inside of the cooler during our ten days of insulation testing.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
The aluminum hinges on the Canyon 55 feel strong and look heavy-duty.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Durability
This cooler is tough. While evaluating it for durability, our tester remarked, “It's quite sturdy! It didn't leak at all while I carried it; my clothes and the floor remained completely dry.” We can't say the same for many of the other coolers we tested.
Our durability testing quickly determines whether a cooler's lid gasket forms a watertight seal or not.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
We did note some light scuff marks on the lid from testing, but nothing we felt warranted genuine concerns for durability or performance. We also observed that the gasket in the lid had developed some small wrinkles, but the wrinkles didn't seem to impact its performance — it still formed a watertight seal.
The Canyon Outfitter 55 is a beast of a cooler and it felt stable even when jumping on it.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Canyon 55 V2 has black nylon strap handles with hard plastic grips. It also includes additional handles molded into the cooler's body, which our tester described as “deep enough and have indentations to feel comfortable carrying the cooler.” Some coolers have tapered interior walls that can make packing challenging, but the interior walls of the Canyon 55 are straight from top to bottom, making it convenient and simple to pack. Its lid and latches are awesome. The lid is strong, built with burley aluminum hinges that open up just past 90 degrees to stay open easily without support.
The Canyon has sturdy latches and a two-piece drain plug.
The latches of the Canyon Outfitter 55 are unique and take a different approach than many competitors. Our tester notes, “It has latches I haven't seen often for such a cooler: you fold the metal bar on the lid shut and it snaps to a black plastic latch on the body — super easy to do with one hand.” Whether using one hand or two, opening or closing, the latches work well and are easily accessible to small children and adults alike.
The Canyon Outfitter is simple and straightforward when it comes to packing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Portability
Weighing in at 27.4 pounds, carrying the Canyon 55 V2 is reminiscent of similarly-sized Yeti or RTIC coolers. The length of the dangling handles is perfect. You don't hit your hands against the cooler's sides or have the cooler's body bounce against you when you walk. Our tester stated, “The dimensions of this cooler are awesome; it isn't too long or too wide, so I don't feel like I have to waddle to manage carrying it.” You can keep your arms out straight and carry the cooler in front of you while maintaining a mostly natural gait. Not every large cooler allows this.
The weight of the Canyon 55 is relatively lightweight when considering its performance and size.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
The Canyon Outfitter 55 didn't leak when tipped front or side, but it did leak some when tipped to its back (near the hinges). Overall, it did fairly well in the leak test even if it isn't completely watertight.
Both handle types on the Canyon 55 feel comfortable to use and well-designed.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Additional Features
The Canyon Outfitter 55and all other Canyon products are protected by their “Sh!t Happens Warranty.” Their lifetime warranty is one of the best (if not the best) we've seen from a cooler manufacturer. Their warranty covers multiple free replacements of lost drain plugs, broken latches, broken handles or straps, and even one free replacement with evidence of a bear or shark attack.
The middle of the Canyon 55's lid is molded to accept a lock for when you want to secure your cooler.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Canyon 55 is IGBC-certified as bear-resistant and features multiple 2-inch tie-down slots allowing you to access the cooler when it's tied down. Canyon offers the 55 in three different colors and has a wide array of accessories available for purchase from their website, including dividers, dry baskets, a side table, and even an attachable cushion for the lid.
We love the easy-to-use FAT CAM Family Friendly Latches on the Canyon Outfitter 55 V2.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Canyon Outfitter 55qt V2?
If you put your cooler through the wringer when you use it, the Canyon Outfitter 55qt V2 should be one of your top considerations. It's a tough cooler with durable features from top to bottom, all with an amazing warranty.
The Canyon Outfitter 55 V2 is a solid cooler that delivered outstanding performance in every single one of our testing metrics.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Other Coolers Should You Consider?
Many coolers are available on the market, and it can be pretty confusing to feel confident choosing one that will best meet your needs. We've tested over 70 coolers since 2016 and continue to add to that list every day so that you can feel assured in choosing the best cooler for you. If something with wheels is more your speed, we really loved the Xspec 45 Towable that features large, capable wheels and great performance at a fair price. We also love the Yeti Roadie 48 and Yeti Roadie 60, which performed marginally better than the Xspec but are more expensive and less practical for those on a budget.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Canyon Outfitter 55 V2 versus top competing products:
—Genaveve Bradshaw and Kolby Anderson
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