Canyon Outfitter 55 V2 Review

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.

Insulation

We evaluate each cooler's insulation performance by placing it within a temperature-controlled room, filling it up with ice, and placing multiple sensors inside a sealed mason jar within the cooler that closely monitor the temperature for ten days. We closely track two key temperature metrics, 40 degrees and 50 degrees. Per the USDA, a food safety best practice is to store food at or below 40 degrees. Most beverages are enjoyed at or below 50 degrees.

The Canyon Outfitter is constructed with rotomolded kayak plastic that our tester noted felt “grippy and rugged.” The lid incorporates a premium soft-touch seal that seems to do a good job of keeping 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.

Durability

To test each cooler's durability, we conduct a series of tests to evaluate how well they will withstand usual wear and tear. We also perform a leak test where we fill the cooler with water, latch it shut, and move it around to see how well the lid seals to the cooler's body. Some seals live up to their claims as we slosh the water around and jostle the cooler. Others do not, soaking whoever is holding it.

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. 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.

Ease of Use

Our ease of use assessment involves reviewing the parts of each cooler that users will interact with, including handles, straps, lids, latches, and drain plugs. We analyze each cooler's packability by verifying the cooler's claimed dimensions by cross-referencing what the manufacturer publishes against what we measure ourselves. We also pack the cooler and note what we observe. Does a wine bottle fit upright inside? How many cans does it store? How easy are the latches to use? Every cooler's storage footprint is also examined to see how much space it takes up and how convenient it is to put away when not in 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.” We were disappointed that this cooler's internal capacity measures just over 45 quarts, almost ten quarts less than advertised. 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 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.

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.

Part of our portability assessment involves a leak test in which we fill the cooler with water and then tip it on its front and sides. 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.

Additional Features

Coolers seem simple enough, but many we've tested offer additional features that enhance convenience and capability. This part of our testing is where we review each cooler's additional features,, their warranties, and any other customization or accessories offered by the manufacturer.

The Canyon Outfitter 55and all other Canyon products are protected by their “Sh!t Happens Warranty.” Their lifetime warranty is one of, 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 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.

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. We did find that the claimed capacity of 55 quarts does not match our measurement, which came in just over 45 quarts. If that smaller capacity is not a deal breaker for you, the Canyon 55 might be your best bet.

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