Altec Lansing iMW577 Life Jacket 2 – $150
This sound box gets its name from a unique ability to float, making it perfect for rivers and lake sauntering. It has a number of features meant to optimize sound in a one-pound package that’s not much bigger than a wallet. It’s not cheap, but can you really put a price on having 40 hours of sound for your next pool party?
JBL Clip 2 – $50
Imagine this little speaker hanging from just about any surface. Need some sound in the shower? Done. Drowning out the rain at the campground? Great. The Bluetooth connectivity means you can also take clear speakerphone calls if you’re the executive type who just needs to stay in touch while on the road.
Anker SoundCore Sport XL – $60
Talk about the complete package. The Sport XL has built-in subwoofers and 8W stereo drivers for optimal sound. It also has a waterproof, dust-tight, and shockproof rating, meaning this little guy will stand up to abuse in almost any situation. To top it all off, Anker slaps an 18-month warranty on the speaker.
Outdoor Tech Big Turtle Shell – $168
Consider this angular beauty your campground or outdoor party-starter. A wide speaker box delivers loud, high-caliber sound, but as one of our heavier and wider options, it’s better for light travel instead of backpacking. However, it’s 16 hours of playback on a single charge will ensure the vibes keep rolling all night.
Riva Turbo X – $199
This speaker delivers nothing less than what you’d expect from a company that has its roots with some of the greatest bands of all time. It’s certainly a luxury option, but ideal for movie nights on the lawn and a heavy-duty carrying case. It has top quality sound in a reasonably portable package that may not work for multi-day treks, but with a “Turbo” mode for an extra 100 dB of sound, your outdoor party just got that much louder.
Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3 – $28
At under 10 ounces, this is certainly a option for those on-the-go. The Angle 3 has a unique triangular shape to disperse sound and the output quality is a cut above. We like this as a backpack option to bring on your summer boat trips. With 12 hours of playback time and an IPX5 waterproof rating for gentle spray coverage, this speaker will stay high and dry.
ECOXGEAR Eco Stone – $109
This rugged model is 100% waterproof. Drop it in the river, plop it in the pool – you’re set. It’s built to stand up to all sorts of abuse, while offering great sounds through full range speakers and a rear-mounted subwoofer. The Eco Stone also offers a built-in flashlight and connector to charge your other gadgets with the same internal battery. The handy clip attachment is a great sidekick for your backpack too.
