Bose knows portable speakers. The SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen packs a surprisingly big, bold sound into a body that fits in your palm. It is small enough to toss in a pack or clip to a bag strap using the built-in nylon loop. The real trick is how it handles the outdoors.

This speaker delivers high-fidelity audio with deep bass that fills a campsite or backyard patio. It is dustproof and waterproof, so rain, sand, and splashes won’t stop playback. The battery lasts 12 hours, which covers a full day of hiking or a long afternoon by the pool. The plastic build feels rugged and ready for drops.

The only catch is the lack of a mounting option. You cannot screw it to a wall or bike. But for a grab-and-go speaker that sounds bigger than it looks, the Flex 2nd Gen delivers where it counts.