Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)

The best-balanced sound in the small class, and the one to pick if you care more about clear vocals than thumping bass. PositionIQ senses whether the Flex is standing, lying flat or hanging from its nylon loop and adjusts the tuning to match, which matters outdoors, where you rarely get a flat shelf to set it on. It is IP67 rated, silicone-wrapped against drops, and floats. Bose is candid that floating is for rescue, not for playing in the water. Battery is rated at 12 hours, so pack a cable for multi-day trips.