Marshall Emberton III

The battery champion of the small speakers. Marshall rates the Emberton III at more than 32 hours, which is a long weekend in the backcountry without hunting for a charger, and 20 minutes plugged in buys about 6 more hours if you do find one. Its multi-directional sound spreads around a picnic blanket instead of firing in one direction, and the IP67 seal covers a dunk of up to 30 minutes. Marshall gives no drop rating, so it is better treated as a weekend companion than a gear-bag bruiser. At 1.5 pounds and about $180, part of what you pay for is the guitar-amp styling.