Thanks to stronger bluetooth, better batteries, and enhanced waterproofing, there are a ton of affordable options out there today when it comes to rugged, portable audio. Recently, I’ve discovered a great piece of audio gear that needs to be shared – the Edifier MP100. While I’ve found several portable speakers that I love (including the awesome, albeit larger,  JBL Charge), the Edifier MP 100 is the only speaker I’ve tested that’s portable enough to fit in a pocket, cheap enough to not worry about losing, and loud enough to fit most situations short of a raging house party.

Here are three reasons I’d recommend adding this speaker to your repertoire of gear.

First, it’s extremely portable. Roughly the size of a fist, the Edifier MP100 has a clip that makes it easy to attach to a backpack, raft, belt, etc. This means it’s easy to bring along for any adventure, regardless of where you’re headed. Plus, it doesn’t take up much space when you toss it in a travel bag. On top of that, the 20 hour battery life means you won’t have to make plans for charging during most short trips.

Second, the Edifier MP100 is affordable. Many times when I’m using more expensive portable speakers, I seem to spend an excessive amount of time worrying about the device getting lost or damaged. At roughly $30 retail, this speaker frees me of that worry (it’s also splash-proof and dust-proof to help prevent excessive wear). Obviously, I’m not looking to lose or damage the speaker, but if it happens, it’s not the end of the world. I could simply buy a new one.

Third, this speaker packs a punch. The size might be tiny, but the volume range is not. Whether it’s quietly playing a podcast or blasting beats for an entire group, the quality is spot on. Even after a few hard falls on top of the device while skiing, the speaker showed no distortion.

The Bottom Line: For the price, you’d be hard pressed to find a better and more portable speaker than the Edifier MP100. It’s a great companion for the adventurous person that always wants to be accompanied by a beat.

One Last Note: While music around the campfire can be a great thing, be aware of where you’re at before cranking the volume. Noise pollution in certain areas can be detrimental to the local wildlife. Use your portable audio and have a good time, but be responsible while doing so.