Camping is one of my favorite affordable ways to enjoy the great outdoors and take a break from the daily grind. As a music lover, I almost always bring some tunes with me on camping trips. A portable Bluetooth speaker makes it easy to listen to music day or night while camping. But with so many Bluetooth speakers to choose from, how do you pick the right one for outdoor adventures? In this guide, I’ll walk through the key factors to consider when choosing a Bluetooth speaker for camping trips.
Durability – Consider Your Environment
Durability and ruggedness are probably the most important criteria for a camping Bluetooth speaker. The speaker will inevitably get exposed to the elements, so you’ll want something that can withstand the outdoors.
Look for a speaker with a high IP waterproof rating. The IP code indicates the level of protection against dust and water. For camping, I recommend looking for a speaker with an IP65 rating or higher. This means it is fully dust tight and can handle low pressure water jets from any direction.
An even better IP67 rating means the speaker is dust tight and can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. IP67 is ideal if you plan to use the speaker near lakes or streams.
Along with water protection, consider a shockproof speaker that can handle drops and impacts. Unfortunately there are fewer shockproof options, and they tend to compromise on sound quality.
For most camping situations, a speaker with decent waterproofing should withstand rain, splashing, and even some accidental drops. And it will be fine in snow since snow melts to water.
How Demanding Are Your Hiking Trips?
Portability is another essential factor if you need to carry the speaker on hikes. The lighter the better, but you’ll need to balance weight with audio power.
Here are some general speaker weight guidelines based on your hiking distance:
- Under 2 miles: A speaker under 15 lbs should be manageable
- 3 to 10 miles: Look for a speaker under 10 lbs
- Over 10 miles: Keep the speaker under 5 lbs
Also consider the shape and form factor. Can you easily strap it to a backpack? Does it have a carrying handle or carabiner? These make a big difference for portable use.
And don’t forget to factor in durability if you plan active outdoor pursuits like kayaking or mountain biking with the speaker. Not all portable speakers can withstand hardcore use.
Battery Performance Considerations
Battery life is a crucial specification for any Bluetooth speaker, but especially for camping and outdoor use. You likely won’t have power outlets available, so the speaker needs to last on a single charge.
Look for a speaker with a battery life of at least 10 hours, but ideally 15-20 hours per charge. This gives you flexibility for longer days and overnight trips.
Pay attention to charging times too. Recharge times vary greatly, from 2-3 hours on smaller speakers up to 8 hours on high-capacity options. Quick charging gives you more uptime during short camping trips.
Get A Speaker That Sounds Good Outdoors
While durability and portability take priority for camping speakers, you still want something that sounds decent for music, podcasts and more.
Outdoor sound quality differs from indoor use. Outdoor environments have more open space, background noise, and sound reflection.
Many speakers designed for outdoor use have a V-shaped or scooped sound signature. This emphasizes the lows and highs over the mid-range. The boosted bass and treble helps counteract the openness of outside areas.
For a more immersive audio experience, consider 360-degree outdoor speakers. These omnidirectional designs help fill an entire space evenly with sound.
Don’t Ignore Volume Capabilities
It’s important to know how much volume you need for your intended camping scenarios. Small portable speakers might be fine for personal use inside a tent. But what about social gatherings at the campsite?
Here are some recommended volume levels to look for based on your needs:
- Use in the tent: 75 to 85 decibels
- Small social gatherings and general outdoor use: 80 to 90 decibels
- Bonfires and large group hangouts: 90+ decibels
I suggest getting a speaker with more volume than you require. Even if you only need moderate volume, it’s nice to have that extra power when you need it.
Not All Bluetooth Is Equal
Since we’re talking about Bluetooth speakers, let’s discuss Bluetooth connectivity. For camping and outdoor use, you’ll want a speaker with an advanced Bluetooth version.
Newer versions of Bluetooth like 4.2, 5.0 or 5.1 provide improvements in wireless range, latency, and audio quality compared to older versions. This results in a more reliable and better sounding wireless connection outdoors.
Range is especially important for camping use where you’re often not right next to the speaker. I look for a range of at least 100 feet between the speaker and source device.
Additional Features & Connectivity
Beyond great sound and wireless streaming, here are some bonus features that can be useful for camping speakers:
- Built-in microphones enable you to use the speaker for hands-free calls or as a portable PA system.
- Integrated flashlights or lanterns are super handy for nighttime use at the campsite.
- Fun LED light accents add ambiance to the space.
- An auxiliary input lets you connect devices that don’t have Bluetooth.
- Some speakers even include smart home assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control and information.
Know What You Want & What You Want To Spend
With all these factors to weigh, it helps to consider your budget and exact needs before shopping for a camping speaker.
Prices range widely from $20 portable speakers to $500+ for high-end outdoor models. Determine how much you realistically want to spend.
Then make your must-have features wishlist. For me,battery life and ruggedness are non-negotiable. I’m willing to compromise on size and weight to get those specs. You may prefer ultra portability as long as the speaker can handle splashing.
Once your priorities are set, you can zero in on the best camping speaker for your needs and budget. Don’t forget to read reviews from actual owners on real-world performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect Bluetooth speaker for camping requires balancing many factors like durability, portability, battery life, sound quality, volume, Bluetooth tech, extra features, and budget. Determine your must-haves, understand the trade-offs, and find the right fit for the way you camp. A quality portable speaker lets you enjoy music day and night while communing with nature.
