I’m always on the lookout for ways to keep the tunes rocking while I’m out adventuring, whether that be in the Sportsmobile, around camp or while doing adventure sports. Goal Zero and Braven have both come out with great products that meet the demands of the outdoor adventurer while keeping the party going. Let’s have a look at two popular adventure travel speaker options; the Goal Zero RockOut and the Braven 625s.
Goal Zero RockOut
MSRP: $29.99 (BUY NOW for Less!) Weight: 14.4 oz Size: 6x5x3 in Speaker Output: 4 watts Run Time: up to 20 hrs Charges From: USB Included Asseccories: USB to Mini-USB Cable
The RockOut is a great little durable speaker system that is the perfect companion for your next adventure. The RockOut is lightweight and puts out a pretty good sound from its small form. The foam covered small case with bungee system allows you to easily carry the unit on the exterior of backpacks, in your hand or hang it around camp. The bright green Goal Zero accents also make it really easy to spot around camp, which makes it much more likely to not get left behind. The RockOut is a basic little speaker system that really is an incredible value at only $29.99!
PROS:
-Price/Value!
-Durability
-Portability
CONS:
-Must be wired to audio device, and the cord from the speaker is very short
-Very little bass from speaker
Other Great RockOut Reviews:
Braven 625s
MSRP: $149.99 (BUY NOW for LESS!) Weight: 11.6 oz Size: 6.2×2.5×1.8 in Speaker Output: 6 watts Run Time: up to 16 hrs Recharge Time: hrs Charges From: Included Asseccories: 24″ 3.5mm Audio Cable, USB to Micro-USB Cable, International Power Adaptor Set, Lanyard, LED Flashlight, Drybag Other Features: Built in Noise Cancelling Mic for use as a Speakerphone
The Braven 625s separates itself from the pack with a rugged housing, bluetooth connectivity, speakerphone capability and the ability to recharge your cell phone from its internal battery. It also has a mini plug input, to connect your audio source if it doesn’t have bluetooth capabilities. A nice little feature on the 625s is that you can check the battery charge by pressing the battery button on the side of the unit; shines white if you are between 50-100%, blue for 10-50% and red if you are below 10% power. While this is a great little feature, you do need to remember the meaning of each color. The 625s is a full featured speaker that sounds amazing and allows you to remotely, through bluetooth, keep the jams blaring. The cell phone charging ability seems like a bit of a gimmick, but I must admit I’ve utilized it on a number of occasions.
PROS:
-Great sound!
-Durable
-Loaded with features
CONS:
-Not inexpensive
-Not very weather resistant (without drybag)
-Relatively short run time, especially if also used to charge your phone
Other Great 625s Reviews:
COMPARISON:
Both allow you to charge through USB, which gives you options of solar, computer or wall outlet (with adaptor). In the field I find that I use the Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar panels to charge both of these devices and while on the go in the Sportsmobile I just plug them into the van’s inverter. A commonality of both of these speakers is that they have 3.5mm audio out ports that allow you to daisy chain additional speakers together to increase the volume and body of the sound produced.
In the end I have to say that I find myself using the Braven 625s more often than the Goal Zero RockOut. The superior sound, wireless connectivity, phone charging capabilities and included drybag really elevate this speaker above the other adventure travel speakers I’ve seen on the market. With that said, the Goal Zero RockOut is an unbelievable value with its durable design, long-lasting rechargeable battery and great sound for the price. If you want to bring your tunes with you, just about anywhere, both of these little speaker systems will do the job. In the end I think your gadget budget will probably determine the purchasing decision on this one.
-Help keep the adventures rolling on Exploring Elements by purchasing your Goal Zero RockOut & Braven 625s through these links to Amazon.com.-
(Disclaimer: I won the RockOut speaker through a Goal Zero contest on Twitter. I won the 625s speaker in a Braven company drawing at the 2013 Winter Outdoor Retailer Show. I have no affiliations with either of these companies and receive no monetary compensation for this review.)
