We field tested the Braven BRV-1 and BRV-X speakers for three days at a campsite and they performed above our expectations. Here’s what we found.

Appearance: The Braven BRV-1 and BRV-X are both relatively small speakers that are shaped like a rectangular box. The colors are a bit muted, allowing them to blend into a landscape, which we liked.

Functionality: They really shine in this category. The BRV-X really kicks, and has an indoor and outdoor mode. Indoor gives you more bass and outdoor gives you more mids for more projection, and it really makes a difference. It can also be paired wirelessly with another BRV-X to provide true stereo sound at a campsite. Both the Braven BRV-1 and BRV-X can charge USB devices, and both have battery indicators (a great feature). Oh yeah – and they also can take phone calls via the built-in microphone.

Ease of Use: The Braven worked great for us all weekend. Easy to pair with phones and easy to operate.

Durability: The Braven BRV-1 and BRV-X are truly rugged speakers. Their build is rock solid and in no way do you feel like you have to be gentle with them, which is great when you’re camping.

Value: Both models discussed here are a good value when you start comparing to other portable bluetooth speakers on the market. The BRV-1 is $99.99 MSRP and the BRV-X is $199.99.