Gadgetwise Blog: An All-Terrain Sound System

The Rugged Rukus wireless sound system from the Etón Corporation.

Known primarily for its emergency radios and backup batteries, the Etón Corporation broadened its offerings last year with the Rukus Solar, a wireless boombox. This week, Etón introduced the Rukus’s smaller sibling, the Rugged Rukus.

Powered by the sun, the larger Rukus is perfect for outdoor parties like picnics and barbecues. But the compact Rugged Rukus, which offers the same solar power generation and stereo sound, is a better fit for outdoor adventures like camping.

Named for its durable, splash-proof design, the Rugged Rukus weighs a little more than a pound and is the size and shape of a big sandwich. It syncs with any smartphone, tablet or computer with one-touch pairing via Bluetooth (an auxiliary port allows for use with non-Bluetooth devices). And it has a USB port that can be used to charge your device while you listen to music.

The lithium battery in the Rugged Rukus can play music for eight hours on a full charge. Etón claims the device can be fully charged in five hours in direct sunlight or in two and a half hours via a supplied micro-USB cable. The review unit that I tested came fully charged, so I didn’t have an opportunity to verify those claims.

But I did use the device to stream music from my iPhone, and the audio was loud and clear. Unlike its larger counterpart, the Rugged Rukus does not have a bass boost. Not that it was needed; the sound still had plenty of boom.

Two integrated loops on the back of the Rugged Rukus are designed for carabiners, making it more easily portable while you’re on the trail. It would have been nice if Eton had supplied a carabiner, but you can find a sturdy one at any outdoor supply store.

A handy device for any outdoor enthusiast, the Rugged Rukus, which comes in green or black, is available at Amazon.com and Apple and REI stores for $100.