Carrying your electronic car key while enjoying water sports can be a real dilemma. Leaving your keys hidden on your car is no longer a safe option as car thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Imagine the frustration of returning from a great surf session only to find your car missing! The solution? Bring your keys with you into the water. While the thought of exposing your electronic key fob to saltwater might seem terrifying, it’s entirely possible with the right gear: a Waterproof Key Fob Case.
We’ve tested a range of waterproof pouches to find the best options for keeping your car keys safe and dry, even in challenging conditions like the powerful waves of Ocean Beach in San Francisco. Stop worrying about car theft and start enjoying your time in the water with our top picks for waterproof key pouches, ranked based on our hands-on testing and overall performance.
For a quick comparison, check out our comparison table, or if you’re new to waterproof key pouches, our buyer’s guide will help you understand what to look for.
Keeping your car keys secure is essential for peace of mind during water activities. A waterproof key fob case provides the necessary protection.
Top Waterproof Key Pouches: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall Waterproof Key Fob Case: KGUARD Waterproof Key Pouch
Best Budget-Friendly Option: Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case
Most Innovative Design: DRFT Waterproof Leg Wallet for Key Fobs
Most Rugged and Durable Case: Keyfender Waterproof Car Key Safe
The KGUARD waterproof key fob case, constructed from durable silicone, offers excellent protection against water damage.
Best Overall Waterproof Key Fob Case
KGUARD Waterproof Key Pouch ($39)
Durability: 5/5 Ease of Use: 4/5 Comfort While Surfing: 5/5 Overall: 4.7/5
The KGUARD Waterproof Key Pouch stood out as the top performer in our tests. This pouch, crafted from thick and resilient silicone, is designed for maximum protection. Simply insert your car key, tighten the cinch top, and you’re ready to hit the waves. Its compact size, barely larger than the key itself, makes it a comfortable fit in the chest zip pocket of a wetsuit, where it can be attached to the wetsuit’s key loop for added security. Initially, the closure system seemed a bit basic, prompting a few nervous checks to ensure it was still sealed, but confidence in this handy gadget quickly grew throughout the testing.
While the closure mechanism is straightforward, it does require a bit of effort to operate. The silicone material, while durable, is quite grippy, making it a tad challenging to insert the key initially. It’s definitely a two-handed operation, requiring you to open the pouch firmly and push the key inside. However, this initial inconvenience is reassuring, highlighting the robustness of the silicone and its resistance to tearing. Once you become accustomed to the process, it becomes much smoother. Even with the key inside the pouch, operating the buttons is possible if you are familiar with their layout. A clever feature is that trapping a small amount of air inside when sealing the pouch provides buoyancy, ensuring it floats if accidentally dropped.
The Aquapac Keymaster, a long-trusted waterproof key case, offers reliable protection at an affordable price.
Best Affordable Waterproof Key Fob Case
Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case ($26)
Durability: 4/5 Ease of Use: 5/5 Comfort While Surfing: 5/5 Overall: 4.7/5
The Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case is another excellent choice, boasting a long-standing reputation for reliability among water sports enthusiasts. As the most budget-friendly option in our lineup, the Keymaster features a simple and dependable closure system and a transparent plastic pouch. This clear design allows you to see and operate your key fob buttons without removing it from the case, adding to its user-friendliness. Like the KGUARD, it also floats, providing extra security in the water. It fits comfortably in a wetsuit’s front zip pocket; folding it in half to keep the hard plastic closure horizontal ensures a comfortable fit.
Despite its many positives, the thinner material of the pouch raised a slight concern regarding long-term durability, especially with repeated folding. There was a slight worry that folding could eventually lead to leaks over time with rigorous use. However, initial testing, even in turbulent surf conditions, showed no signs of water intrusion. A representative from Aquapac confirmed that folding the pouch should not compromise its waterproof integrity. For those preferring to avoid folding, the included neck leash offers an alternative carrying method, allowing the pouch to hang down your back. While it might seem a bit unusual, it’s surprisingly comfortable and keeps the front of your wetsuit less cluttered.
The DRFT Waterproof Leg Pouch offers a unique wearable design for carrying your key fob during water activities.
Interesting Design Waterproof Key Fob Case
DRFT Waterproof Leg Wallet ($39)
Durability: 4/5 Ease of Use: 5/5 Comfort While Surfing: 4/5 Overall: 4.3/5
The DRFT Waterproof Leg Wallet takes a different approach to key storage with its wearable design. It features a neoprene sleeve that can be worn on your leg or bicep. Inside the sleeve, your key is protected by three ziplock seals, ensuring water stays out. The sleeve can be worn either over or under your wetsuit and includes a Velcro strap to secure it in place. Comfort when worn under a wetsuit can vary depending on the wetsuit’s fit; a tighter wetsuit might cause some discomfort. For extra security and to prevent it from slipping down your leg, wearing it on your leash leg is recommended, ensuring it remains securely in place.
The primary concern with the DRFT pouch lies in its ziplock closure system, similar to the Aquapac. The long-term durability of the ziplocks is questionable, particularly when considering repeated opening and closing with cold, wet hands. There’s a potential risk of a ziplock failing over time, compromising the waterproof seal. The triple ziplock design is likely intended to mitigate this risk. Another point to consider is that the leg pouch design might not be ideal for shortboard surfers, as it could create drag when paddling and kicking into waves.
The Keyfender, constructed with a hard plastic case, offers maximum protection against impact and water damage for your car key.
Most Indestructible Waterproof Key Fob Case
Keyfender Waterproof Car Key Safe ($39)
Durability: 5/5 (Estimated) Ease of Use: 4/5 (Estimated) Comfort While Surfing: 3/5 (Estimated) Overall: 4/5 (Estimated)
While we weren’t able to personally test the Keyfender Waterproof Car Key Safe in the water, its robust design and online reviews suggest it’s the most indestructible option. Despite reaching out to Keyfender and being informed that a test unit was shipped, it unfortunately never arrived, possibly due to international shipping delays and holiday season postal issues. Based on website videos and product descriptions, the Keyfender appears straightforward to use. It includes foam inserts to accommodate various key sizes and prevent rattling inside the case. The case simply clicks shut, creating a secure seal. A clear plastic window on the case allows you to operate your key fob buttons without opening it, and it is also designed to float.
The Keyfender’s hard plastic case is undoubtedly its greatest strength, providing exceptional protection. However, this robustness also makes it the bulkiest option, which is the primary drawback noted in other online reviews. For activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kite surfing, the bulk might not be an issue. However, for surfing, especially when tucked inside a wetsuit’s front zip and lying on a surfboard to paddle, the rigid case could potentially be uncomfortable. The Keyfender does come with a nylon armband, allowing it to be worn outside the wetsuit, but this might be less secure, particularly in larger waves.
Waterproof Key Fob Case Comparison Table
| Waterproof Key Pouch | Price | Overall Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGUARD Waterproof Key Pouch | $39 | 4.7 | Best Overall |
| Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case | $26 | 4.7 | Most Affordable |
| DRFT Waterproof Leg Wallet | $39 | 4.3 | Interesting Design |
| Keyfender Waterproof Car Key Safe | $39 | 4.0 (Estimated) | Most Indestructible |
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Waterproof Key Fob Case
Choosing the right waterproof key fob case is crucial for protecting your electronic car keys from water damage and theft. Here are the key features to consider:
Durability:
Durability is paramount, especially when dealing with saltwater environments and the wear and tear of regular use. While all reviewed pouches are waterproof, their long-term waterproofness varies. Consider the materials and construction; thicker, more robust materials like silicone (as seen in the KGUARD Waterproof Key Pouch) generally offer superior durability.
Ease of Use:
A user-friendly design is essential, especially if you’re a frequent water sports enthusiast. You’ll want a pouch that’s easy to open and close, even with cold or wet hands. Cases that allow you to operate your key fob buttons through the pouch material (like the Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case and Keyfender) are particularly convenient.
The KGUARD Waterproof Key Pouch, our top pick, balances durability and ease of use, making it ideal for regular use in water.
Comfort While Surfing:
Bulk and comfort are significant factors, especially for activities like surfing where you’re lying on your board. A bulky or awkwardly shaped pouch can dig into you and become distracting. Opt for low-profile options like the KGUARD or Aquapac Keymaster if you plan to store the pouch inside your wetsuit.
Security:
A secure attachment system is vital to prevent losing your key pouch during your water session. Ensure the pouch has a reliable way to attach to your wetsuit, swimsuit, or body. A strong clip, loop, or armband will keep your key fob secure and prevent it from detaching in the waves.
Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and articles on water sports equipment, visit The Inertia Gear Review Section.
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