Car theft is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Gone are the days when hiding your keys in a Masterlock box offered adequate security, as thieves are now adept at bypassing these devices. Similarly, the old trick of stashing your keys on a tire or amongst bushes is a gamble that could leave you returning from the waves to find your car missing. For surfers with electronic car keys, the dilemma is clear: how to keep keys safe while enjoying the ocean? The solution is surprisingly simple: bring your keys with you into the water. While the thought of saltwater and electronic car keys might induce panic, waterproof pouches make this not only feasible but also worry-free. We tested four top-rated waterproof pouches in the challenging surf of Ocean Beach, San Francisco, to find the best options for keeping your electronic car key safe and dry. Avoid becoming another victim of car theft and confidently take your keys into the surf with one of these excellent Waterproof Key Fob Holders, reviewed below in order of our preference.
If you’re interested in a detailed comparison of these key pouches, check out our comparison table. And, if you’re unsure what features to prioritize when choosing a waterproof key pouch, our buyer’s guide provides essential information.
Discover the Best Waterproof Key Pouches for Surfing
Our Top Pick: KGUARD Waterproof Key Pouch
Best Value: Aquapac Keymaster Waterproof Key Case
Innovative Design: DRFT Waterproof Leg Wallet for Key Fobs
Most Robust Protection: Keyfender Waterproof Key Safe
Best Overall Waterproof Key Fob Holder
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 best waterproof key fob holder in our test. This compact pouch is constructed from thick, resilient silicone. Simply insert your car key, tighten the top closure, and it’s securely sealed. Its size is barely larger than the car key itself, allowing it to fit comfortably within the chest zip pocket of my wetsuit, where it easily attached to the wetsuit’s key loop. Initially, the closure system prompted some minor skepticism, leading to a few anxious double-checks to ensure it remained sealed. However, confidence quickly grew in this clever device.
The KGUARD’s closure is intuitive, though operating it smoothly takes a little practice.
The main drawback of the KGUARD is the slight difficulty in inserting the key. The silicone material provides excellent grip, but this also means inserting the key becomes a two-handed operation, requiring some effort to open the pouch wide enough and push the key down. However, this became easier with familiarity, and the robustness of the silicone reassured me against any accidental tearing through normal use. Although the key’s buttons aren’t visible inside the pouch, memorizing their position allows for operation even when enclosed. A helpful tip: trapping a small amount of air inside when sealing the pouch provides buoyancy, ensuring it floats if detached.
Most Affordable Waterproof Key Fob Holder
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 waterproof key fob holder, having established a long-standing reputation for reliability. As the most budget-friendly option in our selection, the Keymaster features a simple and dependable closure mechanism and a transparent plastic pouch. This clear design allows you to see and operate your car key buttons while it’s protected inside, and it also floats. It also fit comfortably in my wetsuit’s front zip pocket. To manage the rigid plastic closure, I folded the pouch in half around the key fob to keep it horizontal within the pocket.
This folding action raised a minor concern regarding long-term durability. I was slightly worried that repeated folding, particularly under harsh conditions, might eventually lead to leaks due to the pouch’s relatively thin material. However, initial tests, including use in significant surf, showed no water ingress, even after being thoroughly tossed around. James, a representative from Aquapac, addressed my concern on Instagram, assuring me that folding the pouch should not compromise its waterproof integrity. An alternative to alleviate any folding concerns and keep your front-zip area less bulky is to use the provided neck lanyard, allowing the pouch to hang down your back. While it might seem a bit unusual, it proved surprisingly comfortable and less cumbersome than expected.
Interesting Design Waterproof Key Fob Holder
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 Wallet presents a different approach to key storage with its neoprene sleeve designed to be worn on the leg or bicep. Three ziplock seals provide waterproof protection for your key, and the sleeve can be worn either over or under your wetsuit, secured with an adjustable Velcro strap to ensure it stays in place. Wearing it beneath a wetsuit can be less comfortable, depending on the wetsuit’s fit. For extra security against slippage, especially around the ankle, positioning it on your leash leg effectively prevents it from going anywhere.
My primary concern with the DRFT pouch was its ziplock closure system, similar to the Aquapac. I questioned the long-term resilience of the ziplocks, wondering how many uses and cold-fingered openings they could withstand before one might fail, potentially compromising the waterproof seal. However, the inclusion of three ziplocks offers a degree of redundancy. Another consideration is that this design might not be ideal for shortboard surfers, as the leg-mounted pouch could create drag when paddling into waves.
Most Indestructible Waterproof Key Fob Holder
Keyfender Waterproof Key Safe ($39)
Durability: ?/5 Ease of Use: ?/5 Comfort While Surfing: ?/5 Overall: ?/5
Unfortunately, I was unable to personally test the Keyfender Waterproof Key Safe in the water. Despite reaching out to the Keyfender team and a product supposedly being dispatched for testing, it never arrived, likely due to international shipping complexities during the pandemic and holiday season package theft. While disappointing, this wasn’t Keyfender’s fault, and I was genuinely excited to evaluate this product. Based on website videos, its operation appears straightforward. You select the appropriate foam insert to prevent the car key from moving inside and then securely close the case. A transparent plastic window on the exterior allows for operating the car key buttons without removing it from the Keyfender, and it’s designed to float.
The Keyfender’s hard plastic case appears to be both its strongest asset and its main disadvantage. While it seems exceptionally robust and virtually indestructible, its bulkiness is a notable drawback, as highlighted in other online reviews. For water activities like SUPing or kitesurfing, the size might be less of an issue. However, for surfing, particularly when tucked into the front zip of a wetsuit and then lying prone on a surfboard to paddle, the bulk could potentially be uncomfortable. The Keyfender includes a nylon armband for wearing it outside the wetsuit, but this seems less secure, especially in larger waves.
Waterproof Key Fob Holder Comparison Table
| 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 Key Safe | $39 | N/A | Most Indestructible |
Key Features of a Great Waterproof Key Fob Holder
Durability
Durability is a crucial factor for any gear, but it’s paramount for a waterproof key fob holder. While all the pouches listed offer water resistance, their long-term waterproof integrity varies, especially considering the demanding conditions and corrosive saltwater exposure they’ll face in the surf. Our top recommendation for durability is the KGUARD Waterproof Key Pouch. Its robust silicone construction inspires confidence in its ability to withstand repeated use and harsh environments.
Ease of Use
For regular surfers, a key pouch becomes a frequently used accessory. Therefore, user-friendliness is essential. You’ll want a pouch that allows for quick and easy key insertion and removal, especially when dealing with cold, numb fingers after a surf session. Many waterproof key fob holders, particularly those made from flexible materials, allow you to operate the electronic key buttons through the pouch. This is a convenient feature for warming up your car and hands before struggling to remove the key from the pouch.
Best Overall Waterproof Key Fob Holder! [Highlighted as a top pick for surfers needing reliable key protection in water.]
The KGUARD stands out as our top choice for a dependable waterproof key pouch. Its simple pouch design made from thick, durable silicone is both effective and compact, making it ideal for surfing.
Comfort While Surfing
Surfing with a key on your person can be uncomfortable if it digs into you during your session. Adding a waterproof key fob holder increases the bulk. Before choosing a pouch, consider where you’ll store it. If you plan to keep it in your wetsuit, opt for a low-profile option like the KGUARD or Aquapac Keymaster to minimize discomfort and restriction.
Security
A secure attachment mechanism is vital when selecting a key pouch. You need assurance that your waterproof key fob holder will remain firmly in place throughout your surf session. A reliable attachment system to your wetsuit or body is crucial to prevent loss in the water.
Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and articles on The Inertia, click here.
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