Nite Ize S-Biner Slide Lock Carabiner
I’ve kept my keys on the same Nite Ize carabiner for more than 10 years. I can quickly clip it to the cart when I go to the grocery store and never have to worry about setting my keys down somewhere. If you don’t need a cart, you can quickly clip them onto a belt loop and still use two hands to carry larger purchases.
This is a dual lockable carabiner, meaning that you can keep one side locked (the side with your keys, for example) and keep the other unlocked for quick clipping and unclipping to a backpack. I’ve never had to worry about the little black lock coming undone.
The stainless steel is very high quality and has a smooth finish. Some of the black anodized coating has worn off over the years, but the spring clips haven’t lost a bit of tension.
These carabiners are available in several different sizes and colors. I use the #3 size carabiner for my keys. I keep my vehicle keys, house key, and classroom key on here and there is still room for at least a couple more to fit comfortably. The #4 carabiner is a little larger and might be the way to go for those who carry more keys.
I always bring several of these when I travel. They’re perfect for attaching various items such as my flashlight or water bottle to the MOLLE loops on my 5.11 Tactical RUSH backpack, which I reviewed here. I’ve even used them to hang clothes to dry on a windy hotel balcony in Spain.
I don’t camp as much as I’d like to, but you can never have enough of these when you’re in the woods. Having carabiners can be the difference between being comfortable and enjoying your time or being miserable in so many different ways.
You’ll never go back to thick old-school “D-ring” carabiners (unless you’re using them for climbing, which these are not rated for) after you buy the Nite Ize S-biner.