i need a compact tire pump

I think this is the smallest pump made that has a gauge. Only goes to 115 psi though.
Crank Bros Power Pump Pro - Excel Sports

Those small mini pumps are a joke!!! The only one I ever had that was almost adequate and lasted a long time was a Torelli Aria, but it would only pump to about 90 but do it in about 150 pumps. I then had a SKS Puro with a slick internal air pressure gauge, but it would only get to half of it's acclaimed rating of 110...yep only about 60psi after 500+ pumps, and it lasted one flat before it died. Fortunately SKS replaced it with a midsize pump called the Raceday Carbon and this does reach it's acclaimed rating in about 150 strokes and is a great pump.

HOWEVER, almost all mini's or mid mini's are connected directly to the presta valve, thus you better know how to pump and keep the valve from moving or you risk tearing the valve from the tube. Thus the best pump for someone who may not be good at holding the pump steady on the valve stem is one made by Lezyne called the Pressure Drive or their other model the HP Drive and the HP Classic Drive, both will get to 120psi and these are more mid-mini's. But the beauty of these pumps is that they have a hose that attaches to the presta valve (or Schrader) and thus you can pump like crazy and not worry about stressing the valve. The hose stores inside the pump so it doesn't look funky on your bike. Not sure what the differences are between the 3 models because their all rated 120psi, maybe someone else here knows more about the different models. But these are very well made pumps that will last a very long time.

All mini pump manufactures way overrate their capacities, thus it's safe to assume that whatever their max psi rating is on the package you can bet you would be closer to the actually capacity if you reduce the rating by a third! The mid mini's and frame pumps would be closer in their package ratings to within 10%.

this adapter allows you to get air from a gas station

Innovations Presta to Schrader Valve Adapter - Excel Sports

Im not looking for a pump to take with me when I head out on my bike. i carry a 16g CO2 and money for a taxi in a worst case situation. What I'm looking for is something to throw in a suit case that is smaller than the full size pumps & hopefully weighs a little less too.

I had to go to Paris for 6 weeks for some university courses last year and took my bike along and my Wrenchforce track pump. I just unscrewed the handle from the piston and the barrel from the base/valve/gauge unit. Wrapped them in separate bags and put them in my suitcase. Fitted fine. I was worried I might get pulled up for carrying a massive shotgun in my bag but I didn't have a problem.

I guess if I wanted to save weight I could have taken a drill to the baseplate and the handle (but not to the barrel :-)).
I do remember once seeing a pump which had a foldable base (a long time ago). Even so, track pumps are still all the one sort of size and getting a nice one which can be serviced means you should be able to take it apart for packing too.
Other than that I would suggest taking a CO2 nozzle with you and buying cannisters when you arrive.

You are on a hiding-to-nothing with little pumps. They dont sweep enough volume and they can't be held steady enough in the hand to get 120psi.

If your looking to put a pump in a suitcase then why not a frame pump? It will get to high psi and get there faster then the other type of pumps I mentioned. Good frame pumps include the Topeak Road MasterBlaster Bicycle Frame Pump, the Blackburn Frame Pump, and my favorite the Zefal Bicycle HPX #2 Road Frame Pump.

If you decide to go this route you might as well get one that fits your frame, so if you for some reason ever need to take it on the bike you can.

As far as a gauge goes you can buy a separate gauge, their very small and take up hardly any room.