The Traveler's Notebook (Regular Size) in Camel: A Review

(Susan M. Pigott is a fountain pen collector, pen and paperholic, photographer, and professor. You can find more from Susan on her blog Scribalishess.)

The Traveler's Notebook (formerly known as Midori) is one of those notebooks almost all pen addicts have heard of at some point. Along with Field Notes and Filofax and Hobonichi, it is one of the most beloved notebooks for the handwriting set.

After I gave up on iPhone/iPad-based organizational systems (believe me, I tried them ALL), I decided that my ADD-addled mind needed something simpler. Several years ago, I bought a "fauxdori" from Etsy seller Zenok Leather and Traveler's inserts from JetPens.

But, last year I decided to go with the Hobonichi (see my review here). In a future post, I plan to compare and contrast the two notebooks. But for this review, I am going to focus on the Traveler's Notebook, regular size, in Camel.

The Traveler's Notebook Starter Set ($53.50) arrives in a cardboard envelope with an elastic around it. Inside, the notebook itself is enclosed in a muslin bag. There are instructions about caring for the leather and an extra elastic as well as a blank notebook.

The camel Traveler's Notebook cover is a single piece of leather with no stitching, no inner pockets, and no embellishment other than a stamp on the back cover.

It comes with one elastic, attached with a small round metal piece, to hold notebooks, a string bookmark, and one elastic cover closure.

That's it. The Traveler's Notebook itself is extremely simple.

Things get more complex, however, when you start looking at all the notebook variations and accessories.

The Traveler's Notebook Starter Kit comes with one unlined notebook. Obviously, most people will want more than one notebook. And there are plenty from which to choose:

• No. 001 Lined $5.50
• No. 002 Grid paper $5.50
• No. 003 Blank $5.50
• No. 005 Daily Planner Grid $7.25
• No. 012 Sketch Paper $7.25
• No. 013 Lightweight paper, blank $7.25 This paper is actually white Tomoe River Paper.
• No. 014 Kraft paper $7.25
• No. 017 Monthly Planner $11.00
• No. 018 Weekly Planner $13.00
• No. 019 Weekly Planner with Memo $13.00

If you plan to insert more than two notebooks in your Traveler's Notebook, I highly recommend you buy the set of extra Connecting Bands $5.50. There are ways to use the single elastic to insert at least three notebooks, but it's simpler to use extra bands.

I also recommend getting the Zipper Case $9.00. You can put this under all your notebooks, and it is really handy to have the zipper pocket to hold stickers, tickets, photos, and other flat items.

My Set Up

This is how I've got my Traveler's Notebook set up. Of course, I can rearrange it anytime, and that's one of the advantages of this system. Because each notebook is separate, you can rearrange the order any way you like, and you can add and remove notebooks as your needs change.

Daily Planner. This is a new addition to my old Traveler's Notebook line-up. Each page has a header that you can fill in (so you can start this calendar any time and skip days if you wish) and a grid format you can use however you please. Right now I put the hours of the day down the left side and fill in my schedule, but I may move to a Bullet Journal format at some point.

Weekly Planner with Memo. I actually used this planner the most in my original Traveler's line up. It works well as a daily planner because on one side are the days of the week with enough blank space to write important events. On the opposite side is a grid format where you can list your to dos. I will probably just use this planner and eliminate the Daily Planner, unless I discover I need the extra space in the Daily Planner.

Another thing I really like about the Weekly Planner is that the first four pages allow you to map out all the days in each month so that you get an overview of all the major upcoming events. I really like this because it gives me a bird's-eye view of the entire semester.

Monthly Planner. I usually only look at this calendar at the beginning of each month, so I can move important dates over to my weekly planner. But, it's a nice layout (blank, so you can start on any month you wish) and lots of room to write in events.

Lined Notebook. Last, I keep a lined notebook for any notes I need to keep with me.

Some people decorate their Traveler's Notebook pages with adorable drawings and stamps and washi tape and photographs. Here's what I think my pages should look like:

How I Wish My Pages Looked

But here's the reality:

How My Pages Really Look

Sure, I wish I were more artistic and had the time to record each day creatively. But that's just not me. I'm a writer, not an artist. So, I record my thoughts, memories, and important events in my Seven Seas Journal without illustrations.

Honestly, there's not a right way to fill out your Traveler's Notebook despite the peer pressure you might feel if you follow artistic Traveler's Notebook users on Instagram. I do tend to decorate my monthly calendar more fully than my daily or weekly calendars, just because I have time at the beginning of each semester to do so.

But, my Traveler's Notebook is primarily my place to write down what I need to do each day to keep up with my schedule. If I add a special quote or a photo or nothing at all, that's okay.

One last thing: the paper. For the most part, the 80gsm paper is great for all kinds of pens, including fountain pens. Even with my wettest pens I didn't experience feathering or bleed through.

However, there's considerable show through, even with ball point pens.

This was especially true on the Monthly Calendar pages I decorated using Ink Joy gel pens. The show through was significant.

Accessories

Oh, man, do I love accessorizing. In fact, I love that a lot more than organizing and making to do lists. There are all sorts of accessories made for the Traveler's Notebook: a pen holder $14.50, a kraft file folder $7.25, a card file set $7.25, and even a Midori Brass pen $27.00. These are just a few of the Traveler's-branded items you can add to your notebook. You can find many more accessories if you Google "Traveler's Notebook Accessories."

Many people like to add charms to the elastic closure and to the bookmark string to personalize their notebooks.

Stickers, stamps, clips, and washi tape are also items that many people use to decorate their notebooks.

You're not stuck with the Traveler's Notebook brand covers if you want something in different colors or with extras like pockets. I love my Zenok Leather cover from Etsy because it easily allows for four or more notebooks. And I just ordered a ChicSparrow version in blue (a review of that will be forthcoming).

Apps That Do What Paper Can't

Although I've moved my calendar, to-do list, and notes to a paper system, that does not mean I've abandoned all digital organizing. One thing a paper system can't do is ding you with reminders and repeated events. For that, I use an iPhone app called Due. This app is absolutely essential to my life, because it won't stop reminding me about things until I mark them done. I put repeated events in Due, such as when my credit card bill needs to be paid each month, when the dog needs his heart worm meds, when I'm supposed to pick up my daughter, etc. Due won't leave me alone until I get these things done–annoying, but effective!

I also use Fantastical (a calendar app that syncs across my Mac, iPhone, and iPad) for things like doctor's appointments, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. I put these things in my paper calendar too, but it's nice to have repeated events on my iPhone and computer and pop-up reminders about upcoming events.

Pros

• The Traveler's Notebook is a terrific option for anyone who wants a paper-based organizational system (or a sketchbook, journal, commonplace book, etc.)
• I prefer the regular-sized notebook to the passport version, simply because, for my purposes, the larger format allows me to include more information and, frankly, it's easier to read.
• I especially like the freedom the Traveler's Notebook offers, in that you can rearrange and add and remove notebooks to suit your needs. This is an advantage over the Hobonichi Notebook which limits you to the layout chosen by the publishers.
• There are so many notebook and accessory options you are bound to find a set up that suits you perfectly.

Cons

• While the Traveler's Notebook leather cover is nice, it only comes in a few colors (camel, black, and brown). There was a limited edition blue, but I believe it is sold out. The cover has no stitching or pockets. If you prefer covers with more frills, numerous options are available.
• The paper in the notebooks is good but does exhibit show through.
• I wish the Traveler's Notebook came with more than one elastic to hold notebooks.
• The bookmark string is too thin to be very useful. It would be nice to have a more substantial bookmark with multiple ribbons or strings.

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Word Notebooks Leather Notebook Jacket Review

(Jeff Abbott is a regular contributor at The Pen Addict. You can find more from Jeff online at Draft Evolution and Twitter.)

In the world of pocket notebooks, I've always recognized the Word brand as the one that has the nifty bullet point checkbox system. There are many options in the 3.5" x 5.5" pocket notebook realm, you have to stand out, right? Their cover designs help with that. They look like works of art, and there's something about that aesthetic that really draws me to these notebooks. It took me a while to try them simply because I already have so many pocket notebooks. Luckily, I've had an opportunity to try them out, and I'm glad I have.

Word Notebooks - Green Terrain

As far as pocket notebooks are concerned, the Word. Notebooks Green Terrain notebooks are pretty standard. Rounded corners, staple-bound, and 48-pages, and made in the USA. The way Word notebooks differ are the paper line format. Yes, there's only one choice as far as the paper goes, and it's lined with the addition of the "unique organizational system" that makes it easy to make bullet points, or mark things as important, in progress, or complete. While this system may not be for everyone (or for using all the time), it's easy to ignore since they're in the far left margin.

The pages aren't numbered, but I can't think of any pocket notebook examples (besides Leuchtturm) that have numbered pages. The ruling in these notebooks are similar to a "college" ruling instead of "wide." The front cover has the standard name, contact info, and dates, as well as some info on the organizational system. The back inside cover features some "Take Better Notes" tips for abbreviations and other shorthand symbols.

The covers are solid and will hold up to a lot of abuse. Compared to other pocket notebook brands that we all know and love, these are the strongest I've ever used. This is a nice, thick cardstock that Word is using in their notebooks. The cover for this edition is a lovely terrain pattern that reminds me of maps that show topographical information so you can tell how steep a hike will be. I love the green color as well. Like I said before, I love the Word notebook covers and I would collect them just because of the unique and fresh covers. The branding is simple...there's a "Word." logo, and the back has a "Made in the USA" slogan followed by the Word Notebooks website.

Now, the paper. In my testing, non-fountain pens work like a dream on this paper. If you're using a fountain pen, you'll notice plenty of feathering on the paper and lots of show-through. Of course, this will vary depending on the nib and ink you're using. Even my finer nibs exhibited feathering. I would only use fountain pens in this notebook if I was in a pinch and didn't have anything else. It works, but it's not ideal. But, any other pens look great on this paper. Gel, pigment, ballpoint inks are all crisp and smooth. The paper quality is in-line with most pocket notebooks, and I prefer it over most.

The Word notebooks are fantastic. After using these, I'll definitely keep them high on my list of pocket notebooks that stay in the rotation. The unique bullet system is novel and useful, but subtle enough to disappear if you aren't using them. Any Bullet Journal fans out there that have used these notebooks?

Word Notebook Leather Jacket (Chestnut/Red)

Along with the Green Terrain notebooks, I picked up the Word Notebooks Leather Notebook Jacket. I've never pulled the trigger on a leather notebook cover, so this was a new experience for me. First off, I'd recommend doing this just so you can smell the intense leather smell that comes out of the box when you open it. Wow. Aside from that, it just looks awesome.

The leather jacket is a 4" x 6" full grain leather cover that includes a couple of elastic cords to either hold the notebooks or keep the cover closed. The leather is called "chestnut," and I'd describe it as a caramel color leather (or a saddleback color). The cords are red, which add a nice pop of color to the cover. The cover is unbranded on the front and side, and there's a tasteful 1/2" Word. logo stamped into the lower back.

In use, the jacket does a great job of holding two notebooks and keeping them protected from wear and tear. For me, the whole kit is too big to fit in any pockets, but it works great when throwing it into a bag.

The best part of the jacket is how it looks. It adds a nice touch of character to your notebooks, and also allows you to easily carry two notebooks securely. Also, with this being real leather, the jacket will develop a nice look of its own over time.

For just under 30 bucks, it's an easy way to class up your pocket notebook game. The design is minimal, and the leather is the real star here. It also comes in Olive/Orange and Black/Blue if you are looking for other options.

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Enjoy reading The Pen Addict? Then consider becoming a member to receive additional weekly content, giveaways, and discounts in The Pen Addict shop. Plus, you support me and the site directly, which I am very grateful for.

Membership starts at just $5/month, with a discounted annual option available. To find out more about membership click here and join us!

The William Hannah Notebook: A Review

(Susan M. Pigott is a fountain pen collector, pen and paperholic, photographer, and professor. You can find more from Susan on her blog Scribalishess.)

I first saw a William Hannah notebook on Instagram and was immediately entranced. The supple leather, metal accents, and industrial-strength rings got my undivided attention. So did the price.

I am a hoarder of notebooks. I love the smell of paper and all the different notebook designs available these days. It is hard for me to settle on just one notebook–and why should I? I am currently using a Hobonichi Cousin for my calendar, a Nanami Seven Seas Notebook for my journal, a half-dozen Word notebooks for various things, and a passport-sized Traveler's Notebook for my purse. Then there's my Baron Fig (blank, so far) and a trove of other notebooks sitting on my shelves for which I've yet to find a purpose.

Why on earth would I need another notebook? Well, who doesn't always need another notebook? Besides, I figured that having a British-made notebook with buttery leather and lovely paper would inspire me to write poetry. I have a poetry thesis coming up, so I need to get more poems written. That's what my William Hannah Notebook is for . . . though I've yet to write even one poem in it. I have managed a calendar page.

I originally planned to get the whiskey notebook with the kingfisher interior. But when I went to order my notebook, there was a lovely color called agave. I ordered that. I expected it to take up to two weeks to receive the notebook, so I was amazed when it arrived in five days. The packaging is fantastic, as you would expect from a British company. Everything is wrapped in William Hannah paper.

The notebook is inside a sturdy outer box that opens like a book:

There is a card inside with your receipt and a handwritten note:

The person who packaged my notebook included some extras for me since I was ordering from America:

• A sampler packet of all the different sorts of paper you can order with your notebook.

• A packet of additional lined paper ("To maximize shipping costs to the US").

• A card with extra hardware in case I want to remove the pen loop.

The notebook itself is a simple design. It is made from one thick piece of leather with a suede interior. They offer many different colors. I chose agave which is a beautiful teal. You can even order custom colors if you wish. Both the outer and inner covers are stitched in a coordinating color of thread.

The leather is luscious. It smells wonderful and is so smooth it makes you want to stroke and hold the notebook all the time–which is weird, and people will stare at you, so you might want refrain from this in public. Because the leather is so soft, it is prone to scratches and scrapes. But these will add character to your notebook as it ages.

The only decoration on the front is a William Hannah pin made of steel with the initials WH engraved on it.

The pin screws on, so you can opt for a pen loop, which is what I did. I'm not sure I will make use of the pen loop, though, since I rarely carry just one pen with me. I may remove it and go back to the simple pin.

My Lamy 2000 in the pen loop

The only other decoration is the William Hannah logo engraved on the back.

I wish the notebook had a closure system of some kind, for example, a loop that could be used with the pin. This isn't a deal breaker, of course, but I do like to keep my notebooks closed when not in use or while I'm carrying them.

As stated above, the interior of the notebook is lined in suede. I chose the petrol color for the interior, but the agave notebook can also be paired with lime or fuchsia suede. I would like the option to have pockets sewn into the interior for cards and other loose items.

The discs are made of 303 gauge stainless steel. These babies are meant to last and will not tarnish. They are sewn in place and are sturdy.

The discs don't open and close like a three ring binder. They are solid rings. Instead, the paper is cut to fit the rings, and you can easily remove paper by pulling from the upper right downward. To insert paper, you simply press the pages onto the rings. What is wonderful about this system, is you can arrange and rearrange pages in any order you want.

The 100gsm paper is magnificent. It is almost as thick as index cards and is smooth–no grainy stuff to clog up your extra-fine nibs. When you order your notebook, you also order paper, and you can configure it in any combination of 60 pages (or more, if you wish). They offer plain, lined, grid, and dot-grid paper. You can also choose templates for to-do lists and/or weekly calendar pages. You even get to pick the ink color for your pages. I chose 50 pages of lined and 10 pages of dot-grid in petrol-colored ink.

I tested the paper with several different inks.

The only one that didn't do well was MB Toffee in my Cross Concord nib. Admittedly, this is a super-wide, wet nib, and the ink feathered. All the other pens and inks worked perfectly on this paper.

Only the MB Toffee ink in my very wide Cross Concord nib feathered

The paper has a little bit of show through, but absolutely no bleed through, even with the wettest inks. I did some ink swabs with some of my most saturated colors, and not one bled through.

The ink shows through the paper slightly, but there's no bleed through at all

My only complaint about the paper in the William Hannah notebook is that it isn't perforated. When you pull sheets out, you wind up with a side that has snaggy edges, like spiral notebook paper. If the pages were perforated, you could remove these easily, and that's important for those of us who are OCD about smooth paper edges. I'm a professor, okay? I hate snaggy paper.

A William Hannah notebook starts at £95 (=$137.54 at the current exchange rate). A pen loop is an additional £6, and shipping is £17.50. Bespoke notebooks start at £120.

Paper refills are £5 for 50 pages and £9 for 100 pages plus shipping. You can buy an Atoma punch and use your own paper. However, the punch costs £139 at CultPens, so it's quite an investment. I couldn't find any American retailers who sell an Atoma punch.

The William Hannah notebook is an expensive purchase. But I think it is worth every penny. The care that went into its creation is obvious. It is configurable to anyone's taste, and the paper is outstanding. The William Hannah notebook will last a lifetime.

Pros

• The William Hannah Notebook exhibits top-quality workmanship.
• It is configurable with multiple options for printed paper, including templates for weekly calendaring and to do lists.
• The ring system is sturdy and allows you to arrange and rearrange pages.
• The notebook lies perfectly flat when open.
• The leather is pure bliss and comes in many different colors. You can even create your own bespoke notebook.
• The 100gsm paper works well with any sort of pen or pencil, but it is especially good for fountain pen users.

Cons

• This is a very expensive notebook.
• The notebook does not have inner pockets nor is there a way to keep the notebook closed.
• When paper is removed it has snaggy edges.
• Refills can get expensive because of the exchange rate and shipping from England.