(Sarah Read is an author, editor, yarn artist, and pen/paper/ink addict. You can find more about her at her website and on Bluesky. And her latest book, The Atropine Tree, is now available!)
Your trinkets, gadgets, and doodads have a new ride. This new pouch, The Cube, from Esterbrook is a library of pockets, offering some top-tier organization in a design that looks both fun and classic.
First of all, look at that box. Esterbrook is always good with their packaging, and here, again, they have provided us with another box that's too good to throw away. More than one drawer in my house is organized with repurposed Esterbrook packaging. This one is definitely a keeper.
The butter yellow nylon of the case makes a fantastic impression on first sight. It's such a good color, and the styling is very retro. Maybe it's the windbreaker, track-suit fabric that's taking me back to the early 90s--but I'm happy to go there. The case is also available in blue and dark green, though all have the bright orange interior.
On the front of the pouch, there is a zipper pocket with a soft interior perfect for keeping glasses scratch-free. Behind that is a slip pocket (though the two pockets share volume, so if you put something fragile in one, you wouldn't want to use the other). Below it is a stretchy band that could serve as a handle, or a way to affix the pouch to another bag.
On the back, there are two voluminous pockets with elastic tops. One is nylon and one is mesh. They hold a surprising amount, and are the perfect size for a charger or earbud case.
The main part of the case opens like a clamshell with a smooth zipper. The inside right has divided pen trays for up to six sizeable pens. They are held in place by an elastic band that stretches across the width, threading through the walls of the soft tray.
There is a flap that divides the main compartment in two, and on the side of the flap facing the pens, there is a clear folder pocket perfect for stickers or a small notepad. On the other side of the flap there is a zipper mesh pocket for keeping any loose bits secured.
On the other side of the clamshell opening, there is a mesh pocket and a length of elastic across the width that is sewn into small segments.
The roomy interior also allows for a slim pocket or A6 notebook to be placed on either side of the central flap, or in some of the larger elastic pockets.
Every inch of this case is full of storage. A lot of it is cleverly laid out so that it can all be used, though some pockets interfere with the use of others.
There's so much versatility that it takes a little while to figure out how to use it. Is it a tech pouch? And EDC case? Just for pens and stationery? You could even use it as a makeup or toiletry case, or for other craft supplies. This is one of those cases that might end up in my knitting bag.
Will it fit?
I decided to see how much of my daily carry items I could fit inside it. The answer was, most of them! However... When fully packed out, it may not fit in your bag. It gets thick! If you're carrying a good backpack, you'll be fine, but it doesn't fit in an average purse, which makes its use as a daily carry pouch a bit un-useful, for me.
But that does not worry me, because it has a thousand uses other than as a daily carry pouch. It would be perfect as a pen show kit! Bring some pens to show off, leave some spaces empty to fill with new pens. Collect business cards and stickers. Gather paper swatches, and bring a testing notebook. Fill the elastics with ink sample vials. Everything you need in one cube!
Because of the endless possibilities, I've had a lot of fun unpacking and repacking it for different purposes.
One downside to the case is the price, which did shock me a bit when I saw it. The MSRP is $65, though you might find it for less. It's more than I'd expect to pay for a nylon case, but it does have a lot of construction and design to it. I don't think it's extremely overpriced, just a bit more than I was expecting. That being said, if I hadn't been sent one, I'd buy one. I might have to buy one, anyway, because my husband, who typically goes glassy-eyed whenever I start talking about anything pen-related, actually tried to claim this one.
The retro vibe and bright colors certainly won't be for everyone, but I think this is another great accessory from Esterbrook. I'd actually love to see these design elements and materials used in a full-sized bag. Like the Cube as a messenger briefcase, chock full of stationery organization? If you do that, Esterbrook, please call me.
(Disclaimer: Brad bought this case from Florida Fountain Pen at the 2025 Atlanta Pen Show.)
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