Pen and paper are designed to be used with each other; without one, the other simply doesn’t work. If you have an everyday carry fountain pen, then it makes a lot of sense to carry a pocket notebook with you. Pocket notebooks are easy to bring around thanks to their dimensions and compact design. You can add utility to your daily writing needs without much bulk. Here, we’ll talk about why you should carry a pocket notebook and give you some recommendations on fountain pen-friendly options.
Why carry a pocket notebook?
There are many reasons to carry a pocket notebook wherever you go. Here are just a few good uses to consider:
To-do lists. You could type this out on your phone, but there’s something more satisfying about jotting down a to-do list using pen and paper. You can easily pull out your pocket notebook and look at the things you need to do for the day.
Creativity. A pocket notebook will allow you to expand your creativity. You can doodle or sketch whatever comes to mind during idle moments, such as waiting for your coffee order or a friend's arrival. You can also just jot down fleeting thoughts and ideas. Who knows, inspiration might strike, and you might come up with something of note in your pocket notebook without even realizing it.
Mini journal. You don’t have to have full-length journal entries in your pocket notebook. It can be as simple as writing down a few thoughts from each day.
Budget tracker. You can also jot down your daily expenses to keep better track of your budget in your pocket notebook. Doing so will help you save up for that next bottle of fountain pen ink.
Documentation. Whether it’s your gym progress, restaurant reviews, or taking note of your favorite beverages in different cafes, it’s helpful to refer back to your pocket notebook for the things you want to keep track of.
Given all these helpful uses of pocket notebooks, which ones should you try? And more importantly, which ones are fountain pen-friendly?
Best pocket notebooks for fountain pens
Here are some of the best pocket notebooks for fountain pens that you can use on a daily basis.
1. Traveler’s Notebook - Regular Size
Although the Traveler’s Notebook isn’t technically pocket-sized, it is still slim enough to tote around in your bag or purse, making it a perfect partner for your fountain pen. You can even insert maps, tickets, and folded papers inside the leather cover. It is perfectly suitable for traveling, but you can also take this notebook with you on your daily errands.
2. Traveler’s Notebook - Passport Size
For a truly pocket-sized Traveler’s Notebook, writers can try the passport-sized version. It features a simple leather cover like the original Traveler’s Notebook, and it comes with a spare rubber band if you wish to add more inserts. That way, you can have separate notebooks dedicated to various uses (e.g., one notebook for journaling, another for budget tracking). Use this with your favorite fountain pen and ink and enjoy how easy it is to carry around.
3. Maruman Mnemosyne Memo Notebook
The Maruman Mnemosyne Memo Notebook is perfect to use as a day planner or a task manager for your schedules and projects. This notebook has micro-perforated paper, so you can remove them if needed. It also lays completely flat, which is a great feature if you’re writing on the go; you don’t want to be fumbling around with a notebook that keeps wanting to close. The Maruman Mnemosyne Memo Notebook also comes with premium paper that offers a smooth writing experience with minimal ghosting and bleed-through.
4. Rhodia Rhodiarama Softcover Notebook
The Italian faux leather on this notebook makes it a dream to hold and carry around. Rhodia paper is well-known for its smoothness and resistance to bleeding and ghosting, so this pocket notebook is perfect for fountain pens. You can choose between A5 and A6 sizes depending on your preference, but we highly recommend the A6 if you want a smaller and more portable notebook.
5. Lochby Pocket Journal
If you want something a little bit more durable and secure, then the Lochby Pocket Journal is the choice for you. The waxed canvas case houses a notebook refill that uses Tomoe River 68 gsm paper, so you will surely have a fountain pen-friendly surface to write on. It can be fully zipped to keep your notebook, fountain pen, and other valuables protected. This pocket journal also has extra pockets to hold all of your essentials. Another bonus is that it is 100% vegan!
The bottom line
Having the right pocket notebook with you can be incredibly useful as you can jot down reminders, expenses, and anything else that comes to mind. It can also be an enjoyable experience writing down what inspires you during the in-betweens of your daily routine. Try any of the pocket notebooks with fountain pen-friendly paper that we have listed above to pair with your everyday carry pen.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
