As I’m writing this, I realize that I’ve been working from home for more than a month now. The change has been easier on me than some, I imagine, because I tend to work remotely 2-3 days a week under normal circumstances, and of course nearly all of the work I do on TGS happens in my home office. But moving between workspaces regularly can be disruptive, and what happens, in my experience, is that I end up with notebooks, loose notes, electronic documents, books, and other project materials scattered in different locations. What I’ve enjoyed, for a change, is having a single location with a single set of tools that allows me to get a sense of what I’m using, what I’m not, and to further refine preferences. What’s the one thing that’s fallen by the wayside? Pocket notebooks.
The two closest things to true “pocket notebooks” that I’ve been using regularly are the Write Notepads PUR-bound pocket notebooks and the Kunisawa “Find” hardcover notebooks, which I strongly suspect are white-labeled Kokuyo Sketch notebooks. The paper and covers (other than the colors) are nearly identical.
I’ve never been a heavy user of pocket notebooks - at least, I’ve never been able to justify having a subscription. I might go through 3-4 per year. While I always have a pocket notebook on hand, it’s mainly used to keep track of lists, expenses, and random thoughts I have when I’m out running errands or commuting. Now that I’m not doing those things regularly, I lean much more heavily on hardcover or spiral-bound notebooks, as well as reporter-style notebooks for list-making. While I’m sure that I’ll eventually go back to pocket notebooks at some point, the traditional Field Notes-style three-staple notebook will probably never form a core part of my workflow, mainly because I don’t find them durable enough to survive for 3-6 months in pockets, bags, car glove boxes, etc., which is about how long it takes me to use one. Instead, I suspect that I’ll gravitate more towards different forms of stationery that are still portable, but perhaps a bit more versatile in layout and certainly longer-lasting. Here are five pieces of “pocketable” or “portable” stationery that I’ve been using recently, and likely will continue to use going forward.
It’s surprising that what I’ve enjoyed more than anything are reporter-style notebooks, which I find draw on the best of pocket notebook portability and combine it with just the right amount of space to make the format useful for everyday work.
Kokuyo Sketch Hardcover Notebook. I’ve actually been using what looks like a white-labeled version of this notebook from Kunisawa, but I LOVE the long and narrow format, to the point where it might be one of the best pure “utility” notebooks I’ve ever used. Not only is the hardcover extremely durable, but the paper works extremely well with most pens and inks, the grid ruling is versatile, and the longer format perfect for logging things and listmaking.
Write Notepads Reporter Notebook. I’ve become such a huge fan of Write Notepads paper that I’ve basically made it my default “house paper” and even started selling it in the TGS Curated Shop. Their Reporter Notebook has become my default “desk jotter,” sitting to the side of my keyboard when I’m working on the computer and often accompanying me around the house or out on the porch when I need a change of scenery. Reporter’s notebooks are designed to be used standing up, and the sturdy chipboard covers offers more support for actual writing than your standard pocket notebook.
Field Notes “Front Page” Reporter Notebook. Field Notes took one of their limited edition releases, “Byline,” and turned it into a standard item, now called the “Front Page." In terms of reporter notebooks currently on the market, the Field Notes “Frontpage” is well-designed with decent paper, though if you’re a heavy fountain pen user you’ll probably prefer the Write Notepads version.
Write Notepads Pocket Notebook. If I do reach for something that could reasonably be called a true “pocket notebook,” it would be one of the Write Notepads PUR-bound notebooks. The covers tend to hold up better over time than Field Notes, and the binding holds more pages than your typical three-staple variety. The current “Copper Anniversary Edition” contains exceptional fountain pen friendly paper. Less than $12 for a three-pack of notebooks of this quality make these a steal, IMHO.
Nock Co. DotDash Spiral Pad / Write Notepads Dot Grid Steno Pad. If you need more space for writing than a pocket or reporter’s notebook can offer, consider a steno pad. Both Nock Co. and Write Notepads offer quality, durable steno pads containing good paper with a versatile ruling. While I wouldn’t stay that I use steno pads regularly, I keep a stash of them on hand because they make excellent notebooks for thinking and doodling.
When you need more space to work than what a pocket or reporter’s notebook can offer, but still need to maximize portability, consider a steno pad (shown here compared against a Write Notepads reporter notebook on the left).
Takeaways and Further Reading
Going forward, the bulk of my “portable writing” will likely take place in some combination of the Kokuyo Sketch and the Write Notepads Reporter Notebook, though I’ll maintain at least one traditional pocket notebook to carry in my pocket or glove box once things return to a semblance of normalcy. While the first two items on this list represent my own personal preference, any of the five featured here will serve you well in getting actual work done in your day-to-day routine.
Those interested in reading further on the different types of paper I recommend should check out the previous installments of my “Everyday Writers: Best Paper” series, Part I: Best Hardcover Notebooks, Part II: Top Five Slim Softcover Notebooks, and Part III: The Best Spiral Notebooks. I envision this as a five-part series, so stay tuned for the next installment in which I’ll look at legal pads, looseleaf, and other miscellaneous stationery.