Pocket Travelers Notebook, Refillable Leather Travel Journal for Men & Women, Notebook Cover for Field Notes, Moleskine Small 3.5 x 5.5 Inches, Brown

I already love this pocket-sized journal cover! I got this in Dark Brown and it actually looks great considering how cheap this was. It did come with imperfections but that's exactly how I like my leather, cheap or otherwise. As you can see in the photo that inside has this kind of long gash on the left. I'm not a fan of any imperfections on the inside but I don't mind it either. As for the outer surface, it was pristine when I received it. It was stiff and smooth. I actually physically curled this cover and twisted it around to lessen the stiffness and get a little color on the surface and make it a little worn out and loose. I know this will happen over time with more use but there's nothing wrong with helping the process along.As for the notebook that came with this cover, I had originally planned on not using it at all since I have some Field Notes notebooks I'm using already and I wanted uniformity with my notebooks but decided to give it a try. I don't think it'll be as sturdy as a Field Notes (mainly due to the staples) but it's okay so far. The paper is quite thick and I've had no bleed-through with the pens I've used so far but I definitely don't recommend using gel pens. I used a Pilot G2 on it and already made a mess with ink smudges.Anyway, I highly recommend this journal cover for anyone looking for a cheap alternative to other higher-end leather covers out there. I got this one specifically for that reason. I wanted to start journaling but can't commit to buying anything too expensive yet since I'm unsure whether I'll stick to this particular size (pocket) or not. This cover is good for anyone else who, like me, wants to test it out.

This is actually the second time I've bought this cover. I got it a year back I think. I wasn't ready for it then since I was still in an A5 mostly. I've since moved to field notes and I own a couple of different covers, including the Lochby Pocket Journal Cover, and a Hide and Drink cover as well. I decided to give this one a go again and see how I liked it now. I'm so glad I did.I love loading it up with a couple of field notes and an assortment of watercolor and sketch paper I sewed together to make my own field notes sketchbook.I really went back and forth between this size and the passport. I think I'd really enjoy the passport but I'd have to modify my field notes or buy passport sizes books from Midori. At least with this size my options are much wider.When I got this one the leather was a little dry so I hit it with some mink oil conditioner with beeswax and lanoline, I let it set up for about 15 mins and it really helped soften it a bit. The color darkened significantly but I knew that would happen.I love that they put the strap on the spine instead of the back like the TNs, huge win there. I also like that they used a toggled elastic strap instead of a knot so it has less footprint when writing.The leather is thick and sturdy, I personally would like it to be a little softer but that'll happen with time. I write mostly on my desk but it handles just fine in my lap or hand while standing in a meeting. I would highly recommend this to anyone thinking of trying the TN but not ready to commit to that cost or you want some quality of life upgrades for a cheaper price, or you also like the pocket size over the passport. Great product, especially for the price. Looking forward to loving this for a long time.

Unless I lose it, I'm going to use this for the rest of my life.I bought this with the insert kit, which includes a sturdy cardboard folder with card slots and a plastic insert with a zip pouch on one half and card sleeves on the other.Here's what I love about it:- It is my wallet, notebook, pen case, and paper ephemera collector all in one. No more loose change, pens, and receipts rattling around in my bag. No more heavy notebook to carry around.- It keeps me organized. All of my receipts and shopping cards are in the front cardboard folder, my library card, cash, and random ephemera are in the back cardboard folder, and my frequently-used cards are stored in the very back of the card sleeve. No more digging and flipping for what I need!- It's well-designed. I think back on all the wallets I've had that used those stupid card sleeves which allowed a scant quarter inch of card to peek out of the top so you'd have to guess which card it was, mash your thumb into it and push or use your fingers like forceps to extract them. THOSE DAYS ARE OVER. With this, my cards are secure, clearly displayed, and easy to take out and put back.- It can hold a lot. You could turn this into a Costanza wallet if you wanted to. I have something in every storage spot but there's still plenty of room for additional inserts, notebooks, cards, pens, etc.- It's light and small. I had the full-sized Traveler's Notebook for about two years before I conceded it hadn't helped me achieve my goal of shaving weight from my everyday bag. The size of the notebook and inserts meant carrying around more leather and paper than I needed to. This size is perfect. It fits the smallest bag I own and I no longer feel like I'm lugging rocks around after a day of adventuring. The single notebook holds all the paper I need for the day.- I can freely indulge my love of Field Notes and their knockoffs. I love those cool little notebooks but couldn't justify the cost because they kept getting destroyed in my bag. This setup gives them a home, keeps them nice-looking, and provides a sturdy base for writing and drawing.This is one of those objects that becomes a close friend. I've had mine for half a year now. We've traveled together, gone to class and museums together, hiked together. It feels so familiar and cozy that I can sit down anywhere, open to a blank page, and immediately settle into a creative headspace. It always looks good but is understated enough in appearance that it doesn't draw attention to itself when I take it out. The leather patina only gets more beautiful with age and use because it records our history together.If it lasts as long as I suspect it will, I will never have to throw another wallet into a landfill again.This wallet made my life better in so many ways. It's one of best investments I've ever made.