11 Best Pocket Notebooks for Everyday Carry

There’s something pure about bringing pen and paper together. Perhaps it’s the feel of them in your hands. Maybe the ease of use. Possibly even a wistfulness for days gone by where technology was not front and center in most of our day-to-day tasks. Now we’re not saying we don’t appreciate technology. But when it comes to jotting down notes, making a quick sketch, capturing a great idea before it flits away, or simply assembling your grocery list, there’s a lot to be said for the humble pen and paper combo. And when it comes to good pocket notebooks, they’re some of the best additions you can make to your EDC.

So what constitutes a good pocket notebook?

It should meet a few key criteria. Readily accessible when you need it, out of the way when you don’t. Lightweight and small enough to carry easily in a pocket on a daily basis. Durable to withstand everyday use. Versatile enough to serve a variety of needs, from writing to sketching (and even storing or sticking things inside it). And a soft, flexible cover means it won’t dig into you when you move. So rather than trying to keep track of a scattered collection of scrap papers full of important information, why not check out our selection of the best pocket notebooks for everyday carry…

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Field Notes Kraft Mixed 3-Pack

One of the foremost brands in notebooks, Field Notes were inspired by agricultural memo books. Today the range offers a variety of styles and colorways – including their popular limited editions – but the Kraft mixed pack is a good place to start. The pack includes three notebooks featuring plain, ruled and graph paper respectively. Play around to see what style suits you best or rotate them to suit different EDC needs.

Rite in the Rain Tactical Notebook

Important information doesn’t wait around for favorable conditions. With this notebook, neither do you. Rain, snow, grease, sweat…this notebook shrugs them off with its all-weather construction. Big plops of rain splattering your notes? No, sir. Spilled some liquid on your page full of brilliant business ideas? No problem. Plus the non-glare paper means you won’t have any trouble reading the notebook contents in bright sunlight. There’s even reference material on the back and inside covers, making this an even more useful addition to your EDC.

Rhodia Staplebound Notebook

This compact notebook fits well in a pocket and comes with a waterproof cover for protection against the elements. It’s a good option for fountain pen users and those looking to utilize both sides of the page without ink bleeding through (yes, we know how frustrating those wasted pages can be…).

Moleskine Volant Extra Small Notebook

Already carry a lot of stuff in your pocket? Perhaps you just want to keep your EDC as minimal as possible? One of the major names in notebooks has a pint-sized solution. Meet the Moleskine Volant Extra Small Notebook. Available in packs of two, you can opt for plain or ruled paper and a choice of cover colorways. A nifty feature with this notebook is the detachable pages, allowing you to easily and neatly distribute pages to others or remove specific pages to store separately from your main notebook.

Word. Notebooks The Adventure Log

You live life from one blurring adventure to the next, no time to slow down, but unwilling to forget the memories you make along the way. This is the notebook for you. And for those who take things at a more sedate space? No need to worry, it works just fine as a handy companion for weekend explorers, the occasional getaway, and day-to-day short journal entries (you’re not going to be writing your memoirs in this, but inspiration for them? Sure thing.). The notebook pages are divided into different sections to help organize your notes and provide quick reference points.

LEUCHTTURM1917 Jottbook

This notebook provides a variety of handy features to help you make the most of it. It includes 60 numbered pages, 32 of which are perforated and removable. The thread-bound notebook opens flat for easy writing and comes with stickers for labeling and organization, as well as a blank table of contents. It’s also available in plain, ruled and squared paper options to suit different needs.

doane paper Utility Notebook

Can’t decide between grid or lined paper? With this notebook you don’t have to. The paper features a grid-and-line combination that allows you to easily alternate between writing and sketching. The notebook comes in a pack of three in black, or a pack of six in an assortment of colorways.

Baron Fig Vanguard Pocket Notebook

If you appreciate minimalist aesthetics in your pocket notebook, the Vanguard ticks the box. Available in light gray and charcoal colorways, the notebook features stitched binding that allows the cover to lay flat while using it. The Vanguard comes in a pack of three and includes plain, ruled and dot grid paper options.

Write Notepads & Co. Pocket Ledger

Inspired by news reporters, the Pocket Ledger has a pleasing feeling of nostalgia to it. The spiral-bound notebook includes an elastic band closure to keep the cover securely shut when not in use, and offers a versatile grid-and-line paper pattern.  As an added bonus, for every notebook purchased Write Notepads & Co. will donate another one to an inner-city student.

Small Postalco Notebook 

Understatedly stylish, this notebook is crafted in Japan and features a water-resistant, starch-pressed cotton cover. The pH-neutral paper is made using boiled natural fibers and provides a smooth, slip-resistant surface for writing or drawing. When open, the cover reaches beyond the bottom of the page, a thoughtful design feature to help support your hand while writing at the base of the page. The position of the spiral binding also leaves the spine conveniently available for labeling if desired.

Sigel CO231 Notebook CONCEPTUM

If you want to pack a lot of features into your pocket carry, this notebook is certainly one to check out. Features include numbered pages, an elastic closure, a pen loop, perforated sheets at the end, page markers, and two pockets. All delivered in a sleek, elegant form.