Traveler's Notebook: Almost perfect

P.S. This isn't a sponsored video nor did Traveler's send me anything to review (can you imagine if they did and this is what they got lmao)

Thanks for the excellent informative review. I have both sizes. I totally agree with you. The regular size is excellent for journaling and the passport as a small diary/planner. I put pens in the plastic zip of the regular and a pencil and small fountain pen in the passport canvas zip accessory. Both are pretty lean and I like that I can have different inserts to segment my writing. Tbh journaling is easier in a regular A4 journal and I do that too. I can see why people love it. It is so versatile.

so you have a purse?

I think that an insert that has three sheets (1 with the pocket for pencils, two with a folder for papers) and that the pocket with the pencils folds inwards and folds outwards when you are going to write or paint, would be a great solution :)

Definitely INTERESTING subject...with over 45 ,000 views...is proof.

It feels as if you have more complaints of the pen case insert than you do of the notebook itself, and most of the complaints should be directed at that. Again. I'm different. I have the passport notebook because needing to store my notebook in a bag to me is a waste of time as I don't walk around carrying a bag.

Going to a restaurant? Pull out my notebook. Need to jot something down? Pull out my notebook. Taking a deuce? I can pull out my notebook.

I have my fountain pen and mechanical pencil clipped to my chest. Even when I'm wearing a T-shirt.

taking out the pages sounds like a pro to me, way more comfortable and then put it back in the binder for protection

The zipper case is also not a must… you can use just one pen, it ain’t boring for everyone… people also like multi pens… also people who journal typically also have a case for their pens… lol this is an awkward video… it sounds more like YOU had an idea about how to use the journal and you haven’t found the way to make it happen yet.

Taking the insert out doesn’t defeat the purpose lol.. you make the purpose. Some people see the leather back as the carrying case and take out the insert to do extensive work on the page.

Lol if you don’t like it don’t use it.

I used to be on the bandwagon that the traveler’s notebook was overhyped but one fine day I just decided to get it as the olive coloured one as came back in stock, and I quickly fell in love with it after. It’s modular which is why I started to appreciate it more. I usually carry my Hobonichi Weeks, a sketchbook and a watercolour sketchbook with me when I travelled. Now with this I can just remove/insert whichever refills i need, plus making your own inserts is pretty easy. You can opt for the paper that you want.

I enjoy doing plein air, so the passport size was just perfect for me. I even bought the leather pouch and plastic insert so I can carry some cash and debit card with me so I can go about town and sketch without the bulk.

As for the pen loop, I use it to carry my fountain pen which is used for lining my sketches before I paint, but I do still carry a pen roll with me all the time as I prefer working with mixed media.

At the end, to each of its own. They are simple and customizable, and purely because of that many will find it appealing. They do require some maintenance as it is still leather, however it is not something you need to do everyday.

I think a fix could be to have the ziplock bag as a 3-folded sheet rather than 2. 1 of the sheets would stay flat while you could flap out the 2 compartments with "stuff" inside... but then it'd make the whole thing wider so maybe if the outer or middle flap had a FLAT and sturdy backing inside, you could flip it all around your notebook without having to take it out 🤔 just a thought

To be fair the travelers notebook was never advertised to hold pens like this and I don’t understand why anyone would try to write on top of the pens. Seems like just finding a flat pen case would work fine. And if you want to remove the inserts more easily there are solutions. If you’re looking for just a great sketchbook it’s not great but for notes, sketching, planning, painting, all in one? Yeah you can do that and that’s why I like it. I don’t really see it as just instagrammable since it’s somewhat simplistic and serves a very clear function. Just my two cents though, of course there’s no shame in not liking a tool or system

I was trying to find this channel and tried to remember the name.. So what I typed was "Moba Boba"

Well, I find the TN to be perfect for 2 reasons: 1. I just need a black pen and a ruler to journal/fill my commonplace book. Don't understand all that washi tape/stickers/fountain pens mania, to me it's nonsense. So inside the plastic pouch I just keep flat ephemera and the ruler. I have the Midori's pen clip for my single black pen. 2. It's so customizable (unlike planners) without being overwhelming like a bullet journal. You just buy the inserts you'll use and don't have to worry about anything else.

One-pen user here: I use a hi-tec-c .25mm... and that pen loop clip thingy would SUCK because that loop thing would be wayy too big. :)

You do a lot of mech stuff and it looks fantastic! I’d love to get in touch with you. I’m looking to hire an artist for comic book series that would be right down your alley. I’d love to get in touch

Hello!
I’m looking for livestreams of artists drawing in real time doing construction and blocking out in primitive forms what they’re drawing.
Like everyday objects and vehicles

I wonder if you know someone who has sources of real time livestreams of this? Or if you have streams like that, blocking out in primitive forms?
Thanks!

I feel you. One thing I really like about the traveler's journal setup is how simple it is, to the point that before I bought one I decided to make one myself out of cheaper materials and now I just prefer to use my own instead of the original because I can customize it to my own needs and solve problems like the one you're having with the zip punch insert, like, maybe you can make one that flips over to get out of the way when you're drawing, I dunno, I feel like trying this now hahaha. Anyway, I kinda have a "anti consumerism" and "maker" mindset, plus I have ADHD so I really like tinkering with stuff that interests me, and for that, to stay out of the brands and try to make my own things feels way better than have the original. I love my own travelers notebook and try to make your own is really fun and easy.

I sketch a ton and I LOVE Sketchbooks but I must say this does seem like a lil bit of a product that delivers more than asked for and creates odd hurdles along that way. I use a DINA5 ArtCreation 140 grams sketchbook for traveling. 8$ a piece, paper is amazing, lays flat, comes in a multitude of colors and has not disappointed me ever yet.

Okay long time travelers notebook user for drawing, I had some of the same issues as you and I wanted to share how I modified my kit to resolve those complaints. 1. I got a great 4+1 multipen from Uni Jetstream that has 4 ink colors and a mechanical pencil in it. It's wide enough that I can tuck it in the middle of an insert, close the notebook and put on the elastic band, and it will just stay tucked in to the notebook while stored. The pencil case insert gave me the same annoyance of the uneven writing surface, and just carrying one great tool OR accepting the seperate pencil case burden made this easier. 2. I carry a Clampy Penco brass clip as well as a shitajiki writing board (I use a traveler's branded one, but any a5 slim size piece of firm material works). By leaving the shitajiki in the back of the last insert and clipping the top of the notebook flat, I get a great firm surface across both sides of the notebook. These store well with the notebook, and keeping the clip on the long side of the notebook while in transit can keep my pen or even multiple tools held inside the notebook.

Both of these tips made the cons of the notebook manageable and the pros really shine through. I usually have a weekly memo insert for planning tasks and meetings, a personal sketchbook, and a sketchbook for client work. I had been carrying seperate sketchbooks and notebooks for each of these tasks previously, and the anxiety of "messing up" pages in large hardbound sketchbooks had kept me from sketching personally for years. The travelers notebook format of multiple inserts has helped me build a really robust sketchbook habit, and improve from maybe 60 pages of sketching a year to filling several inserts a month. I've also started making my own inserts! Thanks for making this video, I feel the bulk of people sharing Traveler's notebook content are using it for journaling and writing, so seeing other artists use it for drawing is awesome.

Great video! Love the elements of design book. Rowena Reed Kostellow is my great grandmother lol.

The travelers notebook is not for me, I was wondering why I was having so much struggle with it. It’s too small, but at the same time it’s far from minimalist. If I’m aiming for a smaller canvas, I want it to be minimal and do 1 thing very well. The travelers notebook is a Jack of all trades, which isn’t really what I want at the price point of the TN. I also find myself running out of pages way to quickly - which makes it impossible to travel extensively with. I personally would just rather carry around a notebook and sketchbook if I wanted different “inserts” or papers, but that’s just me.

the pen holder is for me and my Pentel Multi 8

FYI, you're supposed to remove that white cardboard that is inside the notebook cover. That will make it a lot easier to take the notebook in and out. :)

You are a very talented artist. Great video

Thank you for this review! How does the sketch paper perform with paint? (I think I saw you using gouache?) I really disliked the watercolor paper because it resists water, so I am wondering if the sketch paper is actually better for watercolor/gouache.

Hey Moma, really appreciate your channel. Your vids are always on while I'm drawing/painting. Nothing but the best man👌🏼👌🏼

You had a transphobic hate speech ad from the epoch times on your video. I've reported that ad before & they didn't do anything about it, so you may want to say something about it yourself.

I really love the Traveler’s notebook - personally I don’t care about keeping my pens or anything inside it, I just use it and keep a low profile pen case in my bag. I have one folder add on for small paper scraps or stickers or whatever. My partner has one that he uses primarily as a planner/journal and he does just use one pen with it that’s always attached. I think it does have a lot of aesthetic appeal, which is important to me as it lends a certain joy to whatever I’m doing. Interesting video!

I have been using Travelers Notebook as my work planner and random art whatever journal for 10 years and it has changed my life. I dont like using the zipper pouch or any clear folder, or the leather pen loop clip thingy (pretty stupid design cuz it can't fit most of my pen) but I use a utility pouch as a pencil case to store my everything, I tried using the MIDORI 365 as well but it became a waste, unlike the TN where we can customize the inserts, remove and reusing the leather cover. The price for a TN 10 yrs ago was so much lower but now it has doubled up which is crazy!! BUT still, I think I am still using this brand for a long time haha. TQ for sharing this video!

A few years ago I was really fixed on the traveler’s notebook trend but was afraid to spend 60€ (more or less 60$ USD) just for the cover, so I tried to make a cheaper version with a scrap of leather sold for a few bucks. It wasn’t perfect but give me a more in depth vision of the TN system. I agree that the plastic pockets insert is essential at least to hold on random ephemera and printed photos for future usage (if you aren’t looking for something fancy there are a lot of YT tutorials on how to make one). Never tried the pen holder but it looks kinda useless to me. Generally speaking for me it’s not a bad system but for it to function correctly you can’t bulk up the inside of the cover and so you need an extra pouch for pens and markers. Still, it’s nice to have it for a specific project (in my case it houses my anime journal) because it adds a little thrill every time I use it. Said that, my ugly duckling imitation will stay with me until it falls apart: 60€ is still too much.

Take 2 of their craft paper sheets and paste them with one side over lapping. The far edge can then be pasted to the sketch insert. Fold the insert and now you can pull out the sketch insert without removing it

I like the TN idea, but I don't like their size for drawing. A5 is wider and better, but they don't have it😅😅

Never heard of this complaint before😅😅😅

I love the breakdown of the midori vs traveler's notebook. I'm playing with the idea of getting the 3 pack A5 midori to cut it down into TN standard size cause those are half the price.

For my pens I usually use a small pencil pouch that holds 2-3 pens hold by elastics and just loop it over the cover, but I also have to take the pouch out if I want to write, so I get the gripe. Hope they create some accessories for that.

I also use the passport size as a wallet+EDC and has been loving it so far

I can relate, I primarily use my regular sized TN as a planner and a journal, and i WISH i could use it for more than quick sketches, but it doesn't quite work for that.

You've been inspiring me to get back into finding a sketchbook that works for me, though! As a primarily digital artist, i miss the days when i had STACKS of old sketchbooks. Just wish i could keep my entire system as simple as a TN, they're so dang easy to use.

Dude I love your channel! I´m a sucker for notebooks haha, needless to say I love the concept of these! But I think I know a brand that has found a solution to the stationary bulk issue. Antou has a kickstarter project called NOTA. The first versions have been on the market for a while and I´m waiting to recieve mine in the mail. They use magnetic rods to clip single booklets/accessoires onto the leather cover. You can also use your own paper since it comes with a special hole puncher and binding mechanism, so it basically lets you fully customize and build your sketchbook to your individual liking. An awesome concept, just sadly very pricey. Still worth a look though!

I don't have a clear pouch in my travelers notebook...have I been using it wrong all this time? :P No but I really enjoy it because it allows me to have multiple inserts with different purposes. One for art and sewing projects, weekly planner, ink experiments and so on.

I have one, I use it as my weekly planning, todo list and for making some quick notes. Not sure is a best option for sketch book, it seems to be too small. Anyway I love the system of having different blocks that be organized however you like

I use only the inserts. Never bought the case. It was way too expensieve for my taste 😂

Thanks for this perfect vidéo 😁😁👍🌌🌌

Finally, someone who is actually honest about the whole travelers notebook trend, so tired of it seeing hyped up by every single journaling channel out there

Tangela appreciation comment❤

Maybe they could have done something where you can flip the case outwards so it’s still “in” the sleeve, but you have flat surface room to draw.

The reason I like it because of the ease of creating my own refills. Also I change it up depending on my situation. Everyday it is slim and on travels chunky.

The inlay problem I solved with being picky about what gear I choose to put in there. When I start to sketch I can easily take out one pen, while keeping it still flat. The contents are same in height, fill the whole space and I got a plastic sheet in the last page to smooth out the rest and give me a stable surface to press against. (Mostly using pencils.) But I also use it mostly in hand standing, perhaps that is also the factor that makes it easier for me.

What size is the midori sketchbook you have? Great video btw!

I like having a proper hardbound sketchbook to store once im done with it. I wouldnt want all my collection to be made of loose folded paper booklets

I use my TN for planning and journaling and I have only one pen with me at all times. I have a separate pen pouch for other pens, highlighters, washi tapes… that I use mainly at home or if I know I’ll need it on the go. I don’t think the clear pocket is to be used to store pens, as you showed, it clearly doesn’t work 😉
Depending on the use you can’t really swap a TN for a midori notebook as most TN users love being able to swith inserts depending on what they are doing. I have a monthly and a weekly insert and one I use for memory keeping and journaling and this is filled in within a month so I get a new one every month. Plus I make my own insert for habit trackers and the few things I need to track throughout the month.

I knew writing on a the zipper case would really annoy me so I opted for the pen loop and a seperate pen case. I keep a durable pen like the Kakuno in the pen loop if I am traveling