Working at a large corporate organization can be a masterclass in how different people manage large volumes of information. If there’s one constant I’ve noticed, it’s that even today, the majority of people use a hybrid analog-digital system to keep a calendar and take notes. For me, this acts as a failsafe - important dates and notes (especially dates and deadlines) are double-recorded in analog and digital formats. My own “system” is a bit of a mess in that it involves several different notebooks in regular rotation, all with different notetaking and writing styles depending on use. (As you all know, in addition to my full-time job, I have a lot of serious hobbies and other outside interests that I track in different notebooks.) That said, my methodology makes sense to me, and it’s provided the opportunity to evaluate a number of different notebooks and notebook systems over the years. I thought it might be interesting to offer my general thoughts on four that I’ve been using fairly regularly recently, including what I like about them, what I would improve, and who I think this notebook system would be good for.

Traveler’s Notebook

The Traveler’s Notebook is the system I’ve used the longest and most consistently, going on six years now. My Blue Standard Size serves as my daily work planner, notebook, scratch-pad, and travel wallet, and I typically keep it kitted out with 2-3 separate refills, a few folders and a zippered pouch. It’s honestly the one stationery item I can’t see myself giving up. Part of this is sentimental, since there are more versatile and less proprietary options out there, but the way in which the Traveler’s Notebook’s size and functionality dovetails with my own portability needs and notetaking style makes it difficult to replace.

Who It’s For: Those who value portability and move around a lot. (Hence the name). I enjoy the Traveler’s Notebook for work because it’s easy to slip into any bag or suitcase, and it’s also compact enough to easily carry around from meeting to meeting so that I have my notes and calendar with me at all time. It provides just enough room for me to do the kind of writing I need without taking up the space of a full-size A5 notebook.
Advantages: Traveler’s Company makes a wide array of refills and accessories that allow you to customize your notebook, in addition to third-party options. The long+narrow paper format is excellent for those who take notes in a bullet-style or list format. (I am one of those people.) The leather covers are extremely durable, and if the elastic cords stretch or break they are inexpensive and easy to replace.
Disadvantages: Some might find the long+narrow paper format too restricting for journaling or long-form writing, in which case they might consider a Roterfaden or a Lochby. Also, most Traveler’s and Traveler’s-compatible refills don’t have a high page count (unless you opt for lightweight Tomoe River refills), but you can cut down larger A5 notebooks and make your own.
Where to Get One: Traveler’s Notebooks and refills are readily available at stationery retailers around the world, including the T.G.S. Curated Shop. (And we appreciate your support!)

Roterfaden Taschenbegleiter

The German notebook system with the long name is probably the most versatile of the bunch, in that it uses metal binder clips that allow you to fasten a wide variety of refills (and full notebooks) into various standard-size covers. I don’t use my Taschenbegleiters on a daily basis, but I have two: one Traveler’s-sized one that holds some irregularly used refills containing parts of my personal journal, and another A5 cover that holds some project-specific notebooks.

Who It’s For: Those who manage a large number of separate notebooks and value the ability to easily swap them in and out of a cover regularly, as well as those who want to avoid systems that require proprietary refills.
Advantages: Versatility, versatility, versatility. As long as you have the correct size Taschenbegleiter, you can probably figure out a way to make your favorite notebook work. Metal notebook clips are very durable and will not stretch or need replacement over time like elastic cord-based systems.
Disadvantages: The cover can get quite bulky if you try to include more than 2-3 thicker refills, making it hard to lay the notebook flat for writing. The edges of the binder clips can fray and even tear the pages of your notebook if you prefer thinner paper like Tomoe River. The elastic band that closes the notebook tends to stretch over time. While Roterfaden covers are generally well-made and durable, they are also expensive.
Where to Get One: While Taschenbegleiters are becoming more popular worldwide, and some U.S.-based retailers such as Baumkuchen stock them, if you want a specific size or color you may need to order directly from Roterfaden in Germany.

Lochby Field Journal

My Lochby Field Journal is new to the rotation, and I’ve used it to hold my personal “Theme System” journal as well as a Nanami Seven Seas Writer that I’ve been meaning to use for some long-neglected creative writing projects. Two key selling points of the Lochby are the aircraft-grade aluminum clip closure, durable waxed-canvas construction, and integration with other items from the Lochby lineup such as the Pocket Journal and “Quattro” four-pen case. These smaller Lochby cases can actually fit in the back pocket of the Field Journal, though it may be a tight squeeze if you keep the notebook overstuffed.

Who It’s For: Those who want the versatility of a Roterfaden with a more secure closure that won’t stretch, and heavier-duty construction. Those who prefer waxed canvas to leather, which Lochby expressly states is Vegan-friendly.
Advantages: Feels indestructible. Cord-and-pocket binder system allows you to include up to six softcover-slim notebook refills, which Lochby sells in 68gsm Tomoe River paper, allowing for easy management of multiple projects in one notebook. Notebooks lie flat relatively easily, even when the cover is at capacity. For the quality of construction, the Lochby Field Journal represents an excellent value proposition at around $60.
Disadvantages: The aesthetic may be a bit too “industrial” or “tactical” for some. Clip closure takes some getting used to. I could personally live without the “handle” or strap on the spine.
Where to Get One: Lochby is a relatively new brand, with a small retail footprint. I am proud to be a Lochby stockist and sell this product directly.

Plotter

I adore my “narrow” Plotter notebook but am still struggling to find a regular use for it. This classic six-ring Japanese notebook system from DesignPhil, the makers of Midori and Traveler’s Notebook, features high-quality construction, excellent in-house paper options, and a clean aesthetic. My own difficulties with it stem from the fact that I just haven’t discovered where this particular notebook fits into my workflow, particularly since the “narrow” size limits the use (for me at least) to quick notes and short to-do lists. Currently, I’m using my Plotter cover as a portable binder to organize brainstorming notes on various in-progress posts and projects for T.G.S. Look for more Plotter-related content in the future, as I’m slotted to purchase a larger A5 size soon, which might break into the regular rotation.

Who It’s For: Those who prefer a ringed binder system that allows you to easily organize and reorganize your notes and other content on a page-by-page basis, as well as those looking for a ringed notebook system that has excellent paper readily available in Plotter-compatible
Advantages: Highly integrated system with notepads, notebooks, folders, and binders all designed to work with one another. For example, you can write on a fountain-pen friendly Plotter notepad (which is bound like a notebook), and then decide later whether to tear off a sheet and add it to your binder, where you can organize loose notes by topic. I like that the Plotter notepads can be kept intact and used independently of the binder system, though I have yet to test their durability for daily carry.
Disadvantages: The highly integrated nature of the system could be seen as a disadvantage to many. Plotter is relatively new, and the cost of entry is high. The rings on Plotter binders/notebook covers are fairly small, limiting capacity. Those who carry a thicker notebook because they use a lot of paper or take a lot of notes will probably want to explore something that holds more paper.
Where to Get One: Currently, Plotter is sold directly via the Plotter USA website.

This post is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of any single “notebook system”, but rather a quick reference guide to help you discover which, if any, might be right for you. Everyone’s needs and preferences are different. Is there a notebook system that you use and love that you think I should know about? Please drop me a line or leave a comment!

This post does not contain paid advertisements or third-party affiliate links, though the T.G.S. Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of both Traveler’s Notebook and Lochby products. All opinions expressed herein are my own.