I've recently taken to having a small notebook everywhere i go stashed in my back pocket. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations in the notebook arena for this size. It needs to be smaller than 5.5x3.5, take fountain pen ink well, and be quite sturdy.

Currently I'm going with Moleskine cahier, but I'm excited to hear of better options.

Cheers,
Jake

Apica CD-5.

Rhodia makes a pocked graph notebook approx. 4.7x3.0. Perfect for every pocket.

I have both the Apica and Rhodia pads, but I prefer the Rhodia. The paper in both is outstanding. I prefer the Rhodia because the spine is at the top rather than the side and thus conforms better when carried in my hip pocket.

Actually, on this size Rhodia the spine is on the side. But I agree, great paper.

Hi Jake,

May I suggest the Pupitre by Clairefontaine? I carry the spiral top-bound memo pad in my shirt pocket. It has great looks, great dimensions, totally excellent paper for fountain pens. It may not hold up so well if carried in a hip pocket, though. Nevertheless, check out www.clairefontaine.com.


Cheers! -- Tim

Thanks for all the tips... I just spent way more than is necessary on a paper order to try out the Apica's and the Rhodia's. Will let you know how it turns out...

Well duh, my bad
The Rhodia that I carry is the 2.9 x 4.1 inch pad and it's in my pocket every day.

Cheers,

If you are up to a little do-it-yourself you can make matchless memo books. All it takes is a stapler that can handle about 25-35 sheets of paper, some card stock and a few other basic tools. You can use your own paper or preference.

Ciak notebooks.

The best notebook I ever bought is a simple 10x18 cm notebook I bought in Beijing (China) this summer. A lot of pages, very thin paper, very very scarce bleedthrough, no feathering, extremely FP-fiendly. Outshines easily other famous notebooks, and the size is very practical to carry around. Binded in a strong plastic, leather lookalike (sigh-that's the weak point), costs 7 RMB without bartering (0.70 Eur... it's a shame i have not bought 20 of them). Not perfect for B nibs (the small size of the pages is not suited for space-hungry lines) but with F you can take notes for months on such a thing. I'll pay 10 times the amount to find it in Europe. And much more to find a matching cover in good leather.

Have you seen the new mini moleskine volants? They come in packs of two little books in two tones of pink, blue, green or in black. They are around 10.5cm inches by 6.5 cm. 54 pages per notebook and each page is perforated to tear out as well. They come either ruled or plain. I think they are great, and they fit in purses, wallets, and pockets.

I like these:
http://fieldnotesbrand.com/

James from Pear Tree Pens just announced that he is selling these as well.

I use a Hipster PDA - a 3x5 card system (http://www.43folders.com/topics/hipster-pda) using nice cards from Levenger. I never run out of pages and recycle all the ones I've used up. Works for me.

Miquelrius has their Pocket Flexible Notebook which are slightly less than 3x5 (7x12cm for those using SI units). Paper is good quality.

Photo beside standard 3x5 index card.
Click to view attachment

I carry this pocket briefcase from Levenger daily.

It's wonderful. Very durable, and it seems like it will age and get even more appeal...like an old quality wallet.

However, I'm not a fan of Levenger paper, so I cut up some Rhodia and put that in it.

I use this one http://cgi.ebay.com/BROWN-TREEBARK-LEATHER...oQQcmdZViewItem

and i love it!

I am another who uses the Miquelruis flexible pocket notebook. It's lasted in my back pocket longer than any other brand, and is just the right size. for me, anyway. I find it takes ink well.
Cheers,
Julie