My order of Field Notes has arrived.


The ordering process online was excellent and the order took about 6 days to arrive here Downunder - very good service. I had an email offering me a bonus pack and the coupon code worked fine.

First impressions were that the notebook was smaller than I imagined. I know the size is published but sometimes you don't quite get the perspective. They are shrink wrapped in threes.

The book is very well made - nice even edges, rounded corners, saddle stiched with 3 staples. The paper is superb. Handles every pen I have tried with no bleed including my modern duofolds that write rather wet. The paper is quick drying. I haven't found any show through at all. Very impressed with the paper quality. One thing, I noticed mentioned in another thread that the lines do not hold ink - that is they show through the writing. That's true - quite unusual but only noticable on very close inspection.

The cover is where I am uncertain. Seems a little light and soft. First few days it is wearing well but I am not sure how it will stand up to robust use. I am not a rough user so not a problem for me.

Overall I am very impressed and can see this becoming a well used line of notebooks for me. I hope they do increase the range into larger sizes. Field Notes has met all my expectations quality wise - indeed they have surpassed that.

One comment - I ordered 4 packs (12 notebooks and expected to receive 4 packs, 4 pens and 4 pencils. The site suggests that you receive the writing tools with each pack. I received 4 packs of notebooks and one pencil and one pen (not the iconic Bic Clic anymore but a poorer subsititute). I also received a sticker (waste of money) and a very handy calendar. Didn't buy them for the pens and pencils but they were expected as part of the deal.

If you have been holding back go ahead and order them. They are fantastic notebooks that will please even the harshest critic.

One more thing.

The packaging for overseas mail was just adequate. A heavy duty post bag is not good enough for a robust trip half way around the world. Needed to be padded more or use a little bubble wrap inside. My packs were a little crushed (not badly) but could have been a lot worse. This is a very important part of the sales process and needs a little improvement.

I keep 'em in my back pocket and the book holds itself together well, cover too. I fill one up in about a month and have yet to break one before the pages are full. Paper is the best with fp:s. Its a nice conversation piece too, with the suggested uses and all. My current favorite. Still have eight to go!