On pencil pouches: Nomadic PE-07 and PE-10

[bphollin]

So it's no secret around camp bphollin that I'm a pen/pencil case junkie. I can't get enough of them. A dear friend gave me an awesome pencil pouch she bought while doing field research in Brasil and it has been a valuable tool as I do my graduate studies. Unfortunately, it's been showing some wear so I had to replace it before it broke. Sadface. I got by with a homebrew case, but it lacked the finishing touches that I was seeking in an ultimate teaching/research machine.

 

Enter JetPens.com and their importing of Nomadic Inc pencil pouches. Yum! I'd been eyeing them for a while. Finding myself with some spare funds in my PayPal account, I put in for an order of the following two pen pouches (and some other yummy FP products). By the way, I don't have any stake in JetPens (just as a satisfied customer). Both of the pouches are made of sturdy tent-like nylon. They feel very durable and are easy to clean. When I have either with me, I go confidently into marathon research days in the library or teaching sessions (all hail the mighty dry erase markers). The best part is they are each $11. Sweet!

 

The first case is the Nomadic PE-07 pencil pouch case. According to JetPens:

The Nomadic Pouch Design case features a mesh outer pocket for easy access to frequently used instruments, and a well-organized large main pouch featuring side pockets and an inner zipper pouch. It has a fairly large carrying capacity, and can fit probably 30+ pens plus accessories. It is made of sturdy nylon and measures 4.25 (width) x 8 (height) x 1.75 (thickness) inches.

As you cans see from my photos below, it packs quite a few pens into a small place. I opted for the light grey model.

 

Closed:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3725671142_c99cc279d8_b.jpg

 

Loaded:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3725671232_eba856407d_b.jpg

The interior pouch has really useful side pockets. In this image, the top pocket runs the entire length of the pouch. The zip pouch in the center holds my fountain pens. The open body has room enough for a small ink bottle and a few markers. The two small pockets on the "bottom" are big enough to hold credit cards and post-it notes. Very handy.

 

Expanded view of everything:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3725670756_90ee15363e_b.jpg

That would be clockwise from top left: 3x5" index cards with paperclips and alligator clips; the case itself; Lamy Al-Star, Pentel mechanical pencil, Pilot G2 Pro, VP, Lamy 2000; Post-It notes and Post-It flags; 1 oz Nalgene bottle (loaded with ink when I'm travelling); highlighters and markers; 6in ruler; change, USB drive, VP carts, building pass, and train pass.

 

This thing is like a battle tank. I don't carry it with me everyday, but I ALWAYS take it with me traveling. It is a desk away from a desk. I'm thinking of buying another one to use as a personal first aid kit.

 

The second pencil case is the Nomadic PE-10 Tri-Fold Pencil Case. I opted for the dark grey model, but red would have been good, too. According to JetPens:

It is made of durable nylon and is equipped with pockets, pen and pencil holders and a velcro clasp. The style allows quick and easy access to tools, and is great for the working artist or student. Measures 4.25 (width) x 8.25 (height) x .75 (thickness) inches when closed and spreads out 11 (width) x 8.25 (height) when opened.

Closed, it is a compact pouch that fits perfectly in a side pouch in my main laptop bag (a Chrome messenger bag). The one gripe I have is that the closure flap sticks up a bit. It is also velcro closure, which can be loud in classes and meetings.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3725670984_a7ffe24d39_b.jpg

 

Open view. Plenty of room for pens and markers. The left panel has two rows of pens, plus a long open pouch. This is where I keep my USB drive. The middle panel has the same number of pen slots. The little pouch at the top has enough room for some pocket change and VP carts. The entire length under this panel is open. This is where I keep the post-it notes. When I close it up, I put the index cards loose in the middle so that the pen clips don't scratch each other. If I were to update the design of this pouch, I'd add a little flap of cloth to cover the pens so they don't touch each other.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3724862523_42bb196546_b.jpg

 

Expanded view of everything:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/3724862327_76e4c9f3b6_b.jpg

That would be, clockwise from top left: USB drive, VP carts, pens, change, passes, index cards, post-its, and the case itself.

Edited July 16, 2009 by bphollin

[NateB]

oops! hit post instead of preview. Posting In progress! Come back soon...

 

I really like the Nomadic PE-10 in khaki. I think I'll be ordering one soon...

 

 

You may want to check out the Maxpedition Pocket Organizer. It has plenty of room for pens/pencils plus a notebook, index cards, etc. without being too bulky. It runs ~$20.

 

is a review on YouTube.

Here is a comparison of other pocket orgnizers...

 

[bphollin]

Good call on the Maxpedition, Nate! I've been wanting one for a while. JetPens had some other stuff I needed, so the Nomadics jumped to the head of the line. Thanks for the links, I hadn't seen that comparison before.