Field Journal vs Pocket Journal
Size matters, right? When you’re getting a journal cover or case, it’s one of the main things people consider especially if they have an existing system or want to change it but still keep things familiar. But there are more things to look at when it comes to choosing between the Field Journal and Pocket Journal. Here are some other factors you may want to think about—or already on your mind. To save you time and effort, we’ve compiled a list of what people have asked us before making a choice between the two!
1. Size
Of course this is still part of the list! The dimensions are a great starting point especially if you’re looking to fit very specific items inside your chosen journal cover.
Field Journal: 6.75” x 9.75” x 1” or 17cm x 25cm 2.5cm
Pocket Journal (exterior dimensions): 4.2” x 6.6” x 0.75” or 10.7cm x 16.8cm x 1.9cm
2. What can fit?
In general, the Field Journal can fit all A5 notebooks in its back flap unless it's really thick—2" and above. If you’re already using a journal that’s around this size or smaller, then you’re all set. If you want to use our refills, you can fit up to six of them at one time!
The Quattro can also fit on the back pocket of your Field Journal.
As for the Pocket Journal, we sew it to tight tolerances to reduce bulk so we recommend pocket notebooks with the following dimensions or smaller: 3.5" x 5.5" (89mm x 140mm) and can hold two of our refills at one time.
It also fits a passport and people use it as their wallet! We’ve even seen people fit their checkbooks in there! It also conveniently fits the back pocket of your jeans so you can carry it hands-free on the go.
3. Distinct features
The Field Journal has an aluminum hook closure, several pockets for smaller items, a pen loop, two grosgrain ribbons, front and back flaps, as well as four elastic cords to hold our refills and whatever notebook you’re already using. It can also hold an iPad Mini or a Kindle in the flaps.
The Pocket Journal has a zipper closure, front and back pockets, a back flap, and smaller pockets on the left-hand side for a small pen (like the Kaweco Lilliput or Pokka Pen) and business cards. The outer pockets in front can also accommodate pens.
Note that we use ripstop nylon, thick elastic loops, and YKK zippers (where applicable) on all our products.
4. Refill choices
Looking to add LOCHBY refills to your journal cover? We use 68 gsm fountain pen friendly, acid free Tomoe River paper!
Field Journal Refills come in Dot Grid, Ruled, Wide Ruled, Plain, and Planner versions! You can fit six of these in your Field Journal at one time: four using the elastic cords and one each on the front and back flaps.
About the Planner Refill: it only has the days of the week filled out which means you can start using it anytime of the year and not waste any paper! Feel free to add the dates and months yourself—one Planner Refill has 6 monthly spreads and 26 weekly spreads.
Pocket Journal refills come in Dot Grid, Ruled, and Plain versions. You can fit two inside at one time. These can also fit on the inside pockets found on the left-hand side of the Field Journal.
At this time, the Planner Refill is not yet available for the Pocket Journal but like we always say around here, never say never! It's definitely something worth considering for the future.
What other factors are worth considering?
These are just four things that most of our customers have asked us before making the choice between the Field Journal and Pocket Journal. But what about you? What other things would you consider if you’re still deciding which one to go for?
Share it with us in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
