REVIEW – I love gadgets and electronics, but I still enjoy using paper notebooks and notebook covers when it comes to journaling. Today I want to tell you about the LOCHBY Field Journal. Get out your favorite pen and let’s check it out.
What is it?
The LOCHBY Field Journal is a wax-canvas notebook cover for A5-sized notebook inserts.
What’s included?
- LOCHBY Field Journal
- Includes one journal insert
Design and features
The LOCHBY Field Journal is available in three colors. There is brown shown here as well as black and navy. The size of the cover is A5 size. If you’re not familiar with A5-sized notebooks, they are 5.8 x 8.3 inches. LOCHBY also makes a pocket-sized notebook cover that is available in the same three colors and is 3.5 x 5.5 inches.
LOCHBY journal covers are made of waxed canvas that provides some water and weather resistance as well as a lot of character.
The front cover of the Field Journal has a small sewn-in tab at the top with the LOCHBY logo in gold. The cover is held closed with a metal buckle attached to a webbed strap.
The back cover has a flat pocket for storing extra papers, tickets, stickers, etc.
The spine of the LOCHBY Field Journal has a webbed strap that you can use as a handle. This is a cool feature that I’ve never seen on a notebook cover.
Here’s a closeup of the closure buckle. It’s a thick metal “hook” that slides into a slot in the sewn-in webbed strap. The strap can be pulled tight to make sure everything is secured. You will also see a pen loop sewn into the edge of the back cover. The loop is made of elastic, so you can fit pretty much any pen.
You will also notice that the edges of the LOCHBY Field Journal are nicely finished with double sewn binding.
The interior of the cover has a bright and cheerful gold lining with a honeycomb pattern. On the left side cover is a nicely designed panel of pockets that can hold papers, receipts, stickers, business cards, tabs, etc. Behind the panel of pockets is another pocket.
The right cover has a large pocket. You can see from the image above that the pocket is large enough to hold one of LOCHBY’s A5 inserts. One dot grid insert is included with the cover, so you’ll be ready to start journalling as soon as you receive it.
The LOCHBY Field Journal is designed like a Traveler’s Notebook in that it has elastic bands that hold the inserts in place. There are four elastic bands which means that this cover can hold four inserts.
There are also two ribbon bookmarks, so you can mark your place in two notebooks if you like. The ability to mix and match different types of inserts (dot grid, ruled, blank, etc.) within the same cover allows for all types of use cases.
In my opinion, the A5-sized notebook is the perfect size for someone who loves to journal, sketch, take notes, etc. because it’s not too small and not too big. The compact A5 size and rugged waxed canvas construction make the LOCHBY Field Journal an ideal companion for outdoor adventures, travel, or everyday carry.
LOCHBY notebooks
A dot grid insert is included with the LOCHBY Field Journal, but if dot grid isn’t your favorite notebook format, you can order additional notebooks from LOCHBY in either blank, ruled, wide ruled, and there’s also a planner notebool.
Each notebook has a plain kraft type cover that lends itself well to customization with art, stickers, labels, etc.
The inserts are stitched, which is a nice touch when most inserts that we see from other brands are just stapled.
Inside the front cover of the notebooks is a large box where you can write your name, label the notebook, etc.
All the LOCHBY notebooks feature 72 pages and 68 gsm Tomoe River paper, a very popular notebook paper for stationary nerds. It’s made in Japan and is loved for its thinness and strength. You can write with almost any type of pen (gel, fountain, etc.) and even most markers without worrying that the ink will bleed through or feather on the page.
What I like about the LOCHBY Field Journal
- Rugged and well-made
- Size is perfect for multiple inserts, but you can use just one insert if you like
- Includes one notebook to get you started
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing
Final thoughts
The LOCHBY Field Journal is a well-made notebook cover that perfectly balances ruggedness and style. Its waxed canvas construction adds character and provides weather resistance, making it an ideal companion for your next outdoor adventure or for everyday use.
With the ability to hold multiple inserts and customize the interior layout, the LOCHBY Field Journal offers flexibility that caters to various note-taking preferences. The included dot grid insert and the availability of additional notebook formats further enhance its versatility.
While the price point may be a little higher than some mass-produced notebook covers, the LOCHBY Field Journal justifies its cost with its exceptional build quality, attention to detail, and potential for long-term use. For anyone looking for a rugged and stylish notebook solution that can withstand travel or daily use, the LOCHBY Field Journal is an excellent choice.
Overall, this notebook cover is a well-rounded product that combines functionality, durability, and a touch of personalization, making it a worthy investment for avid journalers, writers, or anyone who appreciates the tactile experience of pen and paper.
Price: $59.00 (cover), $41.99 (notebook variety pack with 5 notebooks – dot grid, blank, ruled, wide ruled, planner)
Where to buy: LOCHBY (Save 10% with code: gadgeteer) and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by LOCHBY. LOCHBY did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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I’ve had the Field Journal cover for a few years and am impressed by how great it still looks after long use. I do not use the notebook inserts, but it fits my focus book, a Ryder Carrol Bullet Journal, perfectly.
All Lochby’s products are beautifully constructed and rugged.