The TRAVELER'S notebook is a leather travel journal that you assemble yourself: a cover that develops character over time, and refills that you can change endlessly. Born in Japan in 2006, it has won over the world with its simplicity and durability. This complete guide brings together everything you need to know to understand, choose, and create your own.
À découvrir
What is a TRAVELER'S notebook?
It is a cowhide leather cover, crossed by an elastic band, into which interchangeable inner notebooks, the refills, are slipped. When a refill is finished, you replace it: the cover stays with you for years and develops character with use. Born in 2006 at the Japanese company Designphil, becoming an independent brand in 2015, it comes in two sizes and five leather colors. For the full story, see the history of TRAVELER'S COMPANY.
Why it is so appealing
Three reasons always come up. First, durability: a single cover can last for years, you only replace the paper. Then freedom: you assemble your notebook exactly how you want, with refills, planners, pouches, accessories. Finally attachment: the leather marks, darkens, personalizes, until it truly becomes your own object. It’s a notebook you keep, not one you throw away.
Choosing your size: Regular or Passport
Two formats exist. The Regular, about 22 cm tall, close to A5 size, is the standard format for writing, drawing, and journaling. The Passport, about 13.5 cm, passport-sized, is the nomadic companion that fits in a pocket. Note, refills are not compatible between the two sizes. We compare everything in detail in Regular or Passport.
Assembling your notebook
The strength of the TRAVELER'S notebook is its modularity. You start with a cover and one refill, then add according to your needs: a second refill using the inner elastic or a connecting band, a planner, pouches, a pen holder. Our guide assembling and personalizing your notebook details the possible configurations.
Refills and papers
Lined, grid, dotted, blank refills, but also special papers for fountain pens, kraft, sketching, or watercolor: the choice is wide, always centered around the Japanese MD paper which is a benchmark for writing. We detail the refills in refills and planners and the papers in which paper to choose.
Planners
Each year, TRAVELER'S COMPANY releases dated planners—monthly, weekly, and vertical—on an annual theme, in Regular and Passport sizes. There are also undated planners you can start whenever you want. All details in refills and planners.
Accessories
Zippered pouches, kraft folders, pen holders, brass clips and rulers, card holders, binders, and repair kits: a whole ecosystem allows you to personalize and extend the life of your notebook. See TRAVELER'S notebook accessories.
Installing a refill
Changing or adding a refill takes just a few seconds, no tools needed. To slip in several notebooks, use a second elastic or a connecting band. The illustrated step-by-step is in how to install a refill.
Editions and card format
The brand regularly releases limited editions, sometimes highly sought after, and for its 20th anniversary an ultra-compact card format. See also special editions.
Caring for your leather
The leather of the TRAVELER'S notebook is not varnished: it lives. No need to over-protect it; use gives it character. Simply avoid excess water and heat sources. Once a year, a neutral leather care product can nourish it, but many users prefer to let it develop its patina naturally.
Where to start?
The simplest is a Starter Kit, which includes the cover, a blank notebook, elastics, and a cotton pouch. We guide you in the Starter Kit: where to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TRAVELER'S notebook refillable?
Yes, that’s its whole principle: the leather cover stays, and you replace the inner notebooks as you wish.
Which size should I choose?
Regular for writing and drawing, Passport for a nomadic notebook. See our dedicated comparison.
Where is it made?
The leather is handmade in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the refills are made with MD paper in Japan.
Does the leather need care?
Little: let it live and develop its patina. A neutral leather care once a year is enough if you want.
Discover the entire TRAVELER'S notebook collection and the TRAVELER'S COMPANY universe.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.