Field Journal Notebook in Red Blend (reddish purple) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Olive (dark green) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Burnt Orange 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Grey 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Orange-152 (bright orange) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Azure (blue-green) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in French Blue (light blue) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Cocoa (chocolate brown) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Navy (dark blue) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Linen (off-white) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Plum (purple) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Coyote (tan) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Black 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Mayura (blue-green) 1000 Cordura Field Journal Notebook in Boreal (light green) 1000 Texturized Nylon Field Journal Notebook in Beaver Camo (tan, green, brown, and black in a camoflauge pattern) 1000 Texturized Nylon
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Field Journal Notebook

$98.00


Color: Red Blend 1000 Cordura/Black 420 Parapack

A modern design for pen and paper. Note; Dream; Sketch; Create.

We've retired the Field Journal Notebook so we can focus our efforts on other projects. You can sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page to receive updates on what we're working on next!

TLDR

Plan, sketch, doodle, dream.

The Field Journal Notebook is a modern accessory for using a very old technology — pen and paper. Designed originally for biologists and geologists working in the wilderness, the Field Journal Notebook is a useful tool for artists, writers, and anyone who, for reasons aesthetic or practical, wants an alternative to electronic devices.

Description/Features:

  • Front zippered pocket with 1 o-ring, approximately 8.5" x 5" / 215mm x 127mm
  • Main zippered pocket with 1 o-ring, approximately 8.5" x 10" / 215mm x 255mm
  • Open-topped back pocket
  • 5 pen slots, 1 accessory slot in main compartment organizer
  • 8" Black Key Strap, shoulder strap, reversible Half-Letter 3-ring binder and one plastic divider included
  • Paper and imagination not included.

Full Description

More about the Field Journal Notebook:

Handy and Carriable

Essentially, the Field Journal Notebook is a compact, portable, weatherproof, zippered notebook for note-taking, journaling, or sketching.

Two nylon webbing handles allow you to carry the Field Journal Notebook as you would a very small briefcase, while an adjustable/removable 1" nylon webbing shoulder strap is situated in such a way as to allow you to open the Field Journal Notebook flat to take notes or sketch and still have it sit on your shoulder. When removed, the shoulder strap leaves behind only two small, unobtrusive webbing loops — no bulky D-rings.

Handles and Shoulder Strap Attached

Sturdy, Thoughtful Construction

The Field Journal Notebook is made from 1000d Cordura (or 1000d texturized nylon). This canvas-like fabric is sturdy and reliable, coated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellancy) finish and along with the DWR-coated zipper will keep the elements out and your stuff in.

The Field Journal Notebook comes with a removeable, reversible Half-Letter 3-ring binder. The Austrian-made 3-ring mechanism is riveted to a rigid, die-cut high density polyethylene (HDPE) back plate. A further stiffening plate is located on the front of the Field Journal Notebook — you can remove it if you want to save weight, but your papers won't be quite so protected.

You can remove all the hard plastic plates from the Field Journal Notebook for washing when the time comes.

Field Journal Notebook mostly empty

Write In Me

The Field Journal Notebook is designed to accept three-punch 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" paper (that's exactly half of an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet). This paper is a standard size — you can find it at a stationer's, or purchase it online; you can also have a print shop cut and punch (drill) it for you. The 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" paper size is "Desk" from At-A-Glance and Day-Timer, so you can use all the organization tools from those systems with the TOM BIHN Field Journal Notebook. Please do note that the Field Journal Notebook does not include paper.

The 3-ring binder plate is held in tension inside the Field Journal Notebook and can be removed and rotated 180 degrees so that, should you be so inclined, you can move the ring mechanism to the opposite edge of the writing surface; this is potentially useful for left-handed users or those writing in, for example, Arabic, Hebrew, or Chinese. The hard surface of this back plate is exposed so you can write directly on it, and because there is no fabric covering it you can happily use the very last sheet of paper. 

Additionally, a die-cut HDPE Plastic Leaf is included with the Field Journal Notebook and comes clipped into the three-ring mechanism: it provides a hard surface so you can write on the back sides of the paper too.

Field Journal Notebook with the binder rotated

An Organized Mind (or, at least, Notebook)

Inside the main zippered compartment, a bank of organizer pockets holds pens and pencils. One larger pouch holds a small calculator, or a miniature watercolor set. Three of the pen/pencil pockets are generous enough for highlighters; the two smaller ones will fit Sharpies, fountain pens, and writes-in-four-colors pens (Tom's personal favorites). Another O-ring is attached above the organizer pockets for a Key Strap or Organizer Pouches (Mini and Small sizes fit, but not the others).

In addition, the front zippered pocket houses an o-ring with an included 8" Key Strap attached and has enough volume to hold a wallet, keys, a cell phone, or a not-so-thick book (example of its volume: it can hold a deck of cards).

The flat back pocket can hold a few sheets of paper or a map.

The organizer filled in the Field Journal Notebook

Essentially, the Field Journal Notebook is a compact, portable, weatherproof, zippered notebook for note-taking, journaling, or sketching.

Two nylon webbing handles allow you to carry the Field Journal Notebook as you would a very small briefcase, while an adjustable/removable 1" nylon webbing shoulder strap is situated in such a way as to allow you to open the Field Journal Notebook flat to take notes or sketch and still have it sit on your shoulder. When removed, the shoulder strap leaves behind only two small, unobtrusive webbing loops — no bulky D-rings.

Handles and Shoulder Strap Attached

The Field Journal Notebook is made from 1000d Cordura (or 1000d texturized nylon). This canvas-like fabric is sturdy and reliable, coated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellancy) finish and along with the DWR-coated zipper will keep the elements out and your stuff in.

The Field Journal Notebook comes with a removeable, reversible Half-Letter 3-ring binder. The Austrian-made 3-ring mechanism is riveted to a rigid, die-cut high density polyethylene (HDPE) back plate. A further stiffening plate is located on the front of the Field Journal Notebook — you can remove it if you want to save weight, but your papers won't be quite so protected.

You can remove all the hard plastic plates from the Field Journal Notebook for washing when the time comes.

Field Journal Notebook mostly empty

The Field Journal Notebook is designed to accept three-punch 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" paper (that's exactly half of an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet). This paper is a standard size — you can find it at a stationer's, or purchase it online; you can also have a print shop cut and punch (drill) it for you. The 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" paper size is "Desk" from At-A-Glance and Day-Timer, so you can use all the organization tools from those systems with the TOM BIHN Field Journal Notebook. Please do note that the Field Journal Notebook does not include paper.

The 3-ring binder plate is held in tension inside the Field Journal Notebook and can be removed and rotated 180 degrees so that, should you be so inclined, you can move the ring mechanism to the opposite edge of the writing surface; this is potentially useful for left-handed users or those writing in, for example, Arabic, Hebrew, or Chinese. The hard surface of this back plate is exposed so you can write directly on it, and because there is no fabric covering it you can happily use the very last sheet of paper. 

Additionally, a die-cut HDPE Plastic Leaf is included with the Field Journal Notebook and comes clipped into the three-ring mechanism: it provides a hard surface so you can write on the back sides of the paper too.

Field Journal Notebook with the binder rotated

Inside the main zippered compartment, a bank of organizer pockets holds pens and pencils. One larger pouch holds a small calculator, or a miniature watercolor set. Three of the pen/pencil pockets are generous enough for highlighters; the two smaller ones will fit Sharpies, fountain pens, and writes-in-four-colors pens (Tom's personal favorites). Another O-ring is attached above the organizer pockets for a Key Strap or Organizer Pouches (Mini and Small sizes fit, but not the others).

In addition, the front zippered pocket houses an o-ring with an included 8" Key Strap attached and has enough volume to hold a wallet, keys, a cell phone, or a not-so-thick book (example of its volume: it can hold a deck of cards).

The flat back pocket can hold a few sheets of paper or a map.

The organizer filled in the Field Journal Notebook

Materials

1000d Cordura/Texturized Nylon exterior
420d HT nylon Classic Parapack lining
#8 YKK Racquet-Coil water-repellent coil zipper on main compartment
#5 YKK Racquet-Coil water-repellent coil zipper on front pocket
Tough Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components
Tough HDPE removable stiffening plates

Specs

Dimensions: 9.8" (w) x 7.9" (h) x 2.2" (d) / 250 (w) x 200 (h) x 55 (h) mm
Weight: 1 lb 1 oz / 470 grams
Accepts 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" paper
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4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 28 reviews
93%would recommend this product
28 reviews
  • E D.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Compact
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Compact
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love my Tom Bihn Field Journal Notebook

    I am so happy that the field journal notebook was put back into action at Tom Bihn! All of the features are perfect and I am currently using my journal to take with me everywhere - because I am learning how to draw/sketch. There is a perfect slide pouch for my Beam Paints- it’s all so much fun to take with me wherever I go! Thank you so much - you’ve made this journey of mine ever better!

  • Jerry M.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Good Storage Size, High Quality Finishings
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Good Storage Size, High Quality Finishings
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Very special and specific.

    I am still getting used to using this more aggressive organization. After looking for that certain pen and pencil. Followed by the search for their friends, erasure and notebook. They are now kept in a safe house made of zippers and handles and camo colored walls. Their days of independent exploration are now over. Traveling in a organized tour at all times Hopefully this will keep the wheels on the bus.

  • E. W.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Gift
    Product Standouts Easily Adjustable, Durable, High Quality Finishings, Unique
    1 year ago
    Bought For Gift
    Product Standouts Easily Adjustable, Durable, High Quality Finishings, Unique
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Lovely compact kit

    Fun to be able to pack all that I need for a watercolor adventure and more. Using a 3 ring pocket for paper.

  • Jody S.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Durable, Versatile
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Durable, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Fields of Functionality with the FJN

    So glad Tom Bihn brought this back, I have found that it works for more than just journaling. I use one to wrangle my knitting supplies and another for recipes. I use another one for drawing and adult coloring, a soothing pastime that I can now take anywhere in my handy FJN!

  • Tim S.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Absolutely fantastic for an EDC or travel art kit

    The Field Journal Notebook is an awesome way to travel around with a set of artistic tools to tackle whatever and whenever inspiration strikes.

    One of the first tools I’ll recommend with this is an adjustable 3 hole punch. I picked one up for $10 from an office supply store and it has allowed me to pick the different types of paper I want.

    I’ve set the notebook up in a way that allows me to use multiple mediums. I’ve got some toothy pencil paper at the front for rough sketches, smoother pen & ink paper behind that, and finally some watercolor paper at the back. I’ve got about 12 sheets of each and they fit well.

    In the slots for drawing tools on the inside cover it can fit: fountain pens, travel paint brushes/water brushes, fine liners, gel pens, etc… it cannot fit a full size pencil (or at least a newly sharpened Blackwing). That being said, a solution I found for this is the long Tom Bihn Pen/Pencil clear organizer pouch can clip into the interior O-ring for travel and storage to fit longer pencils, Tombow dual brush pens, and paint brushes.

    Finally in the outside pocket, I’ve got one of the foldable metal travel palettes that holds 12 watercolor pans and a kneaded eraser. Without the kneaded eraser, I was able to fit a full 24 pan metal watercolor palette.

    This set up lets me travel for days without feeling like I’m too limited.

    Overall I highly recommend it.

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Sewn in Seattle

Our bags are designed and sewn right here in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

That allows us to be control freaks in the best way possible; we have direct control and oversight of the quality of our materials, our products, and the jobs and working environment that we help create. It also offers us a unique spontaneity: when we have an idea for a new product or accessory, we can design it, figure out how to build it, add it to our website and be ready to ship it out our front door all within just a few weeks. How cool is that?

Intrigued? You can find out more about the unusual way we do business on our Company Philosophy page.

THE BIHN Guarantee

Everything you buy from us here at TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed. We’ve been in business since 1972 and we stand behind what we make.

If something goes wrong and it's our fault, we'll fix it for free. Repairs due to normal wear and tear or due to other things that are not our fault will be performed, when possible, at a reasonable charge right here in our Seattle factory where your bag was made. Defects in materials or workmanship are uncommon and almost always evident while the product is still new. Keep in mind that bags and packs are often subject to extreme wear in everyday use: do not expect them to last forever. Only true love lasts forever! You can expect a TOM BIHN product to give years and years of hard service.