The Best Everyday Carry Stationery Items

We should note that this pen doesn’t come with a clip, so purchase one separately if you’d like to attach it to pen loops or notebook covers.

Learn more about the Kaweco Sport by reading our comprehensive guide.

The Rapid Pro can also be paired with different ink refills, including Fisher Space Pen Pressurized Ballpoint Refills. JetPens team members love this ink formulation because it’s pressurized and able to write underwater, over grease, and in extreme temperatures.

The Zebra bLen is also available as a multi pen that uses three ink refills and is just slightly larger than the standard bLen.

If the Sakura Craft Lab 007 looks a bit too serious for your everyday carry, there are other metal Sakura Craft Lab Gel Pens that boast more playful colors.

Learn more about this pen in our Sarasa guide.

The cap on the Lilliput screws on to the back of the barrel securely, making the pen comfortably sized when writing and ensuring the cap won’t be misplaced. The Liliput doesn’t come with a pocket clip—keeping it as sleek and compact as possible—but one can be purchased separately.

The Vanishing Point’s clip is located in the center of the grip section. This design keeps the nib up when it’s stored in a shirt pocket, preventing accidental nib deployment and stains. Some users may find the clip uncomfortable; other options for fancy retractable fountain pens include the sleek LAMY Dialog CC or the colorful Platinum Curidas.

The Pilot Varsity isn’t refillable, so be sure to check out the Platinum Preppy if you want a fountain pen that can be refilled with cartridges and converters.

Our Pentel Sharp Kerry guide provides more information on this cool EDC pencil.

For an even smaller mechanical pencil that can tuck into a wallet, check out the Zebra Techo TS-3 Mini Mechanical Pencil. It has a tiny eraser underneath the push button cap that can be replaced. However, because it’s so slim, it’s not the most comfortable to use for very long.

The Classic Notebooks have orange or black covers and are filled with graph paper that’s printed in violet. The Ice Notebook has a bright white cover with graph paper printed in gray. The 80 gsm paper inside is smooth and resists bleedthrough, but inks will take a little time to dry.

Our Rhodia comprehensive guide details all the products from this noteworthy brand.

If you’d like extra protection for your notebook, pick up a TRAVELER’S leather cover. It’ll also allow you to carry multiple TRAVELER’S COMPANY TRAVELER’S notebooks at one time, such as a weekly planner for to-do lists and drawing paper for sketching.

Learn more about TRAVELER’S COMPANY TRAVELER’S notebooks here.

Field Notes prides itself on using high-quality paper and printing methods, but their notebooks generally aren’t the best for use with inky writing instruments such as rollerball pens, fountain pens, or markers. We find that ballpoint pens are the best for this paper to limit the chances of ink bleeding through to the other side.

We find that the softcover Leuchtturm1917 Pocket Notebook is less bulky and better for EDC, but hardcover pocket notebooks are available if you prefer a sturdier notebook for writing on the go. Learn more about Leuchtturm1917 Notebooks in our dedicated guide.

Each Perpanep Premium Notebook has an elastic band closure to protect pages. It also features cloth binding that leaves the spine exposed and provides a more stable, flat surface when writing in the notebook.

The Apica CD is available in several sizes. You can even buy them in bundles of four so you always have one on hand—or if you accidentally misplace one and need a backup.

The Croquis S161 Sketchbook has the most pages and the thinnest paper, weighing in at 52.3 gsm. It has a rough texture that’s great for sketching with pencils and markers.

The Croquis S162 Sketchbook has 60 gsm Maruman Cream Cotton paper that’s woven and soft, making it best for softer lead grade pencils.

Though it has the fewest pages, the Croquis S163 Sketchbook is filled with thick, 96.4 gsm Maruman Cream Cotton paper. It’s more durable than the other papers and retains its texture and woven felt look when used with pencils, erasers, and other dry media.

Please note that although the mesh pockets seem quite roomy, you shouldn’t stuff them. If you do, the case won’t be able to close.

The Doughnut Gleam Mobile Pouch comes with an adjustable and removable crossbody strap, so you can keep your hands free or use it as a bag organizer.

When fully opened, the Hobonichi Drawer Pouch lays flat for easy access. Some versions also have handy wrist straps.

The Mitte Bag in Bag has several pockets for staying organized, with a spacious main compartment, fabric pockets to store personal items, clear pockets along the front, and an external back pocket. It also comes with an external pen loop so your favorite EDC pen can be at the ready.