Gear Review: The Lochby Field Journal and Tool Roll

The moment I started using my Lochby Mini-Field Journal, it was a done deal. Of course, I'd be heading back to the Lochby store to pick up the larger Field Journal – this time in Olive Green – but how have I got on with the Mini-Field's big brother?

Well, like the pocket-note variety, Lochby's A5 notebook system has swiftly become a tool I use every single day to keep myself organised, especially now I'm firmly in my analog planning era.

Two months in, the waxed canvas cover is getting nicely patinaed from daily use, which only adds to its charm – but what's inside?

The two journals are almost identical in setup. The folder holds up to four A5 notebooks, held tightly in place by a series of elastic bands, much like a traveller's system.

At least, that's the theory if you use the expected slim exercise-style notebooks. I've opted for slightly thicker Clare Fontaine 96-page notebooks, which I've used for years thanks to a recommendation from my pal, Michael Rowley.

The Fontaine's 90 gsm paper is perfect for fountain pen ink, but the extra bulk means that I can only comfortably fit three books into the Lochby using the straps.

But it's not exactly a problem, as the cover also has pockets on the inside, so when needed I can slip a thinner notebook into the front...

...while the back houses a sheet of blotting paper for mopping up ink.

Like the Mini-Field Journal, the pockets at the front are pretty handy, although cram too much in there and everything gets a bit Princess and the Pea when trying to put pen to paper, the packed-out pockets producing an uneven writing surface.

As an alternative, I've added a Wanderings Zipper Case and Kraft Sleeve combo to the last elastic band to spread out the stationery supplies while also freeing up the second pen loop, which is blocked when housing four notebooks.

And just in case that isn't enough, there's also a sneaky little pocket on the back, just big enough to slip a Field Notes.

I'll never be without writing paper again!

When clasped together with the handy aluminum hook, the resulting folder isn't exactly svelte, but it's not too bulky either.

Most of the time, I do without that extra book in the front pocket, so that slims things down a bit more – and if needs be, the Wanderlings zipper folder can be yanked out too. That's the joy of a system like this – swapping out notebooks and inserts takes seconds, making the journal infinitely adaptable.

Plus, let's face it... travelling light isn't much of an issue if, like me, you're the kind of person who regularly lugs around six notebooks at once!

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THE LOCHBY TOOL ROLL

While both Field Guides were bought with my hard-earned cash (the Field Guide coming in at an affordable £45), the next product I want to talk about was sent to me by Lochby for review, which was handy, as I had hovered over the buy button on numerous occasions.

The Lochby Tool Roll is a pretty much what it sounds like – a handy case that rolls out to reveal whatever tools you've stashed inside.

And, in my case, you can see that's a lot of pens!

Like the Field Journals, the build quality is second-to-none, with durable stitching and the same waxed canvas that keeps the contents dry if you're caught in the rain, especially when your pens/tools are safely tucked away behind the flaps to both top and bottom.

In a shock moment, the skies were clear on the day I wanted to test the waterproofing – not a cloud in sight – so I popped the rolled-up case under a running tap. The water ran off the canvas, leaving everything bone dry inside. It didn't take an age to dry either, which was a bonus.

Hidden away behind the pens are some 'secret' pockets, perfect for flat objects like a pair of scissors or, yes, a pocket-sized notebook, although if you're precious about your Field Notes, it's better to keep them in a folder as the constant rolling leaves them a little bent around the edges.

There's also a mesh pocket to handle smaller items like glue sticks, pencil sharperners and tape.

When you're done, simply roll the entire thing up...

... and attach the aluminium hook to one of the three loops that allow expansion depending on how much stuff you've crammed in there.

You're left with a nicely-packed stationery burrito that, while it doesn't have any extra padding, is tough enough to protect your tools if chucked into a backpack.

Not only does it look great, but at 37 quid won't break the bank and should last for years to come. It's certainly getting as much use as the Field Journals, and I can see myself swapping out the pens for lino tools or brushes for my newfound miniature-painting hobby.

Let me know what you think? Do you use anything similar? And what other writing gear would you like me to review? Let me know in the comments.