I Went Looking for a Traveler’s Notebook…

I first tried a traveler’s notebook system in the fall of 2020, and this is how I stumbled upon the narrow size or traveler’s notebook size of roughly 4.5 x 8.25”. I grabbed the traditional Midori style notebook that had elastic bands on the inside to try out the system. I loved experimenting with inserts and different sizes of notebooks, but I was hoping to still get the same notebook feeling that I get with my other bullet journals. I liked the idea of life in one notebook. After searching high and low for a traveler’s size actual notebook (not an insert), I came across the Archer & Olive company and their traveler’s size notebook. Since finding this size notebook, I now have purchased 3 of these so far. This is by far my favorite size notebook. Why? I love the size of this. It is easy to carry, and it still lays flat when I am trying to write for a larger amount of time. The only reason why it does not become my main notebook is that I need to use my planner to feel organized. This post is a complete review of the Archer & Oliver Traveler’s Size Notebook.

The Company

The company is going to be one of the draws of continuing to support them as a business. Not only is this type of notebook not found really anywhere else in a full notebook size, the company has a mission that is incredible. They are all about supporting mental health, and founder Bonnie makes sure to fill you in on her journey with journaling and mental health. They have even put on their website that if you cannot afford a notebook, you can reach out and request one because journaling is that important. The company makes beautiful products and has a beautiful mission to match.

Currently at the time of this post, the company is selling journals and notebooks, journaling accessories, pens, markers, and now watercolor paints.

Archer & Olive Website

Archer & Olive Instagram

Archer & Olive Pinterest

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The Packaging

When the notebook arrives, you will love the box. I have dreams of displaying my notebooks in a cool bookshelf or in some cases someday because right now I keep all of them in a crate. My A5 notebooks have stacked up from bullet journaling. I love the idea of keeping the boxes from my Archer & Olive notebooks as a way to keep them safe in storage. The packaging is a high-quality cardboard box that has tissue wrapped around the notebook.

Upon opening the tissue, you find your notebook in a sleeve. The sleeve has details about the notebook and the overall page numbers. Comparably, many of my A5 size notebooks (A5 is 5.7” x 8.26” or roughly 5” x 8” size) have around 250 pages. The A5 notebooks on the market have substantially more pages than this size notebook, but those notebooks do take up more space and it does not fit in the traveler’s size notebook covers. Size really is key to liking this style of notebook.

The Notebook

Notebook Details

4.33” X 8.25”
160 GSM (Thick Paper)
Dot Grid
144 Pages (Not numbered)
Back Pocket
Elastic Band for Closure
Pen Loop
Two Ribbons
Cloth covers

PROS

The size. It fits perfectly in my Chic Sparrow cover. I am loving the narrow size because it doesn’t take up as much space as my A5 notebooks. I can still journal, but it is far more compact.
The paper. Oh, the paper. This paper is 160 gsm. Nothing seems to bleed through or have any ghosting issues. It is wonderful to write on with a pen, pencil, or brush marker. Even sharpies do a great job on this paper. My Leuchtturm 1917 journals are only 80 gsm. I could tell the difference right away. My favorite part of this journal beside the size is the paper.

It lays flat when writing. One of the things that made me not at peace with the four inserts was the lack of them laying flat when I was journaling. I love that this notebook lays flat when I am writing the first thing for my morning journaling work.
I love it has a pen loop. When I am not using my pen quiver, I can still tuck a writing utensil into the loop for being on-the-go. I really miss a pen loop when one is not available.
The pocket in the back is similar to my Leuchtturm 1917 journals and is a great spot to tuck some important papers.
It comes in dot-grid. Dot-grid is by far my favorite paper style in a notebook or journal.
it comes with two ribbon bookmarks to help keep track of the different parts of life.

CONS

The linen cover gets very dirty easily. It does brush off, but it shows every single piece of hair or lint.
The price. $31.00 is something I am willing to pay for a great notebook, but many other people will want to stick in the price range of $15-20 or less for a single notebook. My Leuchtturm 1917 journals are $20 and can be picked up from my local independent bookstore. I definitely miss the ease of running to the store to grab a new notebook. I do appreciate supporting a great business with an outstanding mission.
The bookmark metal on my first notebook was slightly chipped when I took it out of the package. This did not bother me, but many people will want a $31 notebook to be perfect coming out of the box. I did look up their return policy, and I was certain they would have replaced the notebook if I had really been concerned about the bookmark defect. This did not stop me from purchasing 2 more notebooks in this size.

Here is the traveler’s notebook next to my Chic Sparrow leather notebook cover. The second photo is the notebook on the elastic bands on the inside. Because it is a notebook and not an insert, it still lays flat when you are writing.