How to Set Up a Traveler’s Notebook as Your EDC (Every Day Carry)

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There’s something powerful about having one notebook system that goes everywhere with you. When we think about writing, it’s often because we recognize the strong connection between thinking and writing—and the opportunity to get our thoughts down on the page. The real power of a notebook that travels with you throughout your day is that it creates opportunity: a space to jot down thoughts, capture inspiration, plan your day, and reflect on life as it happens.

That’s the beauty of an EDC—or Every Day Carry—especially when it becomes a tool that’s not performative, but genuinely useful.

For me, that everyday notebook is a Traveler’s Notebook in the classic Traveler’s size. It’s compact enough to toss in a bag, flexible enough to meet multiple needs, and—best of all—completely customizable.

If you’re looking to create your own EDC notebook system, here’s a reference guide to help you figure out what works best for you. You might choose the Traveler’s size, or you might gravitate toward another format. (The running joke is that everyone always ends up back at A5!) What really matters is choosing something you’ll actually use and simplifying your routine so you can consistently get your ideas down on the page.

Wanderings Regular Size Travelers Notebook - 4.5"x8.5"

A lifelong keepsake for your thoughts and creative expressions. 4.5" x 8.5"

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What Is an EDC (Every Day Carry) Notebook?

An EDC notebook is the one you carry with you everywhere. It’s your portable command center—always ready to capture fleeting ideas, daily plans, or sparks of creativity. Whether you’re a planner, writer, artist, or all of the above, having a functional, personalized notebook at your fingertips can make your daily life more intentional and creative.

Step 1: Choose the Right Size for Portability

Before you dive into setup, consider how you’ll use your notebook and where you’ll carry it. When it comes to portability, size and weight are your two most important factors. If your notebook is too big or heavy, you won’t carry it.

Here are some common EDC notebook sizes:

Passport Size (Approx. 3.5" x 5"/ 90mm x 124mm)

• Ultra-portable and perfect for minimalists. This size slips easily into a pocket or small bag and is great for quick notes, lists, or travel logs on the go. If you're looking for true portability, this is your best bet.

• A common brand that relates to this size: Field Notes

A6 or B6

• A6 (Approx. 4.1" x 5.8" / 105mm x 148mm)

• B6 (Approx. 4.9" x 6.9" / 125mm x 176mm)

• Still compact, but with a little more writing room. These sizes are ideal for journaling, creative writing, or hybrid planning systems. Personally, if I weren’t in a Traveler’s Notebook, I’d likely choose B6—it strikes a great balance between space and portability.

Traveler’s Notebook Size (Approx. 4.3" x 8.25" / 110mm x 210mm)

• My everyday favorite. This long, narrow size—also known as Standard or Midori size—offers ample room for writing, sketching, and planning without being bulky. It’s slim enough to carry everywhere, but spacious enough to support multiple inserts for different purposes.

• A common brand that relates to this size: Traveler’s Notebook

A5 or Larger (A5: Approx. 5.8" x 8.3" / 148mm x 210mm)

• These sizes are excellent for desk-based journaling, project planning, or art journaling. While A5 is beloved for its generous writing space, it can feel a bit bulky for true EDC unless you regularly carry a tote or backpack.

My Traveler’s Notebook system in a leather cover

Step 2: Identify Your Notebook Needs

Ask yourself:

• What do I find myself wanting to write down when I’m out and about?

• Do I need one catch-all notebook, or would it be better to separate tasks and ideas?

• Do I need space for creativity (like sketching, poetry, or doodles)?

Once you know your needs, you can start assembling your system.

Step 3: Set Up Your Inserts

A top-view of my notebook system. Note how the bands hold the different inserts in place.

My EDC Setup & Materials

• Chic Sparrow Creme Brulee TN Cover in Narrow

• Archer & Olive TN Notebook Sparrows

• Archer & Olive A5 Stencil

• Wanderings TN Inserts (Dotted and Blank)

• “Gratitude Changes Everything” Clip PlanningwithK on Etsy

Overview of My Inserts

1. Insert #1: Quick Thoughts & Observations Notebook

This is my “brain dump” insert. I jot down everything here—quotes I overhear, odd little observations about the world, things my daughter says that I don’t want to forget, or ideas I want to look into later. It’s messy and wonderful.

Recommended insert type: Lined or grid for structure, or blank if you like visual notes and sketches.

2. Insert #2: Main Planning & Notes Notebook

This is the workhorse. I use this for to-do lists, meeting notes, project planning, and everything that keeps me on track. If it’s important to my schedule or goals, it goes here.

Recommended insert type: I really like a notebook. It is hard to find the Traveler’s Notebook size, but you can find notebooks with the TN size dimensions.

3. Insert #3: Sketch Notebook for Poetry

This one is for the soul. I use it to write poems, sketch feelings, or explore moments of inspiration in a creative way. It doesn’t need structure—it needs space.

Recommended insert type: Blank pages or watercolor/drawing paper if you like mixed media.

Step 4: Add Useful Accessories

• Pen loop or clip: Always have a pen or pencil handy.

• Zipper pouch insert: Great for receipts, stickers, or small memorabilia.

• Sticky notes or tabs: Mark important pages or sections.

• Washi tape or page flags: For quick decorating or organizing on the fly.

Step 5: Make It Yours

The best part of using a Traveler’s Notebook as your EDC is how easy it is to personalize.

Here are a few ways to add personality:

• Decorate the cover with stickers or charms.

• Use washi tape, stamps, or collage inside.

• Create themed spreads or collections.

• Rotate inserts based on the season or your current focus.

A Peek Inside My Notebook

Why I Love My Traveler’s Notebook as an EDC

Having everything in one place—my thoughts, my plans, and my creativity—makes me feel grounded. I can be a mom, a writer, a teacher, and a dreamer all in one small notebook. It reminds me that I don’t have to compartmentalize my life—I just need space to carry it all with intention.

If you’ve been craving a portable system that supports both your productivity and your joy, consider building your own EDC notebook. Whether it’s minimalist or creative chaos, the best system is the one that works for you.

Ready to Build Your Own?

Think about:

• What size fits your lifestyle?

• How many inserts do you need?

• What types of writing or planning do you want to do daily?

Ideas for Different Inserts

Planning + Scheduling Inserts

1. Monthly Planner – Big-picture planning for events, goals, and appointments.

2. Weekly Layouts – Horizontal or vertical views for tasks, events, and habits.

3. Daily Pages – Detailed daily plans with time blocking or to-do lists.

4. Undated Planner Pages – Flexible start with no pressure to keep up daily.

5. Future Log – Year-at-a-glance insert to jot down upcoming events.

6. Quarterly Goals Tracker – Set and review 3-month goal cycles.

Productivity + Organization Inserts

1. Task Management – GTD-style to-do lists, projects, and next actions.

2. Habit Tracker – Monthly habit charts or weekly habit logs.

3. Priority Matrix – Eisenhower matrix pages for sorting urgent/important tasks.

4. Brain Dump / Inbox – Capture random thoughts, ideas, or notes quickly.

5. Checklist Inserts – Packing lists, daily routines, or maintenance logs.

Reflection + Wellness Inserts

1. Gratitude Journal – Daily or weekly prompts to focus on the positive.

2. Mood Tracker – Visual logs of emotional patterns.

3. Daily Journaling Pages – Free space for stream-of-consciousness writing.

4. Mindfulness Tracker – Log meditation, breathwork, or moments of calm.

5. Energy Log – Track your physical/mental energy by time or task.

Creative + Personal Inserts

1. Vision Board Pages – Collage or sketch your dreams and goals.

2. Quotes + Affirmations – A collection of inspiring words.

3. Reading Log – Books to read, current reads, and favorite passages.

4. Media Tracker – Movies, podcasts, music, or shows.

5. Creative Writing or Doodles – Poetry, story ideas, sketches.

6. Memory Keeper – Photos, tickets, ephemera, and quick memory notes.

Finance + Budgeting Inserts

1. Expense Tracker – Log daily spending.

2. Monthly Budget Planner – Income, bills, savings, and debt.

3. Savings Challenge Tracker – Visual savings goals (e.g., 52-week challenge).

4. Subscription + Bill Log – Keep track of recurring expenses.

Health + Lifestyle Inserts

1. Meal Planner + Grocery List – Weekly menus and categorized shopping lists.

2. Fitness Tracker – Workouts, movement logs, progress notes.

3. Sleep Log – Bedtime, wake-up time, quality, and notes.

4. Water + Medication Tracker – Simple daily health routines.

5. Doctor + Appointment Notes – Medical history, questions for visits.

Work + Projects Inserts

1. Meeting Notes – Structured note pages with date, topic, action steps.

2. Project Planner – Project breakdowns, timelines, and milestones.

3. Content Planning – Blog, social media, or YouTube content calendar.

4. Client Log – Track communication and follow-ups.

5. Professional Development Tracker – Courses, books, certifications.

I recommend starting simple. You can always adjust as your needs evolve. Your EDC is meant to move with you, grow with you, and serve you—one page at a time.

Do you already use a Traveler’s Notebook or have an EDC setup? Share your go-to inserts or favorite EDC tips in the comments. I’d love to see how you carry your life in your notebook.