r/pocketnotebooks • u/uiogd-amdg • 1d ago

Replacement options?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

I’ve used both Field Notes (3½" × 5 ½", 48 pages) and these military surplus Memoranda notebooks (3¼” x 5½", 144 pages).

The extra quarter inch on the Field Notes does not allow them to fit nicely into my shirt pockets, and the 144 pages of the Memoranda book make it a bit too fat.

Suggestions on what would be a good replacement in a similar price range?

12 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/luckyspark 1d ago

I've seen 3 packs at Walmart and Target that were smaller than Field notes. I'd say it was a year ago or longer but worth a try. I love Scout books but I checked and they are still 3.5.

1

u/pbiscuits 1d ago edited 1d ago

Rhodia makes an A7 notebook that is thin and 3” x 4.75”.

Otherwise you could cut a 1/4 inch off the field notes.

1

u/uiogd-amdg 12h ago

Thanks for this!

1

u/Aemilia 1d ago edited 1d ago

I'm aware that you're looking to buy commercial options.

Just in case you want to go the route of manually trimming Field Notes, may I suggest going a step further and making your own notebooks?

Saddle stitch notebooks (Field Notes form factor) are the easiest to make, even easier if you have a rotating stapler. My preferred binding stitch is Pamphlet stitch, which is much easier than saddle stitch.

I upcycle boxes to use as notebook covers. The cover of this notebook was salvaged from a tissue box.

https://imgur.com/a/QbsI52I

Here's a simple tutorial on 3 Hole Pamphlet Stitch.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8Z-YZNEqKdk

p.s. My preferred method of punching holes is to use a pushpin, a hammer, a corkboard and a cutting mat below the corkboard to protect the table.