Field Notes vs Moleskine: Which Notebook Is Actually Worth Carrying
Share
SIGN UP AND GET 15% OFF
I’ve used both Field Notes and Moleskine for years. At different points, I thought each one was better. The truth is, they’re built for completely different ways of using a notebook. If you’re trying to decide between Field Notes vs Moleskine, this is the real breakdown based on how they actually perform day to day, not just on paper.
QUICK COMPARISON: FIELD NOTES VS MOLESKINE
| FEATURE | FIELD NOTES | MOLESKINE |
|---|---|---|
| SIZE | Pocket Size 3.5” x 5.5” | Multiple Sizes, Usually Larger |
| PORTABILITY | Very Easy to Carry | Less Pocket-Friendly |
| DURABILITY | Low on its own | Higher Due to Structure |
| PAPER QUALITY | Basic | Smoother, More Premium |
| PRICE | Lower, Replace Often | Higher Upfront |
| BEST USE | Daily Carry / Replace Often | Journaling / Planning |
Field Notes: Pros and Cons
What I Like:
Field Notes are easy to use. They’re small enough to carry anywhere. You can throw one in your pocket or bag and forget it’s even there. Because they’re inexpensive, you don’t hesitate to use them. You’re more likely to write things down without overthinking it. That leads to more consistent use.
The Downsides:
They don’t hold up well on their own. The cover bends easily. Corners get soft. If you keep one in your bag, it starts looking worn out fast. Paper quality is also basic. It gets the job done, but it’s not something you’d choose for long writing sessions.
Moleskine: Pros and Cons
What I Like:
Moleskine feels more structured. The cover is stronger. The paper is smoother. It feels more like a complete notebook. It works well for journaling, planning, or anything where you’re writing for longer periods of time.
The Downsides:
It’s not something I want to carry every day. It’s bigger, heavier, and feels like something that belongs on a desk instead of in your bag. Because of that, I found myself using it less often.
Real Use Example
This is how it played out for me. When I carried a Moleskine, I’d use it when I sat down to think or write. When I carried Field Notes, I used them throughout the day. Quick ideas, reminders, things I didn’t want to forget. At the end of the week, I had way more written in Field Notes. Not because they’re better, but because they’re easier to use consistently.
Durability Is the Real Issue with Field Notes
This is where Field Notes fall short as a daily carry notebook. If you actually carry them every day, they get beat up fast. That’s just part of the design. Moleskine solves that with structure but sacrifices portability. That tradeoff is what pushed me to look for a better setup.
Which One Should You Choose?
This depends on how you actually use a notebook.
Final Thoughts
Most people overthink this decision. The best pocket notebook is the one you actually use. For me, that was Field Notes. Moleskine felt better at first, but it didn’t fit into how I move throughout the day.
Once I figured that out, the choice became obvious.
FAQs
For daily carry and quick notes, yes. Moleskine is better for structured, longer-form writing.
Not on their own. They wear out quickly with daily use. A leather notebook cover fixes that.
Yes, especially for journaling or planning where you’re sitting down to write.
Field Notes. They’re easier to carry and use consistently than any larger notebook.
About the Author
I’m the co-founder of ROVA. I’ve spent years building and selling products online, and at some point, I got tired of using things that looked good but didn’t hold up in real life. That’s what led me to start ROVA. Everything we make is built around real use — simple, durable, and something you’ll actually carry every day. — Juan Tule