Hi, I’m Penny. If you’re anything like me, there’s something almost magnetic about a fresh, blank notebook and the smell of high-quality leather. It’s the start of a story that hasn't been written yet.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend hike in the hills or prepping for a cross-country road trip, your journal is more than just paper: it’s your co-pilot. But before you toss it into your bag and hit the road, there are a few things you can do to make sure your setup is truly "adventure ready."
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what makes a perfect carry. From the way the leather feels in your hand to how easily your pen slides into its loop, every detail matters. Today, I want to walk you through how to prep your The Chronicler’s Cover | Burgundy Leather Journal Sleeve for a life of adventure. We’ll talk about picking the right inserts, finding the perfect pen, and that beautiful process of breaking in the leather until it feels like an old friend.
Choosing the Heart of the Matter: The Right Insert
The Chronicler’s Cover is built to house an A5-sized notebook, which is essentially the "Goldilocks" of paper sizes: not too big to be bulky, but not too small to actually write in. But not all A5 notebooks are created equal.
When you’re preparing for travel, you need to consider how you’ll be using your journal. Are you sketching landscapes? Rapid-firing to-do lists? Or sitting down for long-form reflections at the end of the day?
Here are a few of my favorite inserts that fit beautifully inside our burgundy leather:
- The Leuchtturm1917 A5: This is a classic for a reason. It’s sturdy, has numbered pages, and an index. If you’re a planner who likes to stay organized while on the move, this is your best bet.
- Midori MD Notebook: I love these for their minimalism. The paper is slightly toothy and cream-colored, which looks stunning against the rich burgundy of the leather. It’s stitched to lay flat, which is a lifesaver when you’re writing on your lap in the passenger seat of a car.
- Rhodia Goalbook: If you’re a fountain pen enthusiast, Rhodia’s smooth paper is hard to beat. It handles ink beautifully without bleeding through, ensuring your memories stay on the page where they belong.
Little did I know when I first started journaling that the weight of the paper would matter so much! If you’re using gel pens or markers, aim for something around 80–90 gsm to avoid "ghosting" on the back of the page.
Finding Your "Write" Hand: The Travel Pen
You could have the most beautiful journal in the world, but if your pen skips or leaks in your pocket, the adventure loses its charm pretty quickly. For travel, I always recommend an "Everyday Carry" (EDC) style pen. These are built to survive the bumps and drops that come with being on the go.
Personally, I’m a fan of a pen that has a bit of weight to it. It just feels more intentional when you sit down to write. Here are a few reliable options:
- The Zebra F-701: This is a stainless steel workhorse. It’s affordable, rugged, and looks great tucked into the pen loop of a leather cover.
- Fisher Space Pen: If your adventures take you into the wild, this pen is legendary. It writes upside down, in the rain, and even over grease. It’s the ultimate "no-excuses" travel pen.
- Uni Jetstream: If you prefer a smoother, hybrid ink that dries almost instantly, the Jetstream is a dream. It’s perfect for those quick notes you jot down while waiting for your next flight or bus.
(As a side note, I’ve learned the hard way to always carry a spare refill. There is nothing worse than running out of ink right as you’re trying to describe the perfect sunset!)
The "Soda Factor": Making Time for Reflection
There is something about sitting down with a cold bottle of soda and a pen that just clears the mind. I find that my best ideas come when I’m not rushing. When I’m traveling, I make it a point to find a quiet spot: maybe a park bench or a small cafe: and just exist with my journal for twenty minutes.
It’s during these quiet moments that the The Chronicler’s Cover really shines. The burgundy leather has a depth to it that only gets better with time. It’s a piece of gear that doesn't just hold your notes; it inspires you to write them.
Breaking In Your Leather Cover
One of the questions I get asked most is, "How do I make my leather cover feel softer?"
The honest answer? Just use it.
Leather is a natural material, and like a good pair of boots, it needs a bit of a "honeymoon phase." When you first receive your Chronicler’s Cover, it might feel a little stiff. That’s perfectly normal! Here’s how I like to break mine in:
- The Daily Carry: Carry it everywhere. Even if you aren't writing in it every day, the warmth from your hands and the natural movement of being in your bag will start to soften the fibers.
- Gentle Flexing: Every once in a while, give the cover a gentle flex. You don’t want to fold it sharply or create harsh creases, but a little bit of movement helps the leather relax.
- Don’t Over-Oil: It can be tempting to slather on leather conditioner the moment you get it, but I’d hold off. Our leathers come pre-finished and ready for the world. I usually wait about six months to a year before applying a light leather balm.
As you use it, the leather will develop a "patina": a unique sheen and set of marks that tell the story of where you’ve been. A scratch from a stray key or a darker spot from where you always hold it isn't a flaw; it’s a badge of honor.
Packing Your Adventure Kit
If you’re heading out on a longer trip, you might want to pair your journal with a few other essentials. I usually tuck my journal into The Wayfarer’s Tote | Hand-Stitched Leather Carry-all along with my laptop and a light jacket.
If I’m traveling light and just hitting the trail, I might use The Highland Nomad to keep my smaller items: like extra lead for my pencil or a pocket knife: within easy reach on my belt.
The goal is to create a system that works for you. Everyone’s adventure looks different, and your gear should reflect that.
A Final Thought on Craftsmanship
At The Kilted Leatherworker, we don’t believe in fast fashion. We believe in making things that last: items that you’ll still be using ten, twenty, or thirty years from now. When I’m at my workbench, ensuring that every stitch is perfect, I’m thinking about the person who will eventually own that piece. I’m thinking about the stories they’ll tell and the places they’ll go.
Creating these pieces one step at a time is a slow process, but it’s one I love. There is something about the smell of the hide and the sound of the needle passing through the leather that is incredibly grounding. I hope that when you hold your journal cover, you feel that same sense of connection to the craft.
Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with me. I’m so grateful that you’ve chosen to bring a piece of my work on your adventures. I can’t wait to see where you take it!
Safe travels and happy writing,
Penny