LOCHBY Field Folio A5 — The Companion for the Modern Explorer
There’s a special kind of satisfaction in carrying your ideas in something that feels like it’s earned its scars. The LOCHBY Field Folio A5 isn’t just a notebook cover — it’s a traveling workshop for writers, tinkerers, and ink-stained dreamers who prefer waxed canvas and brass over plastic and glass.
Built from weather-resistant, waxed canvas that softens and darkens with time, the Field Folio is as rugged as an old field jacket and just as personal. Unzip it, and you’ll find a flat-lay interior designed for creative momentum — no spine fighting you, no zipper in the way, just a clean surface ready for ink and thought.
Slip in your favorite A5 notebooks — Clairefontaine Triomphe, Midori MD, or a well-worn Leuchtturm 1917 — and you’ll still have room for index cards, sticky notes, and a pen or two. The horizontal pen loop keeps even a slim fountain pen secure (a Platinum Plaisir fits beautifully), and the waxed fabric shrugs off the occasional ink smudge like it’s seen worse.
Every pocket and stitch feels deliberate: places for ideas, for to-do lists, for the stray business card from a serendipitous meeting. The zip closure keeps everything safe when you toss it into a bag — or a satchel bound for a train window and a few hours of quiet writing.
This is the kind of folio that earns a patina from long afternoons of note-taking, journaling, and travel. It feels better the more you use it — and if you’re the sort of person who cares about how ink shades and sheens on good paper, you’ll understand why.
At a glance:
- Waxed-canvas exterior that grows character with use
- Lays flat for comfortable writing and sketching
- Holds up to two A5 notebooks plus accessories
- Secure zipper closure and thoughtful internal organization
- Horizontal pen loop sized for fountain pens (no clips rubbing metal)
- Works beautifully with ProFolio A5, Hobonichi Cousin, Clairefontaine 1951, Midori MD, or our favorite Clairefontaine Triomphe pads
What users love
Build & materials. The rugged, waxed-canvas construction; “built like a tank,” looks good, and lays flat when open. The smooth, rubber-capped zipper gets specific shout-outs.
Organization & capacity. The modular system handles multiple A5 notebooks at once; pockets for pens, sticky notes, and small essentials keep everything in one place. Reviewers use it for work, school, EDC, hobbies, and household planning.
Writing experience. Flat back + zipper placement keep the writing surface unobstructed; makes it easier to stay focused versus using a phone.
Thoughtful details. Horizontal pen pocket, dual bookmarks, and other quality touches.
Protection & portability. Zip closure protects notebooks; sized for iPad mini and common A5 notebooks (including the ones we sell here at Bottle & Plume).
Common use cases:
- Work & meetings / office carry (keeps multiple project notebooks together).
- School (compact “Trapper Keeper” vibe; fits in backpack).
- Everyday desk companion to reduce phone distraction and keep analog task lists.
Minor complaints / gotchas
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Pen slot fit. The top-left pen pocket can be tight for thicker pens (e.g., Lamy AL-Star); slimmer pens (e.g., Safari) fare better.
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Size trade-off. If you need more space in general, or want to fit larger devices (e.g., iPad 11") into this padfolio, you might want to buy the B5 version instead.
Bottom line
If you want a durable, zip-around A5 folio that keeps multiple notebooks, a pen, and small extras neatly organized—and you care about a flat, distraction-free writing setup—this gets enthusiastic marks from owners. Just note the pen pocket is snug for chunky pens, and consider the B5 if you carry bigger notebooks or an 11" tablet.
Specifications
Dimensions: 6.7” x 10” x 1” (17cm x 25cm x 2.5cm) (A5)
Weight: 10.6oz (300g)
