In this post, I’m going to show off my new ZLYC Passport size Traveler’s Notebook I got off Amazon. In a previous post, I wrote (okay, kinda ranted) about how Traveler’s Notebooks (TN) just weren’t for me, blah blah blah.
It turns out, I made a big mistake with the Buteo Bunker field notes traveler’s notebook in my previous post. I thought I had to have a stuffed TN, so I stuffed it. And I didn’t like it. The TN was too bulky to fit in my pocket, which was the point of having a Field Notes (FN) size to me. It never occurred to me that I could remove some of the inserts. It really didn’t.
It wasn’t until I tried a narrow size ZLYC brand TN [insert link], and I could not stuff this one (3 inserts fit comfortably, 4-5 is pushing it, more than 5 is not happening!).
I am also using a wide, but like having it thicker. So, now that I’ve rambled on, let me get to the point of this post.
ZLYC also offers a passport size as well as a standard/narrow size. I resisted getting it at first because I was still annoyed with the Buteo Bunker FN. Once I realized (a) stuffing the TN wasn’t a requirement and (b) ZLYC doesn’t allow for stuffing, I was more open to trying the smaller size again.
It came with three inserts (lined, blank, and the calendar). I’m a little disappointed in these inserts. The quality in my opinion is sub-par and they seem like an afterthought.
Luckily, I have plenty of notebooks that will fit. I had bought some different kinds to try out, but this information will be in my insert stash post. The inserts I have in the passport are one of my Pride & Prejudice notebooks from The British Library in London, the blank insert that came with it, and one of the small notebooks I got from Big Lots.
Pictures of other inserts in the Passport:
Poppin Insert
Moleskine Pocket Insert (it’s slightly too big for the passport)
Mini Composition Book (too small)
Not being able to stuff it is wonderful! It fits my back pocket perfectly! The leather is thinner and stiffer than the Narrow size.
Side by side comparison of the ZLYC Narrow/Standard and Passport sizes:
My husband thought it would be funny to put the passport under the narrow’s elastic:
Looking back at the Buteo Bunker FN size, it still may not have worked the way I wanted, because the leather was quite thick.
YouTube video links:
ZLYC Passport Video https://youtu.be/HN0Zyw__TOQ
Buteo Bunker Rant Video https://youtu.be/LreexKxHU3A
Have you ever tried a product, been disappointed, and then tried a similar product and had success? Please share in the comments.
© Cori Large 4/15/2016
Tales From A Polk County Girl 