Midori Traveler's Notebook Overview

The Midori Traveler's Notebook is something I heard about very early on in my fountain pen journey, but I never quite understood the hype until I actually got one in my hands. Now that I've had the time to learn the whole "system", I see how cool these things really are, and I'm thrilled to be able to share it with you here. These are fantastic for journaling, whether traveling or just on the go in your daily life. The customizable system is what is truly special, with a huge range of inserts and accessories available to make it your own.
Note: Since this video, this product line is now branded under Traveler's Company instead of Midori. The travelers notebook is now also available in a wider range of colors and notebook inserts.
LINKS TO PRODUCTS FEATURED:
Traveler's Notebook and accessories: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:23 Traveler's Notebook "unboxing"
2:55 Replacing the outer strap
4:19 Notebook dimensions
6:00 Accessories, replacement binding straps, adhesive pocket inserts, business card holders
7:50 Pen loop
10:00 How the notebook is assembled
11:55 Putting two notebooks inside
14:32 Putting three notebooks inside
17:50 Testing the paper
Note: Since this video, this product line is now branded under Traveler's Company instead of Midori. The travelers notebook is now also available in a wider range of colors and notebook inserts.
SUBSCRIBE to our KZbin channel: bit.ly/GP-YTsubscribe
LINKS TO PRODUCTS FEATURED:
Traveler's Notebooks: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Traveler's Notebook Refills: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Traveler's Notebook Accessories: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
ABOUT GOULET PENS:
Brian & Rachel Goulet started The Goulet Pen Company in 2009 and you can see the evolution of our mom and pop into a full-blown company through this channel. We run a dedicated online store with fountain pens, ink, paper, and other fine writing accessories. Our goal with this channel is to provide fountain pen fans at all levels of experience with comprehensive product reviews, round ups, and how-to videos to answer all the fountain pen questions you may have. Shop at www.gouletpens.com.
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Blog: blog.gouletpens.com/

[@Byrnzi360]

I wanted one of these, but they are not really available in Canada, so I went down to a local craft shop and picked up $3 worth of scrap leather and elastic cord. I followed some simple templates off the Internet and had my own. To make it look extra rugged, I set it on fire at the edges afterwards.

[@Theminingcreep]

the minute i saw it out of the box, i ordered one

[@Gouletpens]

Dvir Nissan Hope you love it! -Margaret

[@reddog694uk]

The fun really gets a foothold when you design and make your own insert books. I was surprised when i went through several months really strangely obsessed with this, and, of course, ended up making my own leather Midori cover in extra wide five insert A6 size. You're down the rabbit hole now my friend.

[@arapaimagold8088]

Exactly, especially for anyone who's already accustomed with how modular a bujo can be.

[@shethewriter]

This is one product that I can honestly say the reviews don’t do it justice. You have to get it in your hands

[@carolmelancon]

"Indiana Jones" captures the spirit perfectly!

[@Capetown2233]

Lamy

[@Vot63]

"Vegetable" tanned leather is preserved by being submerged for months in water infused with bark. The hide is saturated with tannin from the bark, but the hide retains its natural fats and oils. Veg tanned leather should be full (not "top") grain; that means the finished surface of the leather item is the natural outer layer of the animal skin. Veg tan is heavier, and supple, but less "floppy" than chrome tan and has a waxy feel to it. Veg tan will acquire a patina and will age with character becoming more beautiful with use and abuse. Chrome tanned leather, which is much cheaper and constitutes almost all modern leather production, is hides preserved by tumbling them in drums of chemical salts; a process that destroys the natural oils and fats in the hide and leaves a limpid, lifeless product that most often has to be given an artificial finish after the hides have been abused by this process called "top grain", or "grain corrected". It is limp, will not age, will not develop a patina, is much weaker than naturally tanned leather and is much less beautiful. The difference between veg tan and chrome tan is like the difference between grass fed beef cut by a master butcher and a mechanically reclaimed meat patty.

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you for that very thorough explanation! -Brian Goulet

[@MacChick3]

Also keep in mind that veg tanned leather products can sometimes arrive with a horrendous smell which is not from the leather, but the use of rubber in the process of manufacturing the item. When this horrid smell goes away, the natural oils still in a veg tanned leather will start giving you that beautiful "leather" smell you've been waiting for, and that smell will last for as long as there are still oils in the leather... decades or longer if you treat the leather right. It's worth it every few years to take all the journals out, lightly clean the journal with saddle soap, and give it a drink with Neatsfoot oil... (work it in well with your hands, and don't add the paper back until the journal has air-dried thoroughly).

[@ManuelaMelton]

Wow. Interesting! I thought it was just polished with vegetable-based oils! Thank you for taking the time to type this!

[@ManuelaMelton]

Michelle Ciccariello thanks for pointing this out. The complaints about the chemical smell is one of the reasons I was wary about purchasing a Midori.

[@colinmurphy2214]

Limpid means see-through

"most people wouldnt use a Lamy 2000 and carry it around in a notebook"............*removes Lamy 2000 from my notebook" :)

[@Gouletpens]

+Gabháin Briain Well you're one of the unique ones then! - Colin

[@MisterCross]

Classic.

[@Bhethar]

That’s like the coolest notebook I ever saw! That really looks what a detective or archaeologist would bring around. Just fantastic!

[@theupsetter8874]

Detective here. I definitely carry one around

[@arapaimagold8088]

Wait till you hear the price for the Prada limited edition...

[@brainsqueegee2]

What is this money pit obsession hole I have fallen down?

[@1775Dreamer]

Just wait until you find the Midori groups on Facebook, and discover the "faux-dori" community--people who are making improved versions of the Midori that have 4 loops inside and wider spines for holding moor inserts, and all the after-market manufacturers of inserts. Midori notebooks are like a cult. It is a VERY deep rabbit hole, and you can get some beautiful books made from leather in pretty much every color of the rainbow...

[@pheapchin]

Money Pit Obsession? You mean any hobby that involves, pens or paper?

[@wildbill23c]

Well any hobby in general is usually a money pit LOL.

[@crmcsys1214]

Please make room for me.

[@kennedyjones9522]

I call it “the fountain hole” or also known as “divorce because I spent the joint account on five pens”

[@Rivercat0338]

This was extremely helpful. While there are tons of "how I use my Midori" videos floating around, none seem to show the basics of how the system works. Thanks!

[@That_Girl_7_11]

You don't have to cut the elastic,.. you can pry the clip at the top that holds the elastic in place with a screwdriver,.. and then hit it back together with a hammer when you're done!

[@kguy123456]

(continued Japanese translation)... This might result in color migration and/or change. Also, please note that we did not apply much surface treatment to the notebook's leather, to make the most of its texture. This means the leather can easily get blemished when you start using it. Yet the longer you use the notebook, the leather gains more gloss and "character". As this process goes on, the blemishes become less noticeable. (continued)

[@kingdenny6334]

still the best AND most informative company ive come across for fountain pens and the like!

[@princessj658]

2018 this video is still relevant. Thank you for all you do.

[@RyuichiSakuma13]

I just received my blue passport sized one with the pen loop, zippered pocket and the lined notebook today! Thank you @The Goulet Pen Company!

[@PatelP0werJR]

2k19

[@Argyili]

And 2020... Trying to decide between the Midori and Paper Republic... 🤔

[@greysonosterberg7101]

@@Argyili 2021 I bought the small version for about $20 from q company called September leather on Amazon

[@digitaljester]

I bought this notebook from you because you took the time to make this informative video. Thank you.

[@markos741]

This s one of e most beautiful notebooks I've seen. Great job by Brian searching and selecting always great stuff for us. I'm definitely getting this one. Thumbs up!

[@justinyu7754]

your video made me buy a passport version of this.. thank you for your exhaustive efforts in covering quite possibly every single aspect of this product! Great job!

[@RhomanysRealm]

Thanks to this awesome walk through I made my own 'fauxdori' large (using handmade pamphlet book) and Passport (using moleskine volant pockets) - and I love them SO much I'm going to ask for the large one as my Christmas & Birthday present. Thank you for such a detailed explanation, especially including the sizes. This really helped me make my prototype and realise that it is the perfect size for what I want it for.

[@Richarditong]

Brian, I just wanna let you know that I always dance to your intro music.

[@judeballado]

Me too!

[@armyyharmyyh932]

Jude Ballado hgsgggsvsvdhfjfbdb

[@Gouletpens]

It really is, the best I've seen with a cover like this. I get the hype, now.

[@Gouletpens]

That's cool! You're very welcome...I was thrilled to acquire this brand and get to make such a comprehesive video. I'd read about this notebook so much online but never had a really clear understanding of how it worked until I got it in my own hands. I knew that it was just crying out for a great video, and I think I got across just about everything you'd need to know to learn about the Traveler's Notebook. That's great you found it so helpful!

[@cherylynn927]

White ink looks really good on the craft paper!

[@MeM9424]

Informative review, particularly about adding extra notebooks. Thank you!

[@LeilaAMMartin]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for explaining these from the cover up. I saw so many "how I am using" videos, but of notebooks that were already put together, and I had no idea how to get all those notebooks in there in the first place! Nice job, as always. :)

[@Gouletpens]

Leila A. M. Martin Thanks! I didn't really 'get' how these things worked until I got one in my hands, and now that I have it I love it and have been carrying it for 2 years :) -Brian Goulet

[@user-rs5gt4sz9o]

.ㅅ ㅅ ㄴᆞ

[@Romi_500]

Excellent video. You were very thorough and i really appreciate that.

[@luckymiller9638]

I really liked how you explained how to assemble the notebooks. You really explained it well, I am new to this and really want to start journaling so this system would really fit the bill...thank you

[@Gouletpens]

***** you're welcome! It was a mystery to me until I got one in my hands. I was bound and determined to figure out a way to shoot a useful video explaining how this thing works. -Brian Goulet

[@YAYAYOYOY32]

Good lucky miller get into good habits -zerkury 11 yrs old

[@Gouletpens]

That's cool, this notebook seems to be pretty universally awesome.

[@Gouletpens]

I know we were the first to carry Banditapple (we've had them probably 9 months or so now), others may have picked up the brand by now but perhaps not. It's true that the Handy does fit in the MTN perfectly. I planned to mention this in a future video, but I wanted to keep this one all-Midori since I am an official retailer and thought it appropriate to keep my focus solely on the Midori system, at least for this overview video.

[@Manhattan966]

Thanks so much for this- it has helped me a lot!

[@Gouletpens]

Awesome, thanks for lending your experience here ;)

[@Gouletpens]

I didn't even think of trying that! That's smart, I'll have to consider doing that for myself.

[@TherealKavcar]

Great video, thanks so much for sharing.

[@LittleGidget1]

I love how you guys are so informed with writing tools. I have the pen I swiped from my local bank.lol

[@dawncfoster7698]

So great. I thought I was the only geek about all this stuff. Cool

[@kguy123456]

That page in Japanese says the following: The TRAVELER'S notebook is finished with a natural dyeing method, to make the most of its leather's natural texture. Yet this can result in some color migration caused by friction or wetness. Especially, when the notebook gets wet with rain or sweat, its color might move on to your clothes or bag. Please be careful in handling the notebook. (continued)

[@TraceyGuilliams]

Thanks for information. My husband got me one for Christmas and this helped me!

[@Gouletpens]

Tracey Guilliams awesome! What a nice hubby :) -Brian Goulet

[@u-8743]

You sold me on this. I will be ordering a notebook and some accessories tonight.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks! We'll be a reliable source once we get restocked ;) We're pretty well cleaned out of our initial shipment! We didn't order the MD notebooks at first because we weren't sure how the paper was, but it's some pretty good stuff so we've already ordered the standalone notebooks. You'll see those offered soon.

[@DisillusionedAcronym]

thanks for the review and explanation. i thought you did a great job cover it and its options.

[@Else313]

Really great video...now I want to get one! Hope you carry all the other cool Midori products for this notebook, and maybe some of their other stuff, too. Thanks!

[@barnabybumble1872]

I'm not crazy about these notebooks, but this is a very helpful explanation of how all the options fit together.

[@BrandochGarage]

Long, long, long before I got into pens, I used to have this notebook problem... Every project deserved a new notebook!

[@Gouletpens]

They're definitely cool!

[@Vicarium]

Just picked up the passport size at Tokyu Hands in Yokohama last week. Awesome system and even here in Japan, I got a lot of positive comments ranging from "Indiana Jones" to "classic styling". I put an old passport strapped to my new passport and 2 separate notebooks (open weekly planner and the stock sheets) and it still closes perfectly. The pen holder is perfection. Thanks for the heads up!

[@TheJane7979]

My sister is traveling in Japan and I asked her to get me one today!LOL!I'm so excited!!

[@UncleJoe3224]

Hi Brian, I just placed my first order with your company for Midori Traveler's Notebook paper, standard size. I live in Peabody, MA and you shipped it last week. I have to say Great Customer Service! Package arrived on time as estimated and all was in order. I look forward to doing more business with you in the very near future. Thanks Again...Joe

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks, I try to be! I knew I wouldn't be able to cover everything in full detail here and I did leave out a couple of things, but all-in-all, I'm pleased with everything I covered. I have a feeling I'll be doing follow-up videos soon, though :)

[@methylethyldeth]

Nice system. Fortunately I do a lot of crafting so I have enough leather to make one of these. Thanks for showing everything that comes with the system. You have great videos!

[@Gouletpens]

methylethyldeth Very cool! You could certainly make a similar thing, I've seen a lot of folks do that. Glad you like my vids! -Brian Goulet

[@Gouletpens]

Perforation is when there are a series of holes or cuts made in a piece of paper (usually along the inside close to the binding) that allow you to easily and cleanly tear out the sheet if you so desire. I mention microperforation in the video, and that's the same concept, just with even smaller cuts that make it so that the edge looks even cleaner (this is what Rhodia/Clairefontaine staplebound notebooks have).

[@young-squeezy]

Very well done review. I like the insights you shared and I am definitely looking to get the Blue Edition Notebook myself soon!

[@Gouletpens]

iammkkwon We're excited to get them in later this Spring! -Margaret

[@fernandachristensengama5245]

Congrats! You're quite a bright spokesman and did a real homework before filming! That's really rare among others YTers.

[@maigrace]

Thanks for the review. I am looking at the Midori for my husband, who is a minimalist so this just may be perfect for him.

[@Gouletpens]

+Mai Grace Hunter It's a really functional notebook. And makes a great gift! -Margaret

[@kirstenjones5085]

Amazing !!

[@jude1515]

I just purchased the passport size notebook and I love it!

[@armandcordova44]

Hi Brian, Thanks for explaining the Midori Traveler's Notebook and how to use it very well. After watching your you tube video, I ordered a passport size and some accessories from Amazon immediately. Can't wait to get the notebook so I can start using it. Cheers, Armando Cordova from Vancouver, BC, Canada.

[@Gouletpens]

Armand Cordova Hi there! Glad to hear you found the review helpful. If you ever need additional accessories in the future, you can find the Midori line for sale on our website here: www.gouletpens.com/midori/c/203 :) -Margaret

[@kayleymeredith8270]

The very thin paper is probably Tomoe River paper. It's a dream to write on with a fountain pen! I have it in my notebook and in regular writing paper size. Love it!

[@kayleymeredith8270]

I changed my mind about this. I just got out a piece of my own Tomoe River and tested it with various nibs and inks because I couldn't remember it ghosting that much. It doesn't. The only time I got even a hint of ghosting was when I colored in a swatch really wetly. So I think it's the Midori refill #13 lightweight.

[@slane_design]

Thanks for testing their paper! There are a million TN videos but no-one tests the paper! You rock!

[@Gouletpens]

You're welcome! This is a good one, I'm excited to be able to offer these for sure.

[@Z4KJ0N3S]

I definitely thought that, then I bought it. Worth it.

[@seriouslyinsanediva]

great review! very useful. I would like to see even more ways of using them

[@TheNo85307]

I just got one! Amazing...just amazing. I'm a writer, so this is like holy grail to me. Honestly, it's expensive for me. But I don't think of it as an expensive thing. Because with pen and paper, you can do everything you want. I used Paperblanks. Really lovely journal. But if you finish one, you have to buy another and then all over and over again. With Midori all you need to do is buy new refill. I hope this Midori will last me ages.

[@Rabixter]

In the large midori (actually I use a ZLYC brand) you can fit 4 notebooks quite comfortably without any inserts sticking out. This way I feel you can maximise the variety of notebooks inside and have that firm and chunky feel. However, I believe the ZLYC is slightly wider than the original midori so it accommodates for that extra insert without allowing it to stick out.

[@myPursesuitOfHappiness]

Great video. Very informative. Thanks!

[@Gouletpens]

You're welcome! -Brian Goulet

[@Gouletpens]

Awesome! That's great to hear :)

[@Gouletpens]

That's pretty cool!

[@kshirsagar45]

Thanks Brian!

[@holgerferoudj]

Been using my big midori Traveler's for 3 years now and it's still by far the best in terms of notebooks that I've ever seen around (and I see a LOT of different things here in Tokyo). The way you can combine different notebooks and "hang ins" to truly customize it to just what you need, the awesome paper quality that's a heaven for fountain pen users, and the binders that are made for archiving your used notebooks (not shown in the video) makes this perfect for me. After 3 years daily use he leather cover is pretty worn down, but that only gives it more character. Besides from the Traveler's notebook midori paper is also my choice for writing letters etc; I simply haven't found any better yet. Highly recommended!

[@Gouletpens]

That's awesome to hear. I wish I'd thought to mention that when I filmed my video! It's okay, I put an annotation on the video so it will at least mention it around the time I'm covering the part about the pockets. I appreciate the tip :)

[@rleegs]

Thanks for the extensive video. Basically everything I needed to know, would’ve been nice if you featured the standard size since that’s what most people would buy. Anyhow, great review!

[@stephanieinspired1151]

Nicely done, Indiana! 👍

[@Gouletpens]

It's not $50 for a notebook, really. It's $50 for a nice piece of leather that holds notebooks. I honestly thought the same thing before I got one, and now that I have it, I'm really glad that I do. It's not easy to bite that bullet, but once you do it's like you wished you hadn't waited so long....but I sell them so I'm biased! Seriously though, there is a cult following of this notebook for a reason, look at what others say about them, not just me.

[@deadman1017]

First

[@arapaimagold8088]

People complaining about the price of the cover. And yet they buy the ultra expensive full year Hobonichi🤣

[@emiseverything]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Gouletpens]

Interesting...I tried putting a notebook inside the second strap (the loop-back part of the elastic), but it was really tight and I didn't want to force it. But if it fits, then great! I'll have to play around with it some more, and maybe it'll warrant a separate video, just showing the different configurations of notebooks that can be done.

[@Leodis.Leather]

Does the closure elastic not make an annoying lump in the middle of the back pages when you're writing due to the knot?

[@dbalotin]

Same doubt here...

[@dlwatib]

If it bothers you too much you could take an awl and make a hole in the cover closer to the spine and put the cord through the new hole. That would put the knot in a less noticeable spot.

[@vw9502]

@@dbalotin Am wondering the same thing here.

[@Gouletpens]

They're similar, at least the leather cover is. The Midori is a whole system though, and has some pretty awesome accessories and stuff. I haven't compared the paper in the two notebooks yet.

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, they went fast. But I'm getting more in on Friday (22nd), and I'm stocking up this time!

[@Subo23]

Great book to take on the Camino

[@amirjsi]

Great video, Brian. Finally a reliable source to buy these from! Next step: Midori MD notebooks. :-)

[@Gouletpens]

The smaller Banditapple notebooks (called the Peewee) is actually just a bit too tall to fit in the MTN Passport. I got your video and haven't had the change to watch it yet, but I definitely will. Thanks for all of the awesome MTN links you sent me too, I knew there was a loyal following of these notebooks and it's great to be able to see where people are already talking about them! I really appreciate that.

[@CMLounsbury]

Instead of putting an extra band through the two additional books around one book, you can put the band around the outside of the one book's spine/the attached elastic, and essentially end up with two elastics on either side, and add the extra notebooks/accessories the same way you did the first.

[@dianajones2441]

Nice video, I've seen a lot of Midori videos out there, lots of people love them. I am glad to see a man's point of view and with the fountain pen. I am just getting into journaling and fountain pens. I have bought so many different types of Journals that I probably have enough to do me the rest of my life. I have to try not to do that with fountain pens.

[@maurrihess]

Grrrrreat video !

[@TracyReinhardt]

It works well, I've had my original set of stickers for well over a year now and they are still on. When you put them on it doesn't 'feel' permanent and you can get them off but... they stay on well even with use. I put the stickers on and left them unfilled for a few hours before putting anything in them - I don't know if it's necessary but I thought maybe it would have a more solid stick that way.

[@Gouletpens]

That's smart...I'm not a lefty so I'm not sure how it will work, but it's good to test it before investing in the leather. The paper is really good, but is pretty ink resistant and would have a longer dry time than some others out there. If you're interested in the Regular size, the Banditapple Handy notebook does fit it, and that paper is more absorbent than Midori's. Might be an option for a lefty if potential smearing is an issue.

[@Gouletpens]

Cool, I'll check that out! I was wondering if the pockets would stick to the leather, that's awesome to hear that it does!

[@Gouletpens]

How nice of you to offer to take them ;) :P

[@Unclejoe420]

You can still use the shorter part of the internal band (that is fitted in the book) to add refills to the Midori - and that's before you add even more with the additional bands!

[@antandant]

it's just a note book yet it's very perfect

[@Gouletpens]

antandant right? -Brian Goulet

[@CarlosVega-xi5rd]

Wow, perfect way to explain to anyone how I feel about my midori notebook! I’m going to post a picture of it with that as my caption :)

[@Drakaji]

This looks like an excellent notebook, and I am familiar with the paper they use. I picked up Midori's "Memorandum Card" from a Monk Office up here in Canada. Strongly considering one of these now! (Like I need more paper and office supplies…)

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks! I wholeheartedly agree (about the notebook...I'm not just patting myself on the back for the video, haha!)

[@takif1001]

Soo getting this

[@Gouletpens]

That could very well be, it's a royalty-free song from Apple, so you might see it used elsewhere. I know I've watched How I Met Your Mother and they've used at least a dozen different Apple jingles!

[@Gouletpens]

Probably! I'm sure there are others around that would fit.

[@bikkies]

I know this is an old video but I found that Tomoe River 52 gsm is one of the choices for the large refill. I don't have a leather cover, but instead I bought several of those T/R refills on their own. They are sturdy enough to use as freestanding books for things like ink sampling, and are a far cheaper option for so many sheets of T/R than buying a more conventional T/R notebook, provided you don't mind the weird page dimensions, which I don't. I have one such refill dedicated to just sheeners and shimmerers, with enough pages of a decent size & excellent quality to really heap on the swabs. As for the notebook system overall I don't actually have a strong need for all these impressive features. I can just use a normal Leuchtturm or similar for journalling. For me, the Traveller's offering would be an expensive solution looking for a problem. However I completely see why others love the whole system.

[@Gouletpens]

That's good to know...it smells different than any other leather I've smelled, it's rather strong but wears away quickly.

[@Gouletpens]

I'm going to have the full line, but I got backordered on a bunch of stuff so I don't have it all in yet.

[@Gouletpens]

Really glossy, interesting! I actually have a pair of Red Wing boots I recently bought that is very close in color to the brown MTN...I know I'm supposed to oil my boots every month to keep the leather conditioned, I am willing to get if I do the same with the MTN it would keep it looking new longer. Not that I necessarily want it to stay looking new, though ;)

[@Gouletpens]

This Friday, the 22nd!

[@Gouletpens]

Haha...well, it's not affiliated or anything, it just has that kind of adventurous/world traveler kind of vibe to it. If I was going on some kind of exotic excursion, I would definitely take one of these.

[@pc4n62004]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Very informative. Will you be doing one for the A5 size? That is the size I like. Please also cover the accessories for the A5, including the pen loop.