TRAVELER'S notebook Camel Review: The Leather Journal That Grows With You (2025)

Most leather journals are overpriced fashion statements that fall apart after a few months. Here's why the TRAVELER'S notebook is different.

This isn't just another notebook; it's a system, a philosophy, and a companion that grows richer with every scratch, scuff, and journey undertaken. Our TRAVELER'S notebook Camel review dives into the enduring appeal of this iconic leather journal, exploring its design, functionality, and whether it lives up to the hype as the ultimate portable creative and organizational tool. If you're searching for the best refillable leather journal for travel or a versatile notebook system that adapts to your life, read on.

What Exactly Is the TRAVELER'S notebook?

At its core, the TRAVELER'S notebook is elegantly simple. It consists of a single piece of high-quality leather, cut to size and folded, with an elastic band threaded through the spine to hold interchangeable notebook inserts. Another elastic band wraps around the outside to keep the notebook closed. This minimalist design, handcrafted in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a deliberate choice, emphasizing functionality and allowing the natural beauty and durability of the leather to take center stage. The camel color, in particular, is beloved for how gracefully it ages, darkening and developing a unique patina that tells the story of its use. This simple structure is the foundation of a surprisingly versatile system, allowing users to customize their notebook to an incredible degree by adding various refills and accessories. The regular size dimensions (9"" H x 5.7"" W) make it similar to A5 size but with a slimmer width, making it easy to carry while still being practical for writing. You can even insert maps, tickets, and three-folded A4 sized papers inside.

Quality, Materials, and the Refill Ecosystem

The heart of the TRAVELER'S notebook system lies in the quality of its components and the vast array of options available to personalize it. The leather cover is naturally dyed without excessive surface treatment to bring out its natural texture. Due to the nature of leather material, the color, texture, and thickness of each item varies slightly, with small scratches and wrinkles that add to its character rather than detract from it. The included notebook refill features MD paper, carefully crafted in Japan. This paper is legendary among stationery enthusiasts for its smooth writing surface and remarkable resistance to feathering and bleed-through, ensuring the highest comfort in writing and making it exceptionally fountain pen friendly. The included refill is blank with 64 pages and measures 9"" H x 5"" W x 0.15"" D.

Beyond the standard blank insert, TRAVELER'S COMPANY offers a wide ecosystem of refills including lined, grid, dot grid, lightweight, sketch, and even watercolor paper, alongside various diary and planner formats. Customization extends to accessories like zipper cases for storing small items, pockets, and various specialized refills. This modularity ensures that the notebook can truly become a personalized hub for notes, plans, sketches, and mementos.

The Philosophy Behind the Design

Since the birth of TRAVELER'S notebook in 2006, TRAVELER'S COMPANY has continued to design products that help transform every day into a journey. The simple design isn't accidental but intentional, made specifically so people can customize it the way they want. The roughly cut leather with the attached rubber band and clasp made of tin creates an appealing yet functional and customizable foundation. Users can attach charms through the band, paste favorite stickers on the cover, and express themselves through customization. The more you use this notebook, the more the color and texture of the leather cover becomes profound, with your personality reflected directly on the notebook through this natural aging process.

Specifications and What's Included

• Package dimensions: 9"" H x 5.7"" W x 0.6"" D
• Leather cover: 9"" H x 5.7"" W, made in Thailand
• Notebook refill: 9"" H x 5"" W x 0.15"" D, blank, 64 pages, MD Paper (saddle stitched), made in Japan
• Cotton bag: 10"" H x 6"" W
• Spare rubber band (green)
• Price: $55.00

Pros and Cons of the TRAVELER'S notebook

Here's an honest assessment of this leather journal system:

• ✅ Pro: Exceptional durability with thick leather cover built to last for years and withstand rough handling
• ✅ Pro: High-quality MD paper that's excellent for writing with all types of pens, especially fountain pens
• ✅ Pro: Unparalleled customization through the refill system allows you to tailor the notebook precisely to your needs
• ✅ Pro: Beautiful aging process where the leather develops a unique and appealing patina over time
• ✅ Pro: Portable and versatile with slim profile that makes it easy to carry, adaptable for travel, journaling, and planning
• ✅ Pro: Can accommodate maps, tickets, and folded A4 papers for travel documentation
• ✅ Pro: Handcrafted quality with natural leather variations that add character
• 🟡 Con: Regular size format might not suit everyone, particularly for expansive writing or drawing
• 🟡 Con: Can become bulky when adding many refills or thick accessories
• 🟡 Con: Natural leather variations mean each notebook looks slightly different
• 🟡 Con: Elastic bands may stretch over extensive use and require replacement
• 🟡 Con: Premium price point at $55 for the starter kit

Who Should Embark on This Journey?

The TRAVELER'S notebook appeals to a specific kind of individual. It's ideal for:

• Travelers: Its durable nature and ability to hold maps, tickets, and different journal types make it a perfect travel companion
• Journalers and Writers: Those who appreciate the tactile experience of writing on quality MD paper and want a journal that ages with their thoughts
• Artists and Sketchers: With dedicated sketch and watercolor refills available, it becomes a portable creative studio
• Stationery Enthusiasts: People who value high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and the ability to customize their tools
• Individuals Seeking Personal Expression: Anyone who wants to customize their notebook with stickers, charms, and personal touches
• Those Embracing the Journey Philosophy: People who want to transform everyday life into an inspiring journey of discovery

Final Verdict: The TRAVELER'S notebook Camel Delivers on Its Promise

After spending time with the TRAVELER'S notebook in Camel, it's clear why this system has garnered such a devoted following since 2006. Its blend of simple, rugged design, high-quality materials like the aging camel leather and fountain pen friendly MD paper, and incredible modularity create a truly unique and enduring product. At $55, it represents a significant investment, but one that pays dividends through years of use and personalization.

The TRAVELER'S notebook solves the most frustrating problem with traditional journals: they're either too rigid or too flimsy to grow with your needs. The philosophy behind it, that every day can be transformed into a journey, resonates through its thoughtful design and customization options. While the regular size format might require adjustment for some users, the ability to customize it precisely to your needs for travel, daily journaling, sketching, or planning makes it exceptionally versatile.

If you value durability, quality craftsmanship, and want a journal that becomes uniquely yours through use and develops character over time, the investment is more than justified. The TRAVELER'S notebook isn't just a purchase; it's the beginning of a journey where your notebook becomes a reflection of your experiences, personality, and free spirit. For those seeking a companion that will age gracefully alongside their adventures and thoughts, the TRAVELER'S notebook Camel is an excellent choice that will serve as both functional tool and cherished artifact for years to come.