Lochby Sidekick Review: The Best Pocket Notebook for Everyday Carry?
I have been a long-time fan ofLochby notebooks, particularly theirField JournalandPocket Journal. These notebooks have been my go-to for journaling, taking notes on calls, and organizing my daily thoughts. But as much as I love them, they arejust a little too bigto carry in a pants pocket comfortably.
Enter theLochby Sidekick—a smaller, more compact notebook that promisestrue everyday carry (EDC) convenience. After using it daily for a few weeks, I can confidently say this is the best pocket notebook for everyday carry. It isa game-changerfor anyone who needs a durable, portable, and functional notebook.
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Why I Needed a More Compact Notebook
MyLochby Pocket Journalhas been my trusted companion for a long time. It fits perfectly in my bag or jacket pocket, but it isslightly too largefor my pants pocket. That meant I sometimes left it behind, which defeated the purpose of an everyday carry notebook.
When I heard about theLochby Sidekick, I was intrigued. It was designed to besmaller, slimmer, and more portable, making it atrue pocket-friendly notebook. I wanted something that could:
- Fit comfortably in my front or back pocket without feeling bulky.
- Hold a notebook and a pen securely without extra loops or attachments.
- Function as an expanded wallet for my business cards and essentials.
After a few weeks of daily use, here is my full Lochby Sidekick review.
Lochby Notebook Comparison: Lochby Sidekick vs. Lochby Pocket Journal
1. Size and Portability
TheSidekickis noticeably smaller than thePocket Journal, making itperfect for true company EDC notebook use.
- Fits easily in a pants pocket, shirt pocket, or jacket pocket.
- The slimmer design keeps everything compact without feeling bulky.
- More convenient to carry everywhere, unlike the slightly larger Pocket Journal.
2. Notebook Compatibility
One major difference in the Lochby notebook comparison is thesize of the notebookseach holds.
- ThePocket JournalfitsField Notes-sizednotebooks (A6).
- TheSidekickrequires a smallerA7-sized notebook.
At first, I was disappointed thatField Notes would not fit, but after testing a fewA7 notebooks, I found one that works perfectly. If you take lots of notes, expect to go through these smaller notebooks faster.
3. Built-In Pen Storage
One of the mostbrilliant featuresof theSidekickis itspen storage design. Unlike traditional pen loops that can be bulky or unreliable:
- The pen tucks securely inside the cover without sticking out.
- The notebook cover holds the pen in place when closed.
- It fits most slim pens like thePilot G2, Muji, Uni-Ball, or Fisher Space Pen.
This is a huge improvement over traditional pen loops, which often stretch out over time or make the notebook bulkier.
4. Expanding My Wallet with the Sidekick
One unexpected benefit of using the Sidekick was realizing it doubles as an expanded wallet.
For a long time, I used a minimalist wallet attached to my phone, which could only hold:
- Driver’s license
- Debit card
- One credit card
TheSidekickallowed me to expand my wallet to hold:
- Business cards
- My concealed carry card
- Extra cash
- Receipts or notes for later processing
Now, instead of carrying a wallet and a notebook, I just carry the Sidekick—making my everyday carry even more streamlined.
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What I Love About the Lochby Sidekick
The Lochby Sidekick is the Best pocket notebook for everyday carry because it offers the following features:
- Perfect size for true everyday carry, fitting easily in front or back pockets.
- Smart pen storage design that securely holds a pen without adding bulk.
- Doubles as an expanded wallet, carrying business cards, cash, and essentials.
- High-quality, durable materials that are rugged and water-resistant.
- Keeps everything compact and organized without unnecessary bulk.
A Few Downsides to Consider
While the Sidekick is nearly perfect, there are a couple of trade-offs:
- Smaller notebook size (A7). If you preferField Notes-sized notebooks, this may take some getting used to.
- Limited space for extra storage. Unlike the Pocket Journal, you cannot fit larger items like extra notebooks.
- Not ideal for heavy note-takers. You will go through A7 notebooks quickly if you take a lot of notes.
My Final Verdict: Is the Lochby Sidekick Worth It?
After carrying theLochby Sidekickdaily for the past few weeks, I can confidently say this is my new go-to pocket notebook. It checks all the boxes for what I need:
- Small enough for true EDC use.
- Holds a pen securely without extra loops.
- Functions as an extended wallet for business essentials.
- Built with high-quality materials that can withstand daily wear.
ThePocket Journalwill still stay in my bag for longer notes and journaling, but theSidekick is now my everyday companion. It is the perfect balance between portability and functionality.
If you are looking for a rugged, compact, and highly functional pocket notebook, theLochby Sidekick is a fantastic investment.
Where to Buy
I purchased my Sidekick with my own money and am not affiliated with Lochby (yet). However, I highly recommend checking out their products if you are serious about findingthe best EDC notebook.
If Lochby ever launches an affiliate program, I would love to offer a discount to my audience. Until then, I can confidently saythis is one of my best notebook purchases.
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