I have been a long-time fan of Lochby notebooks, particularly their Field Journal and Pocket 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 are just a little too big to carry in a pants pocket comfortably.
Enter the Lochby Sidekick—a smaller, more compact notebook that promises true 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 is a game-changer for anyone who needs a durable, portable, and functional notebook.
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Why I Needed a More Compact Notebook
My Lochby Pocket Journal has been my trusted companion for a long time. It fits perfectly in my bag or jacket pocket, but it is slightly too large for my pants pocket. That meant I sometimes left it behind, which defeated the purpose of an everyday carry notebook.
When I heard about the Lochby Sidekick, I was intrigued. It was designed to be smaller, slimmer, and more portable, making it a true 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
The Sidekick is noticeably smaller than the Pocket Journal, making it perfect 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 the size of the notebooks each holds.
- The Pocket Journal fits Field Notes-sized notebooks (A6).
- The Sidekick requires a smaller A7-sized notebook.
At first, I was disappointed that Field Notes would not fit, but after testing a few A7 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 most brilliant features of the Sidekick is its pen 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 the Pilot 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
The Sidekick allowed 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 prefer Field 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 the Lochby Sidekick daily 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.
The Pocket Journal will still stay in my bag for longer notes and journaling, but the Sidekick 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, the Lochby 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 finding the 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 say this is one of my best notebook purchases.
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