Description
I worked with my store team and nature journalers in our community to design and thoroughly field test my Custom Nature Journaling Bag, and I am thrilled with the results. This bag is lightweight, makes my journaling supplies easy to organize and grab, and it stands up to the rigors of fieldwork. Available only in my store, this bag is made in the USA for the Naturalist Store by Flowfold, a Maine-based company that makes top quality gear that is light, strong, and durable.
Available in Olive Green or Navy Blue
Here is a video where I discuss why I like having a shoulder bag for journaling in general and give a brief tour of the features of this bag in particular.
FEATURES:
- Super lightweight, durable, and water-resistant fabric called X-Pac™, a woven, multilayer composite material that uses sailcloth technology for superior abrasion, water, and tear resistance.
- Semi-stiff fabric holds its shape so the bag can stand on its own
- Quick access zip-top closure with water-resistant zipper
- Light-colored interior fabric makes things easy to find
- Front outer pocket with water-resistant zipper
- Back slash pocket, great for quick access items such as your journal
- Three interior pockets to help keep your journaling tools organized
- Two outer side pockets, one with elastic–perfect to hold your water bottle
- Comfortable, adjustable, and detachable shoulder strap
- Custom woven label featuring my original art
- Reinforced bottom panel
SPECS:
- Height: 13 inches (33cm)
- Width: 11.5 inches (29cm)
- Depth: 3.5 inches (9cm)
- Weight: Only 12oz (really!)
- Front pocket: 8 x 8 inches
- Back outer slash pocket: 10.5 wide x 8 inches deep
- Interior pocket (inside back): 10.5 wide x 8 inches deep
- Interior pockets (inside front): Two 5 inch wide x 8 inch deep pockets
- Outer side pocket: 3.5 inches wide x 7 inches deep
- Outer side water bottle pocket: 3.5 inches wide x 7 inches deep (fits standard size Kleen Kanteen bottle)
CARE
- Brush or rinse off mud and dirt.
- Spot clean using a sponge with mild soap and hang to dry.
- Do not use bleach, solvents, or other harsh chemicals.
About Flowfold
Flowfold is a Maine-based company that makes top quality gear that is lighter, stronger, and lasts longer. Flowfold is dedicated to three foundational principles: sustainable and durable materials, quality craftsmanship, and making all of their products in the USA. More than 33 percent of their materials are recycled, and almost all of them are sourced locally. They also manufacture all products in the USA, which decreases the need for non-renewable resources needed to transport raw materials and reduces pollution involved with container shipping.
Tonya (verified owner) –
I looked at this bag a long time before purchasing, but I shouldn’t have waited – it’s amazing! As a longtime backpacker, I didn’t think I’d like the transition to a shoulder bag, but I wanted to keep sketching supplies closer at hand. I shouldn’t have worried – this bag is so lightweight that it’s almost like it isn’t even there, and the organization is perfect! This bag quickly became my EDC that holds everything I need (nearly; I also wear a chest pack for my binos when needed) for day trips to town, impromptu nature observations, and hiking and sketching around our area and land. It’s a combo purse and sketching kit for me which is wonderful! I’m sketching so much more frequently now that I have it. The olive/black color is fantastic and doesn’t make me look like a tourist lol. Probably the only drawbacks are that the shoulder strap needs to soften or have a pad added, especially when wearing over a tank top etc, and the fabric is a bit noisy. Probably due to the waterproofing. I’m planning to upgrade the shoulder strap and just deal with the slightly noisy fabric – it’s not a biggie. Thanks, Jack, for the awesome setup!
Bea Martin –
The bag arrived yesterday, and it is everything I was hoping it would be for my adventures sketching outdoors. It is so well-thought out! It has enough compartments of different sizes that I can carry my materials and find everything easily without being bulky or uncomfortable to carry. But also, the quality of the fabric, zippers and strap webbing is superb. The embroidered patch is such a nice touch! On the nerdy side, I also love the sound and touch of the fabric.
Jaci Engel –
I like this bag. I kayak daily (except when the water freezes over) and have started taking my journal with me. This bag holds my journal, pens, colored pencils, binoculars, phone, and importantly my insulated coffee mug. Sometimes I stash my jacket in the outside pocket. It keeps everything dry from dripping paddles. I should be the official zipper tester because I zip/unzip the bag multiple times each day (zip to keep dry, unzip to sketch). So far it’s held up.
Sherl Rose (verified owner) –
I love this bag. It is well made, light, and large enough to carry my basic journaling supplies and more. The shoulder strap is comfortable and easy to adjust. I highly recommend this bag.
paige parks (verified owner) –
This is a wonderful bag! I travel frequently between home and cabin and nature journal both places. This bag allows me to have my nature journal supplies in a compact place and then my field guides and extra supplies go in another larger bag. I can easily pack this up for the cabin or to move to my sunroom at home. (It will go nicely in our camper some spring also.) It holds my John Muir Laws custom palette, as well as my larger journal, magnifying glass, brushes and markers, etc…. The design is amazing with the pockets and the sturdiness of the bag. It zips up easily when filled and goes nicely over the shoulder.
Mary Jo Tedesco –
This new bag is terrific! It is well designed for those of us who sometimes have a difficult time leaving our favorite supplies behind. I am able to organize everything that I need with the help of all of the pockets and the patch is a great reminder of why we are out there. It is also very sturdy and well made. I would recommend it to any of my outdoor sketching friends!