Best Tactical Notebook 2020

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Battle Board Tactical Notebook Holder Scout (Multicam)

Let’s look at tactical notebooks.

What’s a tactical notebook?

It’s a tough notebook made for field use – like in the mud, rain, or desert heat.

And to use a tactical or field notebook – you’d better have a tough pen too.

Here’s the products we are going to cover today.

Features of the Best Tactical Notebook

First of all, most of these will have a “window” or protective polycarbonate sleeve for displaying maps and checklists through the cover of the notebook.

And because it is a notebook – you will be writing with a pen, pencil, dry erase marker, or grease pencil – so look for elastic pen loops – to secure all those writing instruments.

Also handy is having a mesh pocket – so you can keep track of loose items.

Convenient sizing – most will fit in a cargo pocket.

These will also fit in the admin pouch, sleeve, or pocket on a such as the Crye JPC.

Tough tactical or field notebooks are great for hikers, search and rescue personnel, hunters, squad leaders, and smokejumpers.

Also great for LEOs – who have to write things in all weather conditions.

Battle Board Scout

The Battle Board Scout (Buy on Amazon) is our top pick for best tactical notebook.

Let’s take a look.

Battle Board Tactical Notebook Holder Scout (Multicam)

Available in 2 sizes – the small (6″ X 8″) will fits up to a 4 ⅝” x 7 ¼” notebook.

This includes most Rite-In-The-Rain notebooks – such as the Rite in the Rain No.980 Field Notebook (Buy on Amazon).

Battle Board Tactical Notebook Holder Scout (Multicam)

The medium size (7″ X 9″) will fit up to a 5 ½” x 8 ½” notebook.

The medium will fit a common green leader’s book, moleskin notebooks, and Rite-In-The-Rain notebooks.

Battle Board Tactical Notebook Holder Scout (Multicam)

And, plenty of elastic loops for pens and writing instruments.

There are 7 pen loops. You can store 3 sharpies, one pencil, and two pens.

You could also store a small chemlight or ferro rod – or other similar item.

Battle Board Tactical Notebook Holder Scout (Multicam)

Here’s a video review of the Battle Board Scout (not my video):

Rite-In-The-Rain Notebooks

The Rite In The Rain Weatherproof Tactical Field Notebook (No. 980) (Buy on Amazon) will work great with the Battle Board Scout.

This is the 980 model – so it is 4 5/8″ x 7″ in size.

Rite In The Rain Weatherproof Tactical Field Notebook, 4 5/8" x 7", Green Cover, Universal Pattern with Reference Materials (No. 980)

There is a set of standard reference materials included too.

Rite In The Rain Weatherproof Tactical Field Notebook, 4 5/8" x 7", Green Cover, Universal Pattern with Reference Materials (No. 980)

Let’s look at all weather pens to go with these all weather notebooks.

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Durable Clicker Pen

You’ll need a pen too, so we recommend the Rite in the Rain All-WeatherClicker Pen (Buy on Amazon).

These write in any weather conditions…

They use a pressurized cartridge with proprietary ink – so they will even write under water – or in extreme cold.

Once the ink cartridge is done, you can easily replace with a Rite in the Rain Refill.

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Durable Clicker Pen - Black Ink (No. 93K)

That pressurized cartridge also means these will write at any angle – including upside down.

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Durable Clicker Pen - Black Ink (No. 93K)

That Rite in the Rain Clicker Pen is nice – but it’s cheap.

Let’s look at a more durable writing option.

Fisher Space Pen Military Cap-O-Matic

For a step up in pen quality go for the Fisher Space Pen Military Cap-O-Matic (Buy on Amazon).

All the same great features – write in any weather, any angle, and any temperature.

Pressurized with nitrogen gas – it also requires proprietary ink (“thixotropic” ink). This is to ensure the nitrogen gas doesn’t escape.

The difference is this one is made in the USA, and has a lifetime warranty.

It is also made with brass and steel, not plastic.

The matte black finish ensures it’ll match up with most military gear.

Fisher Space Pen Non-Reflective Military Cap-O-Matic Space Pen, Matte Black (M4B)

Simple and Good: Moleskin Notebook

Sometimes simple is best.

The Moleskin Notebook (Buy on Amazon) is simple, rugged, and will get the job done.

It’s not waterproof or anything like that, but it is cheap and it works.

We’d recommend the “Pocket sized” version, but there is a larger one available as well.

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Pocket (3.5" x 5.5") Ruled/Lined, Black

You can pair that up with a simple, but good, pen like the Onyx Uniball Micro-Point Pen (Buy on Amazon).

The micro-point (.5mm) ensures a nice, small point for legible writing, diagrams, and more.

These are available in a 12 pack, and are dirt cheap.

But they are good, too.

uni-ball ONYX Rollerball Pen, Micro Point (0.5mm), Black, 12 Count

Best Tactical Notebook – In Summary

Get a Rite in the Rain field notebook and add a pouch or organizer to keep it secure , along with your preferred writing instrument.

Once you get a tactical notebook – you’ll need something to write on it with.

An all-weather pen or tactical pen might be a good option for you.

Battle Board Tactical Notebook Holder Scout (Multicam)

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API