Trifold Leather Journal Explained: How It Works, Sizes and How to Fill It

A trifold leather journal is a refillable leather cover, usually in traveler’s notebook style, that holds three slim notebook inserts under elastic bands. It isn’t one sewn book. You keep the leather for years and change the paper whenever an insert fills up.

That’s the short answer. One thing to clear up first: a search for “trifold” also turns up trifold wallets. This post is about journals only.

What a trifold leather journal actually is

Picture a soft leather wrap that opens like a book. Inside, three elastic cords (or three slots) run down the spine. Each one holds a thin notebook. One for daily notes, one for sketches, one for tickets and receipts, say.

The format comes from the TRAVELER’S notebook, made by Traveler’s Company. It used to be sold under the Midori name, and the paper refills are made by Designphil in Japan. That’s why people say “travelers journal” and “trifold” for much the same thing.

How the inserts work

• Elastics: slide an insert’s centre page under a band and it’s held at the spine. Nothing is glued or stitched.
• Connector bands: one small rubber band joins two inserts, so a single elastic can carry more than one. Traveler’s Company has a setup guide for elastics, folders and pockets.
• How many? There’s no fixed number. Three is common. It depends on the elastics and how thick your inserts are. Too many and the paper sticks out past the cover and wears against the bands.

Trifold leather journal sizes

These figures come from Galen Leather’s size guide. They’re a maker’s guide, not official specs, so check your cover’s own listing before you buy refills.

You’ll also find covers in A6, B6, B6 Slim and B5. For its 20th anniversary, Traveler’s Company added a new Card Size (110 mm × 75 mm). It was due on 23 April 2026 but launched on 24 April 2026.

Trifold vs bifold vs a bound journal

• Trifold: three inserts. Good if you keep separate notebooks for separate things.
• Bifold: usually one or two inserts. Slimmer and lighter, with less to organise.
• Bound journal: one sewn block of paper. There’s nothing to set up. When it’s full, it’s finished, and it goes on the shelf as one whole record.

Refilling suits people who write a lot and want one cover that ages with them. A bound book suits people who like a set of finished volumes. Neither is better. We make both kinds of people happy here in the workshop. If you lean towards refills, see our refillable leather journals.

Why “travelers journal” searches are up

Google Trends showed “travelers journal” up 60% and “trifold leather journal” up 50% over 24 hours (data fetched 30 October 2026). Nobody has said exactly why. But the timing fits a few things:

• The TRAVELER’S notebook 2027 DIARY went on sale in the US and Canada on 19 October 2026. It went on sale in Japan earlier, on 10 September 2026, according to the official Japanese site. Limited-edition clear folders, plastic sheets and sticker sets came out with it.
• A free original leather tag came with official US shop orders over $75 from 19 October until noon on 23 October 2026. That offer has ended.
• Some items are already gone. On 1 November 2026, the official US diary shop listed the Regular Weekly + Memo diary and both 2027 clear folders as sold out. Every Passport starter kit was also out of stock. The limited accessories may not be restocked.
• Autumn is when people set up next year’s planner and start on holiday gifts.
• A cover you buy once and refill is a calm alternative to buying a new notebook every few months.

How to fill your trifold

1. Choose three jobs: a diary or planner, a free-writing notebook and a pocket folder for keepsakes.
2. Match the inserts to your cover size. This matters most for Regular, which isn’t A5.
3. Start with fewer inserts. Add one more with a connector band only once the leather has softened.
4. Keep finished inserts together in a box, labelled by year.

Buying one as a gift? A name on the cover turns it into something kept for life. Our personalised leather journals are engraved by hand here in Udaipur, and our travel journals are made for passports and long trips. We’re small on purpose, so allow time for shipping. Import duties depend on your country. You can see everything we make on our homepage.

Frequently asked questions

Will an A5 Moleskine or Leuchtturm fit a Regular trifold cover?

No. The Regular traveler's notebook size is the same height as A5 but narrower, about 4.5 inches wide, so standard A5 notebooks won't fit. If you want to use A5 notebooks like Leuchtturm1917 or Hobonichi Cousin, buy a cover made in A5 size. Always check the insert size on the cover's listing before you order refills.

How many inserts can a trifold leather journal hold?

There's no fixed number. Three, one under each elastic, is the most common setup. You can add more with connector bands, which join two inserts on one elastic. Thick inserts or too many of them will stick out past the cover and wear against the bands, so start with fewer and add more once the leather has softened.

What is the difference between a trifold and a bifold journal?

A trifold holds three inserts, usually on three elastics or slots, so it suits people who keep separate notebooks for planning, writing and keepsakes. A bifold usually holds one or two inserts, which makes it slimmer and lighter. Both are refillable. Choose by how many notebooks you actually use day to day.

Is a travelers journal the same as a trifold leather journal?

Mostly, yes. Both names describe a refillable leather cover that holds thin paper inserts under elastic bands, a format made popular by the TRAVELER'S notebook from Traveler's Company. 'Trifold' just means the cover is set up for three inserts. Travelers journals also come with one or two inserts.

When did the TRAVELER'S notebook 2027 diary come out?

It went on sale in Japan on 10 September 2026 and in the US and Canada on 19 October 2026. A free leather tag promotion ran until noon on 23 October 2026 and has ended. On 1 November 2026, the official US shop listed the Regular Weekly + Memo diary and both 2027 clear folders as sold out. The limited accessories may not be restocked.

Sources

1. TRAVELER'S notebook 2027 DIARY · Traveler's Company USA
2. TRAVELER'S notebook 2027 DIARY & Original Leather Tag · Traveler's Company USA
3. 2027 Diary shop page · Traveler's Company USA
4. 2027 DIARY · Traveler's Company (Japan)
5. TRAVELER'S notebook shop · Traveler's Company USA
6. TRAVELER'S notebook 20th Anniversary sets launch · OMOI