Inside my Pen Bag!

for all you pen lovers <3

Apr 16, 2025

Last month, I posted what’s in my Office-to-go bag over on Shutterbean, and since we’re all pen lovers here, I thought you might like to see what I am keeping in my pen bag these days. There are some new additions since I posted my favorite pens here!

First of all, this is my new pen bag. It’s a Cotopaxi. I love it. I stalked it online for about 8 months, and when I could touch my friend Tammi’s in person, I immediately purchased one. The fabric is more rugged than I expected! My favorite part of the design is the colored zippers because there’s a built-in organizing scheme. We love a system!

Also, I can keep a lot in it! I’m pretty amazed how much it holds.

I had to compile all my essential pens to prepare for my Office-to-Go Bag. These are the pens I like to take with me to create! They’re pens I use in my Intentions for the Week Planner, my Currently Workbook, my Hobonichi Cousin, and any sketchbook I decide to bring with me.

My writing pens:

Edding 1880 Drawliner .1mm

I am not one for an extra fine tip, but this one has changed my mind on that. Mostly, because I can do fun, fine detail work, and it doesn’t smear.

UNI JETSTREAM 1.0

Read the message above. This is a game-changer for the left-hander. My son is a lefty, and he likes this pen. If you have someone in your life who fidgets with pen caps (pulls off the clips!), consider yourself warned. You'll seriously cut yourself.

This is why I love a retractable. Losing a cap is the worst. But you know what? Now that I think of it, having a retractable pen open in your pocket might be worse. I ruined a pair of coveralls that way.

PILOT Precise V10 RT

I totally forgot about this pen until I was cleaning up my desk. It’s back in the rotation now because I love how inky and smooth it is! I use it in my Hobonichi Techo planner. It’s a Pilot, not a Pentel. Don’t let my writing fool you.

Tombow Calligraphy Pen- Hard Tip

This one is my boo. It’s the one I love to use when I am making lists. I have tried the soft tip, but it’s not for me! I love how this one handles the pressure I put on it. It also has a pretty fine tip and can be fun if you get the angling right.

Pentel Floatune 1.0

I am soooo in love with this pen. I am so glad I found it. IT IS THE BEST PEN I HAVE FOUND IN A LONG TIME. The end. I want to buy stock in it.

Sakura Pigma Senei 3.0mm

My friend Jessica turned me onto this pen when I was up in Oregon. It’s inky. It’s got a chisel. I love my handwriting with it. See above.

Le Pen

One of the most delicate pens I own besides the Edding. I just have to make sure that I don’t push too hard because the tip is so fine! It’s a dainty number!

My Favorite Black Markers:

Inc. Microtip Brush Pen

I got this one from Dollar Tree. It’s really inky- not a true black, but I like it and for $1.25, I’ll take it!

Tombow Brush Pen (dual-sided)

This is the pen that changed my life. Whenever I want to write big, I use this pen. I love it so much! The only drawback is that it can smear and bleed if the paper gets wet. I barely use the thin part. I wish they lasted longer than they do!

Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen- Medium

I’ve only really tried fine/extra fine fountain pens in the past, which leads me to believe that’s why I didn’t like fountain pens. This MEDIUM nib is dreamy. It writes so smoothly and I can get some good play with my cursive. I do have to be careful because sometimes it smudges. Consider me a fountain pen lover, due to this pen.

Favorite Pencils:

Kokuyo Mechanical Pencil, 1.3mm

In love is an understatement!!! Big big bonus points that I have only 1 of them and can find it easily when I am looking for it.

Blackwing Pencil Matte

I will carry around a pencil sharpener in my bag because of this pencil. That’s how good it is. I love love LOVE it.

Favorite White/Silver Pens:

Current Favorite Pens- Shutterbean @thehandwritingclub

Posca Paint Pen

I love this pen! I use it to decorate everything from my Office Essentials Bag

See??

Tracy Benjamin, the creative mind behind Shutterbean and The Handwriting Club, shares her must-have essentials for working remotely. From her favorite pens to a trusty notebook, each item in her bag helps her stay organized, inspired, and ready to create anywhere. Take a peek inside and see what fuels her creativity on the go with her On-the-Go-Office Bag Essentials post on Shutterbean.com

It’s paint! It stays on things. It lasts long! It’s so white!

Posca White Paint Marker 0.7mm

My life has not been the same since I met this fine-tip paint marker! I love using it for detail work. IT IS SO GOOD. It is good until the last drop!

Sakura Gelly Roll 10

I have tried these many times because so many people rave about them. If you get a brand new one, and it’s dialed in, it’s a very magical pen. See what happens in the word “sometimes” up there? That’s the kind of shit this pen can pull on me. I think that’s why the posca paint pen is my boo. However, these things are fun to play with. I dooooo love the sparkly versions too.