Seeking the Ultimate Padfolio
 

For about 2 years now, I've been looking for a Padfolio that meets the following criteria:

Small (thin)
Doesn't have a bunch of outdated fluff on the inside (who needs a calculator?)
Durable
Not just for legal pads

Ok, I find legal pads fairly useless. I can only use one side easily. I prefer a ringfolio style, but most don't allow for it to bend back easily, which is the real (and only) advantage of the legal pad variety.

I've tried a few smaller versions, and find that I like those. The only downside is carrying standard documents, which I can solve with a folder which then goes into my briefcase.

However for most meetings, I just want to be able to take some notes, not have a huge folio that takes up most of the table. Also, it's nice to have something smaller at conferences that can fit in a jacket pocket.

Here are a few examples that are close to what I would like to find.

Rickshaw Bagworks (good company) has a Moleskine Folio
I like the area for pens, though I don't need 4.
I also like the ability to stash some other items.
It must have business card sorters, and this does.

I find the Moleskine products to be overpriced and overhyped. In general the paper is cheap quality, and it really does the binding in to tear out multiple sheets. I like to process my notebooks after each trip and take out the sheets that I am no longer using.

Rite in the Rain has a cover for their line, but it does not really tailor itself to the business traveler.

I prefer the smaller sizes, the durable cover and zipper. I also like items that are a fairly standard size and could hold 2 size books. Would love to find one with integrated 3 ring binder design that folds neatly in half for writing.

I've tried thin binders from Avery just to test, and a variety of items found at office stores.

What I want may not exist, though I figured as I sought out my next item to try, that I would consult the group intelligence here at FT since it's been so useful for many other aspects of business travel.

Thanks.

May want to take a look at the Circa line from Levenger. Many different covers, can be as thin as 1/2" and different accessories to customize what you want to carry such as a folder for standard papers.

+1 on the Levenger suggestion. I use circa all the time at the office, but I do know they also make 3 ring and pad folios. Circa is an investment due to having to buy the punch but it does rock. And Levenger makes really nice paper.

+2 on the circa. Love their stuff.

Circa rocks
 

Thanks for the suggestion and confirmations. Circa seems to be exactly what I've been hoping to find, and more!

I dont know if you are in DC or not( based on your name only :)) but there is a store out at Tysons. If you can head there, I would reccommend it over ordering online, Levenger's shipping is out of line in my opinion. I also reccomend a visit to the store so you can get a free Circa notebook as a 'demo.'

Digging Circa
 

I am really enjoying my Circa Jr.
Looking to get a nicer jacket for it.

Not located in DC, and just bought the starter kit based on the numerous recommendations here and a few video reviews elsewhere.

Thanks FT!

Glad you like it. If you like black leather as a cover, they have the Livingstone leather cover on sale. I have one myself and like the leather quite a bit. Rugged looking and will hold up to constant use.

I totally reccomend the leather covers over the book cloth covers. My black book cloth fell apart in about a year, but the leather has held up much better.

eBay
 

I scored a Lakota cover for it on eBay that was returned to Levenger unused.

Revisiting an old thread, for any new suggestions as I am beginning to look for a padfolio above those I have bought from Staples or get free at conferences or given by clients.

Similar to the original thread, looking for:
- thin
- high quality leather
- zipper
- don't need a calculator
- don't need a dozen card slots
- some place to place a few letter-sized documents (but don't need a ring binder nor several document slots)
- a smaller pocket or two to place receipts, etc

For sit down meetings, plus I do a lot of "walk and talks" with my clients that require me to take notes on the fly.

I purchased the Bellroy Work Folio A4 , as i really liked what it looks like and was hoping that this was it. As it looks thin/tight, i loved the cell phone slots, but when I got it it was too big and the pad was very loose and returned it