I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error trying to find the right nature journaling bag—something that’s small enough to carry on a long walk but roomy and organized enough to actually hold my sketching tools, watercolors, and a snack. I used to throw everything into a backpack, but stuff would get jumbled or crushed, and I’d waste time rummaging for a pencil while the light changed. Once I switched to a dedicated nature journaling bag, it made a huge difference. I’m more likely to journal regularly now because it’s easier to get out the door.
In this post, I’ll share what I actually use (right now it’s the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag), why I chose it, and how you can set up your own nature journaling kit to make getting outside and sketching less stressful and more fun. If you’re new to this practice, I also recommend checking out my Nature Journaling Basics guide to get started.
Why a dedicated nature journaling bag matters
When I finally committed to finding a dedicated nature journaling bag, I noticed a big shift. It’s no longer a chore to get ready—I grab the bag and go. That one change made me a more consistent and confident journaler. And when I teach nature journaling workshops in the wild, I always recommend folks create a grab-and-go setup.
Key Points
- Choose a bag that encourages you to actually go outside—comfort, convenience, and access matter more than style.
- Organize your bag with small pouches or compartments for specific tools so you can focus on sketching, not searching.
- Don’t overpack. Keep it light so you’ll actually bring it with you on walks and hikes.
What I look for in a nature journaling bag
Before I landed on my current setup, I had a few frustrating experiments. Tote bags didn’t work—they spilled. Hiking backpacks were too bulky. I needed something in-between.
Size and weight
For me, the sweet spot is a small crossbody or sling bag that holds about 3–5 liters. That’s enough for a sketchbook, pencil case, watercolors, water brush, tissues, and a granola bar. Anything heavier and I start making excuses not to carry it.
Compartments and layout
My current bag is the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag. It’s lightweight, made from recycled nylon, and has just enough compartments to keep everything organized. There’s one external zippered front pocket, one internal pocket with a key hook, and two inside mesh sleeves. It also has gear loops on the side, which are great for clipping on small accessories or a foldable stool.
Durability and weather resistance
This bag handles light weather and dirt really well. The nylon is water-resistant, and the bag itself is surprisingly durable for how light it feels. I like that it doesn’t scream “technical gear”—it feels casual but is still functional. I keep a ziplock bag inside for my sketchbook in case I get caught in heavier rain.
What’s inside my bag right now
This is my real, everyday setup. I keep it stocked so I can just grab it and go.
- A 5×8 inch watercolor sketchbook
- Ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil
- Watercolor set (12 half pans)
- Water brush + small cloth for wiping
- Kneaded eraser
- Binder clips (to hold pages open on windy days)
- Foldable stool (optional, attaches to the outside)
- Lightweight poncho (folds small)
- Phone and small field guide
If you're wondering what supplies are worth carrying, I wrote a full guide to nature journaling supplies that breaks things down by style and portability.
Tips for making your bag part of the habit
There’s something really motivating about having a designated nature journaling bag. It creates a kind of mental shortcut—less setup friction, more creative flow. Instead of having to remember everything I might need, I just know my essentials are already packed and ready.
Keep it packed and ready
Don’t unpack it unless you’re restocking or cleaning it. The goal is to remove friction so all you need to do is throw on shoes and leave. I keep mine by the door so it's always in sight. I even stash an extra granola bar inside so I’m less tempted to talk myself out of a trip because I forgot a snack.
Adjust based on season or trip length
In summer, I add sunscreen and a tiny spray bottle to cool off. In colder months, I swap to gloves I can draw in. If I’m heading out for just 30 minutes, I’ll sometimes leave the stool behind and carry just a sketchbook and pen. But for a longer excursion, I’ll bring my full creative nature journaling excursions kit and even pack a thermos. Think of your bag as flexible, not fixed.
Use it to stay consistent
When I was trying to build the habit of nature journaling every week, having a ready bag helped a lot. I even gave myself mini goals using my own nature journaling prompts to stay inspired. Sometimes I’d commit to a single 10-minute sketch, and other days I’d explore a full spread. The key was just to make showing up easy. That’s what the bag solves.
If you're still figuring things out
Don’t stress about getting the perfect bag right away. Start with something simple you already have—an old messenger bag, a small backpack, or even a fanny pack. Take it out on a few walks, see what feels awkward, and adjust from there. What matters most is that it makes sketching feel accessible and doable.
Over time, you’ll figure out what features actually help you stay organized and what just gets in the way. For me, the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag hit that sweet spot of lightweight and functional—but I didn’t start with it. My first few outings were with a used shoulder bag I already had lying around.
You can explore more ideas in my guides on how to teach nature journaling, nature journaling for adults, and this roundup of nature journaling activities.
FAQs
What kind of bag is best for nature journaling?
Something small, weather-resistant, and easy to carry. I like a 3–5 liter crossbody or sling bag with a few compartments. I personally use the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag, which is light, packable, and has enough pockets to keep things organized.
How do I organize my nature journaling bag?
Use small pouches or zip bags to separate tools—pens in one, wet supplies in another. Keep your sketchbook accessible, and make sure your bag is easy to repack quickly.
Should I use a backpack instead?
Backpacks can work, especially for longer hikes or if you carry a stool or lunch. But for quick daily journaling, I prefer something smaller and easier to swing around for access.
What else can I bring besides art supplies?
Snacks, water, a poncho, bug spray, sunscreen—whatever you need to feel comfortable outside. Some people also bring a small field guide to nature journaling or use apps on their phone.
Where can I get more inspiration?
Check out my full nature journaling guide and this post on nature journaling examples. You can also join in on International Nature Journaling Week for prompts and community.