Bullet Journal Supplies That Keep Your Setup Sharp
The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebook is the top pick for most bullet journalists because it offers numbered pages, an index, and three bookmark ribbons in a durable hardcover that lays flat. Its main limitation is that the 80 gsm paper may show ghosting with heavy markers. This notebook is ideal for beginners and seasoned users who value structure and archival quality.
A bullet journal is only as effective as the tools you use. The right notebook, pens, and accessories can make planning smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you are starting fresh or upgrading your kit, these supplies cover the essentials.
We compared top-rated options based on build quality, ink performance, and user feedback. From classic hardcover notebooks to precision pens, each product serves a specific purpose. Read on to find the best fit for your journaling style.
What to look for
Choosing Your Notebook The notebook is the foundation of your bullet journal. Look for one with thick paper (at least 80 gsm) to minimize bleed-through. Dot grid patterns are popular because they guide layouts without being intrusive. Consider the size: A5 is standard, but some prefer B5 for more space. Check if pages are numbered and if there’s an index, which saves time.
Picking the Right Pens For everyday writing, choose pens with fine tips (0.4mm to 0.6mm) that dry quickly to prevent smudging. Gel pens and pigment pens are excellent choices. If you plan to add color, dual brush pens offer flexibility for both writing and decorative elements. Test pens on your notebook paper to ensure compatibility.
Adding Stencils and Accessories Stencils help create clean, professional-looking layouts, especially if you struggle with drawing straight lines or perfect circles. They are useful for headers, trackers, and frames. Other accessories like washi tape, stickers, and page tabs can enhance functionality and personalization.
Maintaining Your Kit Keep your supplies organized in a pouch or case to protect them. Store pens horizontally to prevent ink from settling. Clean stencils regularly to avoid ink buildup. Replace pens when they start to skip or fade to maintain neat journal pages.
The best picks, ranked
Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebook (Medium, Black)
The Leuchtturm1917 is a legendary choice among bullet journalists. It features 251 numbered pages, a pre-printed index, and two ribbon bookmarks. The hardcover lies flat when open, and the thread-bound pages stay secure. Owners report minimal bleed-through with fine-tip pens, but heavy ink users might see ghosting.
Pros
- Numbered pages make setup easy
- Thread-bound lay-flat design
- Durable hardcover for travel
Cons
- Paper may ghost with heavy markers
- Limited color options
Archer Olive Bullet Journal Pens Set (Black, 24 Pack)
Archer Olive pens are a favorite for bullet journaling because they dry quickly and resist smearing. The 24-pack includes multiple tip sizes, from extra fine to brush, giving you versatility for both writing and detailing. Users appreciate the comfortable grip and consistent ink flow. They are perfect for daily logging and habit tracking.
Pros
- Quick-drying to avoid smudges
- Variety of tip sizes for different tasks
- Affordable for the quantity
Cons
- Lack of color options
- Brush tip may fray with heavy use
Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Set (10 Colors)
Tombow Dual Brush Pens are a staple for bullet journal artists. Each pen has a flexible brush tip and a fine bullet tip, allowing two line widths in one tool. The water-based ink blends beautifully and is alcohol-free, so it won’t damage pages. This 10-color set covers a versatile palette for headers, accents, and illustrations.
Pros
- Dual tips save space in your kit
- Colors blend smoothly
- No bleed-through with moderate use
Cons
- Requires careful handling to avoid fraying
- Lighter colors may need multiple coats
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set (8 Pack, Black)
The Sakura Pigma Micron pens are trusted by artists for their archival-grade ink and consistent lines. This 8-pack includes sizes from 005 to 08, giving you a full range for fine details, borders, and small lettering. The pigment ink is fade-resistant and waterproof, making it ideal for journals that you want to last.
Pros
- Consistent line width
- Waterproof and fade-resistant
- Great for intricate designs
Cons
- Not ideal for large fills
- Tips can bend if pressed too hard
Writech Bullet Journal Stencil Set (4 Pack)
Writech stencils are a practical addition to any bullet journal kit. The set includes four flexible plastic stencils with shapes for banners, arrows, frames, and lettering guides. They help you draw clean geometric elements without freehand mistakes. Users find them especially useful for weekly spreads and habit trackers.
Pros
- Variety of shapes for different layouts
- Durable and easy to clean
- Helps maintain consistent design
Cons
- May shift if not held securely
- Limited to basic shapes
TUL Gel Pens for Women (0.5mm, 12 Pack)
TUL gel pens are known for their smooth, skip-free writing and ergonomic rubber grip. The 0.5mm tip delivers crisp, dark lines that dry quickly. This 12-pack includes assorted colors, making it easy to color-code your daily logs and collections. Owners report these pens last long and don’t smear on standard paper.
Pros
- Very comfortable grip
- Vibrant color options
- Consistent ink flow
Cons
- May bleed through thin paper
- Clip can be stiff
Kaco Retractable Gel Ink Pens (0.5mm, 12 Pack)
Kaco retractable gel pens offer a budget-friendly way to stock your journal kit. Each pen has a 0.5mm tip and a comfortable cushioned grip. The ink is smooth and smudge-resistant, and the retractable design prevents drying out. While they may not match premium brands, they deliver reliable performance for daily use.
Pros
- Low cost per pen
- Retractable convenience
- Smooth writing experience
Cons
- Plastic body feels less sturdy
- Ink can be inconsistent in some pens
How they compare
| # | Model | Size | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebook (Medium, Black) | A5 (5.75 x 8.25 inches) | Structured journaling with numbered pages and an index | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Archer Olive Bullet Journal Pens Set (Black, 24 Pack) | 0.38mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, brush | Smooth, smear-resistant writing in a variety of fine tips | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Set (10 Colors) | Brush and fine bullet | Adding color and creative headers | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set (8 Pack, Black) | 005, 01, 02, 03, 05, 08, etc. | Precision line work and archival quality | 8.9 | Check price |
| 5 | Writech Bullet Journal Stencil Set (4 Pack) | 4 stencils | Creating precise layouts and decorative elements | 8.7 | Check price |
| 6 | TUL Gel Pens for Women (0.5mm, 12 Pack) | 0.5mm | Smooth writing with a comfortable grip | 8.8 | Check price |
| 7 | Kaco Retractable Gel Ink Pens (0.5mm, 12 Pack) | 0.5mm | Budget-friendly everyday writing | 8.0 | Check price |
Common questions
What is the best notebook for bullet journaling?
The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebook is the best overall due to its numbered pages, index, and durable design. It handles fine-tip pens well, though heavy markers may cause ghosting.
Do I need special pens for a bullet journal?
You don’t need special pens, but quick-drying, smear-resistant pens are recommended. Fine-tip gel or pigment pens work well and prevent smudging when you close the journal.
What is the difference between gel pens and pigment pens?
Gel pens use water-based gel ink, which is smooth and vibrant. Pigment pens use archival pigment ink that is waterproof and fade-resistant. For journaling, both are good, but pigment pens are more permanent.
How can I avoid bleed-through in my bullet journal?
Use pens with fine tips and water-based ink. Choose notebooks with thicker paper (80 gsm or higher). Also, avoid using heavy markers or apply gentle pressure.
Are stencils useful for bullet journaling?
Yes, stencils help create neat layouts and decorative elements without freehand drawing. They are especially helpful for banners, frames, and repetitive shapes.
Can I use regular markers in my bullet journal?
Regular markers may bleed through thin paper. If you want to use markers, pick a notebook with thick paper and test the marker on a corner page first.
What is the best pen set for beginners?
The Archer Olive set is a great starter because it includes multiple tip sizes and dries quickly. It offers versatility without a high price.
How many pens do I need for a bullet journal?
You can start with just one good pen. But many users enjoy having a few colors for coding and a brush pen for headers. A basic set of 4 to 8 pens is often enough.
The bottom line
For a balanced starter kit, pair the Leuchtturm1917 notebook with the Archer Olive pen set and a set of Tombow Dual Brush Pens for creative accents. This combination covers writing, detailing, and color without breaking the bank. If you prefer stencils, the Writech set is a worthy add-on for perfect layouts.
