Note: When selecting a pen for your journal or planner, make sure the ink is waterproof.

I started using a Staedtler Triplus Fineliner in my daily notebook a couple of months ago. It’s thin, easy to hold, available in lots of colors, and doesn’t dry out when the cap is left off overnight. Unfortunately, I forgot to check whether the ink was waterproof.

And then this happened:

Don’t let this happen to you. It was only a few drops of water on non-essential information — this time. If I drop my notebook in a rain puddle, the notebook and the notes within would be a total loss.

After testing several pens by scribbling in my notebook and sprinkling the page with water, I’m confident Prismacolor, Sakura Gelly Roll, and Micron will do the job. I’ll save the Staedtler for arts and crafts and grocery lists.