Apologies for the thread resurrection..

I would second Doug's recommendation of the Fisher Trekker. I have carried a number of pens in various EDC kits for many years, and the Trekker really is ideal.

- not affected by temperature extremes (like all Fishers) so left outdoors in the dead of winter it still writes. Left on the dash of the Jeep in the summer sun and it still writes.

- cap holds tightly, but is easy enough to pull.

- cap has a split ring so you can add it to your keys, or clip it to a pack. I carry mine on the outside of my EDC bag attached to the built in D ring. Easy to get to in a hurry without digging in a pocket.

- comes with a neck lanyard with a breakaway. Not my preferred method of carry, but handy on occasion; perhaps perfect for some.

- has a nubby, hard rubber sleeve on the body of the pen that makes for a good grip with cold fingers or sweaty dirty hands.


I still keep a Bullet in my pants pocket most days. It disappears in a pocket, so it's no trouble as a back up given that you can forget it is even there.

Though as mentioned above by another poster, any Victorionox Swiss Army knife with a pen is also a top notch back up. The Compact or Explorer being my top choices.

With regard to the Fisher ink issues, I have not experienced this, but I would remind everyone that we are talking about an EDC pen, not a letter writer. Something to endorse a check with.. Leave a quick note.. Jot down a phone number..

I would choose a different pen to write a letter or paper with, just as I don't cook meals at home in a canteen cup. That pen would have a host of issues that make it unsuitable for EDC use, so.. It comes down to "right tool for the job".


And I have no affiliation with Fisher. I like the Zebra pens as well. The F701 is my favorite. The 301 Compact is a terrific low cost small pen as well, and I carried one for a long time.