An Essential Tool In My Backpack: Zebra Pen

A current drawing in process

As an outdoorsman and artist, nature and its landscape are my studio and my subject. On any given adventure I'll hike six miles before I find the THE spot I want to capture in a drawing.

In my backpack are essential items needed for any trip in the woods. Water, first aid kit, fire making supplies, food, just to mention a few. But there is another item in my backpack that is essential to me, my artist kit containing a variety of pens by Zebra Pen.

My main medium of choice has always been the pen, and I've tried many brands and types. But I've been a fan and user of Zebra Pen for a long time. From the F301, G350, and their refillable fountain pen, they have always given me the textures, contrasts, and marks I'm looking for in my drawings and sketches.

Recently I've been experimenting and using their F701 Retractable Ballpoint. In my hand it's slightly heavier then their F301 Retractable Ballpoint I often use, but it has a balanced comfortable weight. It's heavier weight and stainless steel barrel provides the durability I need when I'm in outdoors. It's rugged, sturdy and can take a beating. I never know what I may encounter while hiking and I can't risk carrying a pen that might break and/or leak ink inside my backpack.

I've drawn in various conditions, and Zebra pens have always been reliable. Even in the cold the ink flows smooth without, clogging, blotching or hesitation in my marks. During a recent hike with temperatures in the low forties, wind and five miles into the woods my fingers became slightly cold. With the knurled grip on the F701 I was able to maintain control as I sketched out the scene in front of me that will soon become a larger drawing.

At times I like to add a watercolor wash to my drawings and having an ink that will not smear or wash out is crucial. The inks from Zebra Pen hold up without smear or wash out allowing me to enhance a drawing with color.

Not only has Zebra Pen become an essential tool to me as an artist, but they have come along with me on many adventures, have seen countless miles of trails, endured various seasons, and weather. And they continue to impress me with their durability and reliability as an artist seeking to capture the landscape as I see it. From trail to studio Zebra Pen is an essential part of my journey as an outdoorsman and artist.

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I can't say I have a particular favorite as each type of pen has become an essential tool depending on what I'm creating. But if you're looking for a quality pen whether you're an artist, writer or both I highly recommend giving Zebra Pen a try. You won't be disappointed.

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