Rite in the Rain Mini Bolt-Action pens are the perfect size to fit in any pocket and fit in any hand. That makes them highly optimized as an every day carry option for those of us who’s job gets us outside and on the go!
Buy the Rite in the Rain Mini Bolt Action pens by clicking here on my Amazon affiliate link. They come in a variety of colors. Yes, I have all the colors.
Video Summary
Thanks to Google’s Gemini AI, you can read a summary of my unboxing video. Here it is:
Rite in the Rain Mini Bolt Action Pens – The Ultimate EDC Writing Tool
In this gear review, Jim Kinkade shares why the Rite in the Rain Mini Bolt Action Pens have earned a permanent spot in his everyday carry (EDC) rotation. Known for his “vocationally tough” testing of G-Shock watches and industrial gear, Jim applies the same standards to his writing instruments. Whether you are filling out narrow forms in the oil field or need a reliable way to take notes in a downpour, these pens are designed to perform when standard office supplies fail.
Engineered for Grip and Utility
One of the standout features of these mini pens is their triangular-shaped body. Jim points out that this design serves two critical purposes: it provides a superior ergonomic grip for steady writing and, perhaps more importantly for those working on truck beds or workbenches, it prevents the pen from rolling away on uneven surfaces.
Despite their compact size, the pens are designed to be “burly.” They feature a strong, reliable pocket clip that is tough enough to secure the pen to a pants pocket, a chest pocket, or even the heavy fabric of a work hoodie. For those who prefer a lanyard, there is an integrated loop at the top. Jim demonstrates that even for someone with larger-than-average hands, the mini profile still allows for a comfortable and controlled writing experience.
The Bolt Action Advantage
The mechanical heart of the pen is its bolt action deployment. Unlike “clicky” pens that can accidentally deploy in your pocket and leak ink, the bolt action requires a deliberate movement. To write, you simply push the bolt forward; to retract, a quick downward flick allows the internal springs to snap the tip back into the safety of the housing. This mechanism is not only functional but also provides a tactile, “fidget-friendly” quality that gear enthusiasts appreciate.
Built for Extreme Environments
The Rite in the Rain brand is synonymous with durability, and these mini pens are no exception. The tip is constructed from solid brass with a .9mm fine point, making it precise enough to write in the tiny boxes of official work forms.
However, the real magic lies in the pressurized ink cartridge. Because the ink is under pressure, these pens can write in conditions that would stop a regular ballpoint dead:
- Writes Under Water: Jim has demonstrated in previous tests that these pens can write while completely submerged.
- Writes Upside Down: The pressurized system ensures ink flow even when you are writing against a vertical surface or overhead.
- Weather and Grime Resistant: Whether your paper is covered in sweat, rain, grease, or mud, the pen will leave a permanent, legible mark.
- Laundry Proof: Jim notes that these are “laundry proof”—if you accidentally leave one in your pocket through a wash cycle, the pressurized cartridge prevents it from leaking and ruining your clothes.
Style and Portability
The pens are available in various “earth-tone” and high-visibility colors. In this review, Jim showcases the forest green (camo) and a beige (mud) colorway, which join his existing collection of orange and black models. The body is made of a high-impact plastic with textured zones where your fingers rest, while the critical components—like the tip—are metal for long-term durability.
Final Verdict
For anyone working in the trades, law enforcement, or the outdoors, the Rite in the Rain Mini Bolt Action Pen is a “tested, trusted, and tough” companion. It’s a small tool that solves the big problem of unreliable writing in the field. As Jim Kinkade often says, having the right gear means you are always ready for the task at hand, no matter the conditions.
Collect them All!
The Rite in the Rain Mini Bolt Action pens come in black, orange, or tactical earth tones of green and brown. Like I said earlier, I have them all. I stash them in various places so at least one is always on hand.
By the way, it’s weird in that AI generated summary that it closes by attributing to me a saying that I have never said before. That’s AI for ya!