The 7 Best Compact Bibles for Travel

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Are you looking for a small travel Bible to take with you on your next adventure?

These seven travel Bibles are all compact and easy to carry. Each of them is small enough to fit in your bag, making them perfect for taking on the go. Plus, there are a variety of translations and styles, so you’re sure to find one that’s right for you.

a travel bible on a lap with hiking boots and a forest in the background

A travel size Bible is always on my packing list. Don’t get me wrong, the Bible App is great. However, I’ve found that it takes up so much data. Plus, I love being able to hold God’s Written Word no matter where I am.

The biggest issue when finding the best travel Bible is obviously size. Whether you are hiking or flying with a carry-on, it must be lightweight and portable.

However, a travel Bible must also be durable. While they weigh less, paperbacks will get destroyed by constantly being moved in and out of bags.

Additionally, travel Bibles must lay flat. I’m picky, but is my biggest pet peeve having to hold a book open instead of being able to set it down on the seatback tray table on a plane!

Lastly, travel Bibles must be legible and accurate. Too small of font or only paraphrased text just won’t do.

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My Favorite Travel Bible

The best travel Bible that I recommend is the ESV Pocket Bible in leather.

flatlay of a travel bible and a passport with greenery

Only one inch thick and weighing 10 ounces, it is compact and lightweight. Plus, the buffalo leather cover makes it very durable for travel.

I also love the simple, non-flashy design. And the pages are not gilded so the wear will not be as noticeable.

Best of all it lays flat and you can hold it in the palm of one hand.

The 7 Best Travel Bibles

1. ESV Pocket Bible in leather

This lightweight durable Bible is compact and discreet. It lays flat and can be held in one hand.

1 inch thick
6-point font
3.3 x 5.3 inches
10 ounces
leather bound

Cons: Only one translation is available.

2. Zondervan Larger Print Compact Bible

This Bible comes in more colors and translations. The font is larger without adding too much weight.

1.25 inches thick
8.5-point font
5.25 x 7 inches
17.6 ounces
imitation leather

Cons: Imitation leather, and overall larger.

3. ESV Compact Bible

This Bible is similar to my number one pick, except the cover is imitation leather. This was my travel Bible for many years and after over five years of travel, the imitation leather corners frayed.

1 inch thick
6-point font
4.1 x 6.5 inches
10.1 ounces
imitation leather

Cons: Imitation leather, and only one translation.

4. ESV Large Print Compact Bible

The font is larger on this Bible without adding too much weight. Plus the leather binding makes it very durable.

1.3 inches thick
8-point font
5.3 x 7.3 inches
19.2 ounces
leather bound

Cons: Slightly larger and only one translation.

5. Zondervan Larger Print Genuine Leather Compact Bible

The font is larger on this Bible, plus the leather binding makes it very durable. It can also be found in different translations.

1.6 inches thick
8.5-point font
5.6 x 7.6 inches
23.7 ounces
leather bound

Cons: Comparatively heavier and taller.

6. ESV Large Print Compact Bible with Flap

The leather flap and strap make this the most durable Bible on this list. The pages will stay very protected no matter where you go.

2 inches thick
8-point font
5.7 x 7.5 inches
21.6 ounces
leather bound flap and strap

Cons: Slightly thicker due to flap. Only available in one translation.

7. Zondervan Thinline Pocket Bible with Snap Closure

This Bible is taller and thinner than the others on this list. It can be found in multiple translations and the snap closure will keep the pages protected.

1 inch thick
6-point font
3.5 x 7.3 inches
9.6 ounces
imitation leather with snap closure

Cons: Imitation leather.

What to Look for in a Travel Bible

Size

Height, weight, and thickness are all important factors to consider in finding the perfect travel Bible. The lighter and smaller the better, especially if you are backpacking when every ounce counts. Make sure to do a practice pack to test out if your Bible fits how you need it to.

Durability

Paperback books are naturally lighter, but they are the worst to travel with. Genuine leather or imitation leather will last the longest after the wear and tear of being shoved in luggage. The thin pages need proper protection.

Usability

Don’t let small size and lightweight compromise readability. Select a font that you can read without squinting. And make sure the Bible can lay flat so your hands can be free when reading it.

Accuracy

It is easy to find mini Bibles that paraphrase or only contain highlights of the text. Find a complete Bible in your preferred translation. I prefer to read NASB or ESV. I found that it is easier to find ESV translations offered in more sizes and styles than other translations.

Accessories for Travel Bibles

Due to their compact nature, travel Bibles don’t have space in the margins for annotations. If you have the space, consider packing a few lightweight accessories for note-taking and journaling.

This mini notebook with a penholder page is the perfect addition to throw in your bag. Its hardcover and elastic closure will keep the pages protected.

If packing cubes are your jam, then you might also try these organization products for traveling with books and journals.

Check out some of my other Christian Travel posts: