Fisher Space Pen vs Rite in the Rain (2026): Which Pen?

Quick picks: Fisher Space Pen vs Rite in the Rain (prices at publish, Oct 2026)

Quick Picks

Our top recommendations at a glance:

• 1
  Fisher Chrome Bullet Space Pen (400)$39, price at publish (Oct 2026)
• 2
  Rite in the Rain No. 97 All-Weather Metal Clicker Pen$22.95, price at publish (Oct 2026)

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• Best pocket-size all-weather pen: Fisher Chrome Bullet Space Pen (400), 3.77 in closed, $39 at Fisher.
• Best clicker for wet work and notebooks: Rite in the Rain No. 97 All-Weather Metal Clicker Pen, $22.95 at Rite in the Rain (in stock).

The short answer: get the Fisher Bullet if you want the smallest pen you can carry in a coin pocket or wallet that still opens to full size. Get the Rite in the Rain No. 97 if you want a one-handed clicker with a pocket clip, made to pair with all-weather notebooks, for about $16 less. Both use pressurized cartridges and both makers list the same -30°F to 250°F range.

Specs and prices are from Fisher's Chrome Bullet page, the 400CL page and Rite in the Rain's No. 97 page. The Bullet's weight is from Fisher Space Pen Canada, because Fisher's US page doesn't list it. Retailer prices vary.

Design: capped bullet vs metal clicker

Fisher says the Bullet is sized to carry in a wallet, pocket, purse or glove box when closed, and becomes a full-size, evenly balanced pen when you post the cap. It's brass with a chrome finish. The standard 400 has no clip, and Fisher sells the 400CL with a clip for $41.

The Rite in the Rain No. 97 is a clicker with a pocket clip and a powder-coated brass barrel in textured flat black, with brown, orange and green barrels and a blue-ink version also listed. It's 5.125 in long and Rite in the Rain lists it as made in the USA.

Ink and conditions

Fisher says all its Space Pens write in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, over oil and grease, and from -30°F to 250°F. The Bullet ships with a PR4 black medium cartridge and takes any Fisher PR refill.

Rite in the Rain says the No. 97's pressurized cartridge writes upside down and through moisture without smearing or washing off, works underwater down to 35 ft, and handles -30°F to 250°F. It uses a 0.9 mm black ink cartridge, and refills are available.

For the rest of a wet-weather kit, see our EDC for rainy cities setup and our tips on keeping gear dry in heavy rain.

Price and availability

At publish, Fisher listed the Chrome Bullet at $39. We couldn't confirm stock on that page because Fisher's site showed a browser check, but the 400CL clip version was listed In Stock at $41. Rite in the Rain listed the No. 97 at $22.95 and in stock in black, brown, orange and green with black ink, plus black with blue ink. The two-pack ($45.95) was out of stock.

Prefer a metal pen with a different look? Our titanium EDC pen guide covers more options.

Who should buy which

Pick the Fisher Bullet if you want the smallest pen to carry, don't need a clip and like a capped design.

Pick the Rite in the Rain No. 97 if you want a one-handed clicker with a clip for field notes, uniforms or a notebook cover, and want to spend less.

FAQ

Is a Fisher Space Pen or a Rite in the Rain pen better in the rain?

Both use pressurized cartridges, and both makers say their pens write underwater and from -30°F to 250°F. Rite in the Rain also says its ink writes through water, sweat, grease and mud without smearing. The main difference is design: a capped pocket pen vs a clicker with a clip.

Which is smaller?

The Fisher Bullet is 3.77 in closed, against 5.125 in for the No. 97. Opened with the cap posted, the Bullet is 5.35 in.

Can you refill both pens?

Yes. The Fisher Bullet takes any Fisher PR refill, and Rite in the Rain sells replacement cartridges for the No. 97.

Does the Fisher Bullet have a clip?

The standard 400 doesn't. Fisher sells the 400CL with a clip for $41 at publish.

Bottom line

For the smallest all-weather pen, the Fisher Chrome Bullet at $39 is the pick. For a clicker with a clip that costs less, the Rite in the Rain No. 97 at $22.95 is the better buy.