Are Moleskine Notebooks Worth It?

this week I am going to be reviewing the Moleskine classic collection pocket notebook. I will be trying to determine if it is worth the $20 price tag
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[@Omniczech]

We gotta get this man to try out the Leuchtturm, they're a touch cheaper than moleskine, but the lined and gridded ones have your header you like, complete with a printed date space.

[@GareTheBear]

I'm hearing a lot about those in the comments! It sounds like i need to get one and try it out!

[@Oldnose63]

And page numbers and contents and better paper.

[@GareTheBear]

I have seen that the pages all come numbered. That is SO COOL!

[@keskelly1024]

Plus way better quality paper! ❤

[@Cokepencilpsd]

thats my preferred journal. i have a yellow one

[@frankrecinos7158]

Walmart's exceed notebooks are the exact same style and design as moleskins for a third of the price. I've been bullet journaling with an exceed A5 dot grid notebook and the paper is thick enough for me to use a fountain pen on and it feels very nice in my hands. In the past I've paid about 6 or 7 for regular notebooks currently they're all on sale. My A5 dot grid bullet journal usually goes for $12 they're currently about $4 at walmart.

[@GareTheBear]

I've seen those, too, and have wanted to try them out! Glad to know they're as good as they seem. It's wild that the Moleskine is that expensive, but it's great to know there's a more affordable alternative. The sales at Walmart are great! It makes me wonder if they're getting rid of a lot of the notebooks and such🤔

[@IvanRomero-ho8wv]

I have Moleskine notebooks but I outgrew them after switching to fountain pens. The Moleskine quality does not stand up to the type of pens I use. I'll still use them with pencil or some gel pens. It's the same for Leuchterm and Field Notes. 1.1mm nibs and Diamine Red Dragon will make the book look like it was left at a murder scene. 😮 They have their place but I use them sparingly. Even Rhodia notebooks have let me down. If you can find composition books made of bagasse paper (sugar cane) those are amazing and cheap but I've yet to find a pocket size version. Then Tomoe River paper notebooks or loose leaf paper is my favorite. Vintage air mail paper pads are good too but you can only use one side of the page because it's pretty translucent.

[@GareTheBear]

Thanks for sharing!!! It's wild how many different types of paper are out there! Thanks for watching!!

[@bryansammis998]

I originally started started with the Moleskine, before I went the $.99 mini composition notebook(Dollar General). Thicker quality paper and cover. BUT!!! The price damn near gave me a heart attack! (being on a fixed income does that to you) Eventually, I stumbled a a few KZbins about the mini composition notebooks and they won me over!!

[@GareTheBear]

Makes perfect sense to me!!! The price is definitely a massive turn-off for these things!

[@claytoneblackburn]

Never left home without a Moleskine in my pocket. Used them for decades at work but just noticed that most of mine are soft cover. As a librarian I'm impressed that even the soft cover models are real books with sewn leaves (pages), end papers, and quality spines.

[@GareTheBear]

They definitely do a good job in making the paperback ones high quality! They've got some strong covers!

[@short_bamboo]

The point you made about the price is soooo true . Like , I'd consider myself a rich kid and even I don't use the notebooks that cost me a bit more as freely as I use the cheap ones . Like , it really makes a big difference on how much you use it and how much you carry them around!

[@GareTheBear]

It sure does! I'd feel a lot more comfortable carrying and beating up a cheap notebook than an expensive one🤣

[@Marc-so2cd]

Finally an American KZbinr who is actually cool and does a good review of a notebook. Well done. "Nothing, I'm broke" Love that.

[@GareTheBear]

Haha, thank you so much! I'm glad you liked this one. I really do be broke🤣 No reward, just a firm handshake

[@gamewrit0058]

I use a $4 USD, 3x5" spiral bound hardcover lined notebook, with elastic closure, from Target. It fits in my hand under my phone and survives a beating when tossed loosely in my bag. I keep a no-bleed fine Sharpie pen tucked in the spiral because it can be used at any angle - even when laying down. The cover is a floral pattern, but I customize it with stickers and/or date labels to tell them apart. Edit : "192 sheet college ruled journal 3.5"x5.5" spiral floral - Threshold (TM)" - Sticker on the bac, says 96 sheets. I typically write on both sides with no issue.

[@GareTheBear]

That's awesome! I think I've seen the ones you mention from Target. They seem pretty nice!

[@EvelineUK]

I feel like the big hype about Moleskine is over, and it's more Leuchtturm now, but they are still very decent notebooks. I have a few, and the belly band always goes straight into the back pocket. The paper quality is always a huge point of discussion. Some are fountainpen friendly, others are not, and it seems to be the luck of the draw. But yes, this is more luxury than your pocket notebooks, maybe you could use it for long-term lists? Or something? (Oh, and Cahier is pronounced 'Ca-yah', and it means 'notebook' in French.) Feel better soon!

[@GareTheBear]

I really love the paper quality on these, and it will definitely be a useful notebook in my process somehow, some way. After the making of this video I did more research and found the pronunciation of the cahiers books so when I review those, it will be done correctly!🤣

[@traciesalisbury9376]

Thanks for the heads up on the moleskins..I plan to stick with the mini composition notebook.. 😃😃

[@GareTheBear]

That's where I'm at as well! Thanks for watching!

[@dylanmagoiofthethalasso4032]

YYAAAA! Nice haircut! I have a few dot grid pocket softcover Moleskines and I do mostly enjoy them but I don't like the ghosting. I just think that if the book is expensive a fine tip sharpie should ghost through it. I dont use the slip thing. While watching this I tore out the first signature of my moleskine since it had pages I didn't nees. I don't use them as an EDC I just use it for whatever at home. This series is going to be fun!!!

[@GareTheBear]

I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series coming out! This book in particular, I agree, is better for at-home use as opposed to EDC.

[@CharlotteRKO1]

Looking forward to this series. I love pocket notebooks. I work in a stationary store and the discount is wild. I’m buying them all the time. But they are always useful to have.

[@GareTheBear]

Can't wait to continue releasing these episodes! THAT SOUNDS AMAZING! I bet it's hard not to blow your entire paycheck on stuff from there!

[@indiuckymonkey2137]

Lookin’ sharp with that haircut, Gare! I love all the fancy journals, too, but like you, can’t justify their price tag. Looking forward to parts 2-4.

[@GareTheBear]

Thanks so much!! We're totally on the same page. They're all way too expensive🤣

[@gasparuhas]

This is the first video I've seen from your channel.. And I must admit, never before in my life have I clicked the subscribe button as fast as now.. Seriously I love your stuff, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us in your upcoming content! P.S I am a huge lover of journaling, office equipments, books and pens.. so yea big nerd in that terms.. 😁 Much love from Serbia!

[@GareTheBear]

Right on!!!! So happy to hear that! Thank you for subscribing and watching my video! I hope you enjoy the rest of the content😎

[@RebeDrawsStuff]

If you want your little composition notebooks to be hardcover, what I do with softcover notebooks in general is to paste a second layer of cardboard (I recycle the cereal cardboard box for this reason). You can paste the cardboard on the inside of the cover or even wrap the cardboard in colorful contact paper and paste it as a second cover.

[@GareTheBear]

that's a really good idea! That is definitely worth considering. The way I have my notebooks currently is I laminate the covers with packing tape, which actually works really well for durability (it also sorta waterproofs them!)

[@fadedyellowmm581]

Ayyyy you’re left handed too! Always fun to see another one of “us” out there in the world. Nice video, it reminds me how when I was younger I always wanted Moleskine sketchbooks because they’re so “professional”looking, but I wound up really disliking the paper most of the time, mostly because it tends to be quite thin and doesn’t hold wet mediums like marker or paint well.

[@GareTheBear]

Haha yesss! Lefties unite! These things look really nice, but at the end of the day it's all about your preference!

[@peter84624]

Love your videos! I always use "nicer" notebooks like that in the winter, because they're a bit thicker and in winter I always wear a jacket with larger pockets, where it's never going to get messed up, while in the summer I carry smaller ones like the Field Notes or Cahiers that fit directly into the pockets of my pants.

[@GareTheBear]

Oooo that's a smart move!!! That makes a lot of sense. There's a great use for all kinds of notebooks!!😁

[@Bookreader18-t7w]

Man your new hair cut looks stunnning

[@GareTheBear]

Thank you!!

[@dukaka2kaka886]

Can't wait for part 4 where you show us your GARE THE BEAR custom embosser for the PEN+GEAR pocket notebooks!

[@GareTheBear]

That would be SO AWESOME!!!

[@DuanesVideos]

@@GareTheBear With all the $$ you'll save on those "other" notebooks you could buy a custom embosser! I think they are only 20 or 30 bucks.........

[@GareTheBear]

Is that all!?!? That would seriously be SO cool!!!!!

[@frost4695]

Well done, good review, keep shooting on the subject of stationery, share your impressions, compare pens and notebooks. You're doing well

[@GareTheBear]

Thank you!! I appreciate your suggestions🫡

[@ernieresillez-rk7hx]

Another good one!. I tried all three that you are going to review. I am currently in the Pen and Gear memo book spiral. A little bigger than the notebooks you use. Also...not sure if you have Office Depot by you, but I took the insert from there TUL gel pen and out it in the Sharpie pen, I like the way it writes now. Darker. Keep up the good work.

[@GareTheBear]

I do have an Office Depot nearby, and that's interesting! I've been hooked on my Pilot G2 pens and I like them better now than the Sharpie🤣

[@EvanLindy]

Creative as always brother, curious the follow along with this series! Never thought the notebook world was this deep hahah!

[@GareTheBear]

Thanks man!!🫡 It's crazy how deep it actually goes!

[@sueclaries6469]

I needed this video, i’ve been spending the whole 2 weeks thinking whether or not to buy the moleskin pocket daily for 2025. But it will cost me about 35 usd, expensive 😅 so i’ll just continue making my own pocket notebook then. That’s a lot of money i can save.

[@GareTheBear]

It sure is! I made a video making my own recently, and it's a bit more work, but it's DEFINITELY cheaper! Thanks for watching!

[@windh666]

Keep it up, I handmade all my notebooks btw tho but still watched the video :) , Nice haircut also

[@GareTheBear]

I've considered doing a handmade notebook as well! Sounds like a fun project! Thanks for watching😁

[@FearlessBilal]

The hardcover notebooks are very hard to carry in your pocket, just doesn't fulfill their name... That is why i like small paper back notebooks

[@GareTheBear]

100% same!

[@pisandro2936]

As a left-handed I've always struggled with small notebooks and taking notes on the go. Maybe it's because of my grip :/ Anyway, great video. It made me want to give the small notebooks another try. P.S: Cahiers is notebook in French, so it's the Moleskine Notebook Notebook lol

[@GareTheBear]

Yeah I have found that, as a lefty, I'm simply going to write sloppy if I'm on the go. I haven't found a way around it other then writing on a solid surface. As long as *I* can interpret the chicken scratch I don't really care anymore🤣

[@jaymartinrealtor7736]

Have you tested the Exceed notebooks from Walmart? They are excellent. 100gsm paper and lots of pages.

[@GareTheBear]

I haven't but I have looked at them before. Considered trying them, so now I may have to!

[@andrearivera6168]

Moleskine is out of my price range. My pen and gear mini composition books are perfectly fine.

[@GareTheBear]

Ditto, my friend!!! Can't beat affordable!

[@ernieresillez-rk7hx]

Try the Pen and Gera memo book spiral. 4x6.

[@GareTheBear]

I have seen these! Might try them out, but I have a hard time liking a spiral personally, especially for a daily carry pocket notebook

[@bytesabre]

No, because I use fountain pens and tried a moleskin thinking it was good because people were raving about it, and the paper in it was like coffee filter paper and just had massive ink blots everywhere so I tore those pages out, gave the notebook away and switched to a Midori MD

[@GareTheBear]

I definitely don't blame you, I also was under the same impression! I imagine fountain pens are tricky to get just the right paper for. Thanks for watching!

[@TheMatze2304]

Funny how in the pen and journaling bubble the moleskine is one of the most hated brand and yet you say that’s the nicest thing you had hahahaha. I’m curious about your conclusion. I myself use a Leuchtturm 1917 120gsm a5 for bullet / long form journaling and a clairefontaine pocket sized paper back as a on the go notebook. If you come around to it you can try these as well

[@GareTheBear]

I've seen a ton of comments about the Leuchtturm notebooks, so I think I have to try them now!🤣 Also, let's be honest, Moleskine is the nicest I've tried, SO FAR🤣 I've only used cheap Walmart notebooks (which, in most ways, I find better anyway🤣) Thanks for sharing!!🫡

[@Carsonial]

Love my Moleskines!

[@GareTheBear]

Good stuff!!!

[@FearlessBilal]

Bro u had a hair cut, looking cool

[@GareTheBear]

Thank you😎

[@SmokyMountainTech]

Marshall’s, TJMaxx, those type stores routinely have moleskine notebooks in varying formats for under $5. A local Staples went out of business and marked down all moleskines 75%. I bought a “FEW” 😂

[@GareTheBear]

Dudeeeee gotta buy em all up🤣🤣🤣

[@SmokyMountainTech]

@@GareTheBear 🛒 got a small shopping cart 😂😎

[@GareTheBear]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dar.himank]

Big fan

[@GareTheBear]

Glad you like the videos! Thank you for watching!

[@DowntheBreatherHole]

Moleskine's quality and durability is not great for the price. Someone mentioned Leuchtturm in a comment, and I would definitely recommend them over Moleskine.

[@GareTheBear]

I've seen all those comments, and I'm convinced I need to try them now! It's funny, I've legit NEVER heard of those until posting this video. I'm grateful to have such a knowledgeable group of ppl that watch my videos! Can't wait to get one and try it out!

[@DowntheBreatherHole]

@@GareTheBear I think their popularity has been growing. I've seen them in Barnes and Noble along with Moleskine in recent years.

[@GareTheBear]

Very interesting! I looked them up and I absolutely love how their pages are set up. Definitely gonna be worth getting and taking a look at

[@fridaserrano6611]

I've tried a couple moleskine hard cover and soft cover, not a fan. For the price, the paper does a lot of ghosting and the soft cover ones (I don't know if I'm just not lucky) but the color of the soft cover starts falling apart. There's no real margins. Does the job but imo not worth the price

[@GareTheBear]

I could definitely see that happening! I just wish these sorts of things weren't so expensive🤣

[@fridaserrano6611]

@@GareTheBear totally, I taking the approach of using the same types of notebooks you use and taking the "but this notebook was so expensive" outta my head. Get some ideas flowing, awesome channel btw!

[@GareTheBear]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoy the videos/the channel!

[@gamewrit0058]

2:30 A specified reward amount for returning? That's weird. Just a name and number or e-mail should be enough. Edit: 5:10. "Nothing. I'm broke." LOL, *THAT* would make me immediately contact the owner to say i found it! 👍👏

[@GareTheBear]

HAHA I do be broke! Just trusting in humanity🤣🤣🤣

[@IvyPlans]

Moleskine has gotten too expensive. I changed over to a more affordable alternative.

[@GareTheBear]

💯 That's my #1 grief is the price. Crazy!

[@jenniferlavoie2548]

I like leuchtrum better personally

[@GareTheBear]

I've heard those are good! I'll need to do some digging and find those and see what my thoughts are.

[@xfilion]

Moleskine sells you a history. Hemmingway used one. I like the paper, and have several types of Moleskine. However, the Leuchtturm 1917 is a lot better.

[@GareTheBear]

Oh wow, that's amazing! I did not know that! I've heard lots of good things about Leuchtturm in the comments of this one. Sounds like I need to give it a try!

[@DigitalMoonlight]

Hemmingway died (1961) 30 years before the company was founded in 1997

[@GareTheBear]

Ope👀

[@JosephDickson]

The best notebook, like a pen, is the one you use. 😉

[@GareTheBear]

10000% facts!!! Couldn't agree more with this!

[@Christopherdiornguyen]

Too fancy but not fancy 😂

[@GareTheBear]

Just the right amount of fancy😎🤣

[@chlonley]

Notebooks are notebooks **insert Mr. Incredible**

[@GareTheBear]

YES!!!!! 100%

[@wherezthebeef]

Not worth it all all, of course a rhetorical question, everyone knows Moleskine is not worth what the pricing. For all the people who used to buy Moleskine but now buy cheaper alternatives, they just make up for this $$ loss the same way all companies do.. keep increasing prices, counting on brand loyalty and consumer ignorance to maintain their profits. So.. if money matters and you continue to buy Moleskine, stop complaining, you're the problem.

[@GareTheBear]

That about covers it🤣 Your comment inspired me to come up with an idea of directly comparing the "name brand" notebooks to their inexpensive counterparts, and showcase what the similarities and differences are.

[@wherezthebeef]

@@GareTheBear And maybe you'll convince me to go back... crazier things have happened😆 Of course for some people $ is no object at all, and if a 'brand name' has a single feature they can't live without, they'll pay the asking price...

[@GareTheBear]

Well, now my goal isn't to convince anyone of one way over the other, just to show what I see as objectively as possible. Everyone has their own preference!😆

[@sollerona]

moleskines are too expensive for the quality. get a midori notebook instead

[@GareTheBear]

I'll have to look into those. I've heard midori is pretty good!

[@justnik8727]

If you use a fountain pen or a rollerball, stay as far away as possible from these frauds of a notebook. Moleskine that is.

[@GareTheBear]

🤣🤣🤣 I've heard fountain pen users aren't too happy with Moleskine!