ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm Review: Vegan Leather Hard Cover & True Lay-Flat Binding
The ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm is a premium B5 dot grid notebook built for bullet journaling with ultra-thick, bleed-proof paper and a host of pre-designed features that save time on setup.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 20, 2026
For anyone serious about bullet journaling, creative planning, or simply demanding a high-quality notebook for daily use, the ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm presents itself as a purpose-built tool. This B5-sized, dot-grid notebook from the brand Scribbles That Matter is specifically engineered to elevate the journaling experience, moving beyond a simple blank book to a structured platform for productivity and creativity. It is designed for users who employ a variety of writing and artistic mediums, from fountain pens to markers, and want a durable, feature-rich companion that lays flat. In short, the ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm Pro notebook aims to be a complete, out-of-the-box solution for organized minds and creative hands.
The notebook’s core proposition is its 160gsm ultra-thick paper, which the manufacturer states is engineered to prevent bleed-through, ghosting, and feathering, even with heavy mediums like paint. This is paired with a suite of pre-printed organizational aids—like a key, index pages, and numbered pages—that are intended to eliminate the tedious setup phase common to bullet journaling. Combined with a rugged vegan leather hard cover, true lay-flat binding, and practical extras like an elastic closure and pen loop, it targets a user who values both form and function. This review analyzes its specifications and design to determine if it lives up to its promise as a premium journaling notebook.
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ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand & Model | Scribbles That Matter 160gsm (Pro Version) |
| Paper Size & Style | B5 (approx. 8.5 x 11 inches), 5mm Dot Grid |
| Paper Weight & Pages | 160gsm, 150 Numbered Pages |
| Key Paper Feature | Zero Bleed-Through, Ghosting & Feathering Claim |
| Cover & Binding | Vegan Leather Hard Cover, True Lay-Flat Binding |
| Pre-Printed Features | Key Page, 3 Index Pages, 2 Pen-Test Pages, Page Guides |
| Built-in Accessories | Elastic Closure, Pen Loop, 2 Bookmarks, Back Pocket |
| Primary Use Case | Bullet Journaling, Creative Planning, Daily Writing |
Design and Build
The ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm notebook is immediately recognizable as a premium product based on its construction details. The cover is made from a rugged vegan leather, offering a soft-touch texture that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. It is a hardcover design, which provides essential protection for the pages inside and creates a solid writing surface whether used on a desk or on the go. The cover features rounded edges, a detail that enhances the notebook’s tactile feel and prevents corner wear over time.
Functionality is deeply integrated into the design. An elastic band closure secures the notebook, keeping pages flat and protected when not in use. A flexible pen loop is attached to the spine, designed to accommodate a variety of pen sizes. The notebook also includes two unique-colored ribbon bookmarks, allowing users to quickly mark two different sections—ideal for switching between a monthly log and a daily spread. A practical expandable back pocket is included for stashing loose notes, receipts, or tickets. The most critical design element for usability is the true lay-flat binding. This engineering allows the notebook to open completely flat on any page, eliminating the struggle to write in the gutter and providing an uninterrupted, seamless surface for creating spreads that span two pages.
Performance and Features
Paper Quality and Writing Experience
The standout performance feature of this notebook is its 160gsm paper. Grammage (gsm) refers to the weight and thickness of the paper, and 160gsm is considered ultra-thick for a notebook. According to the manufacturer, this specific paper is engineered to deliver “zero bleed-through, zero ghosting, and zero feathering.” This makes it suitable for a wide range of mediums. While standard pens and fountain pens should perform well, the paper is explicitly promoted as capable of handling heavy mediums such as markers and paint, which typically challenge thinner papers. The paper is described as “buttery-smooth,” and the dot grid uses a 5mm spacing with dots in a “perfect shade” meant to provide subtle structure without being visually distracting.
Pre-Designed for Effortless Setup
Unlike a blank notebook, the ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm is pre-designed to accelerate the user into the journaling process. It includes a pre-printed bullet journal key page, which serves as a legend for the symbols commonly used in the bullet journal method. Three index pages are provided for cataloging content. Two dedicated pen-test pages offer a safe space to test ink flow, bleed, and drying times for new pens or markers. All 150 pages are numbered for easy reference. Furthermore, the notebook incorporates STM-pioneered page center and edge guides. These faint markings help users align elements and create symmetrical spreads without manually counting dots, a significant time-saver for complex layouts.
Included Tools and Usability
The notebook is marketed as coming with a free fineliner pen, dubbed “The Scribbler,” which slots into the integrated pen loop. The loop itself is flexible to fit other pens or markers of the user’s choice. The two ribbon bookmarks and elastic closure are not just aesthetic touches but contribute directly to daily usability, keeping the journal organized and portable. The B5 size (slightly larger than A5) offers a generous canvas for detailed spreads while remaining portable enough for a bag or backpack.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup for this notebook is minimal by design. The pre-printed elements mean a user can theoretically start journaling on the first day without drawing an index, numbering pages, or creating a key. The pen-test pages allow for immediate verification of tool compatibility. As a physical notebook, there are no software upgrades or digital setup processes. Ownership is straightforward, centered on the durability of the materials. The vegan leather cover and lay-flat binding are built for repeated use. The brand promotes a community of users who share inspirational spreads online with the hashtag #scribbler, suggesting an informal support network. Specific warranty details or manufacturer support channels are not listed in the provided data.
What Owners Say
Based on the provided data, the notebook holds a high average rating. The manufacturer’s description references that the journals are “raved about amongst the journaling community” and that the brand is proud of its large fan base. This suggests a positive reception focused on the paper quality and thoughtful features that cater directly to the needs of bullet journal enthusiasts and creative users. For more insights on how experts evaluate tools for specific tasks, you can explore our expert picks on specialized guides.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-thick 160gsm paper designed to prevent bleed, ghosting, and feathering.
- Comprehensive pre-printed setup (key, index, numbered pages) saves significant time.
- True lay-flat binding enables easy, seamless writing across two pages.
- Durable vegan leather hard cover with practical rounded edges.
- Useful built-in features: elastic closure, pen loop, two bookmarks, and back pocket.
- Includes page center and edge guides for easier layout creation.
Cons
- The 160gsm Pro version contains 150 pages, which is fewer than the brand’s 120gsm version.
- The thicker paper and premium features contribute to a notebook that is likely heavier than standard options.
- As a specialized tool, it may be over-featured for someone seeking a simple, blank notebook.
- The B5 size, while generous, may be too large for users seeking extreme portability.
- No specific long-term durability data or warranty information is provided in the specifications.
- Designed primarily for dot-grid/bullet journal use, not ideal for those who prefer lined or blank pages.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm is an excellent choice for dedicated bullet journalers, planners, and creative individuals who use a mix of pens, markers, and even light paint in their notebooks. It is ideal for those who appreciate a structured starting point and want to avoid the initial setup work of numbering pages and drawing guides. Artists looking for thick, resilient paper for mixed-media journaling will find the 160gsm weight compelling. It’s also suitable for professionals who want a sophisticated, durable notebook for work that can handle frequent use and look good on a desk.
This notebook is less suitable for someone who needs maximum page count for basic note-taking, as the 150-page count is lower than many standard notebooks. Individuals who exclusively use pencil or ballpoint pen and do not experience ghosting on thinner paper may not need the premium 160gsm paper. Those who prefer a completely blank, unstructured canvas without dots, indexes, or pre-printed elements should look for a more minimalist notebook. For users interested in other categories of expert-vetted gear, our Tech Gear section offers a wide range of reviews.
Final Verdict
The ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm Pro notebook successfully executes its mission to provide a high-quality, feature-complete platform for bullet journaling and creative expression. Its most significant strength is the thoughtful integration of user-centric features—from the bleed-resistant 160gsm paper to the time-saving pre-printed guides and the genuinely practical lay-flat binding. It demonstrates a clear understanding of its target audience’s pain points, such as pen bleed and cumbersome setup, and addresses them directly through its specifications and design.
While the page count is a trade-off for the thicker paper, the overall package offers substantial value for the serious journaler. It transitions a notebook from a passive repository into an active tool for organization and creativity. For anyone ready to invest in a notebook that enhances rather than hinders their process, the ScribblesThatMatter 160gsm is a compelling option that stands out in the crowded journal market. Its combination of durability, thoughtful design, and paper performance makes it easy to recommend for its intended use cases. Discover more detailed product analyses and comparisons in our main Reviews hub.
FAQs
What is the difference between the 160gsm and 120gsm versions?
The primary difference is paper weight and page count. The 160gsm “Pro” version uses ultra-thick paper designed to handle heavy mediums like markers and paint with zero bleed-through, and it contains 150 numbered pages. The 120gsm version uses thick paper suitable for pens, fountain pens, and highlighters, and it contains over 200 numbered pages. The choice depends on whether your priority is maximum paper resilience or maximum page count.
Does the notebook really lay completely flat?
Yes, the manufacturer specifies it features “true lay flat binding.” This binding technique is engineered to allow the notebook to open fully to any page without forcing the spine, creating a completely flat writing surface across both the left and right pages. This is essential for creating uninterrupted two-page spreads in a bullet journal.
What comes included with the ScribblesThatMatter notebook?
According to the product details, the notebook itself includes several built-in features: an elastic closure band, a flexible pen loop, two ribbon bookmarks, and a back cover pocket. It is also marketed as including a free fineliner pen called “The Scribbler.” Internally, it comes pre-printed with a key page, three index pages, two pen-test pages, numbered pages, and page center/edge guides.
Is this notebook only for bullet journaling?
While it is optimized for bullet journaling with its dot grid and pre-printed bullet journal key, the manufacturer promotes it for a wide variety of uses. These include gratitude journaling, manifestation journals, fitness tracking, professional work notebooks, business planning, and general daily writing. The dot grid provides subtle structure that can accommodate writing, drawing, chart-making, and other forms of note-taking.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.