Moleskine Classic Notebook Soft Cover XL - Durable, Fountain Pen

Our review of the Moleskine Classic Notebook, Soft Cover XL finds it best suited to writers, students, and travelers who want a slim, portable ruled notebook with dependable paper and a secure closure. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a flexible but durable cover with Moleskine's thick, ivory 70 gsm paper and a practical set of features such as an elastic band, ribbon bookmark, and expandable inner pocket that keep notes organized on the go.

Key Features

• Soft cover construction: provides a flexible, lightweight notebook that slips into bags easily while still resisting wear in daily use.
• 70 gsm ivory paper: the thick, acid-free pages handle ballpoint, fountain pen, and pencil well and give a pleasant, slightly textured writing surface.
• Elastic closure and ribbon: the elastic band keeps loose pages secure and the matching ribbon bookmark speeds access to current notes.
• Expandable inner pocket: stores receipts, notes, or small papers and includes the printed Incase of Loss flyleaf for easy identification.
• Ruled layout in XL size: the 7.5 in x 9.5 in ruled pages give ample room for longer notes, journaling, or meeting minutes without being bulky.

Who It's For

This notebook suits people who value a classic, tried-and-true writing tool: students taking lecture notes, professionals recording meeting points, travelers keeping a journal, and bullet journalists who prefer lined pages and a slim profile. The XL size is helpful if you like to write larger or need more space per page.

Those who need very thick sketching paper, indexable page numbers by default, or a rigid hardcover for desk-only use may prefer a different format. Also, if absolute paper opacity is critical for heavy ink bleed-through, test first, as opinions differ on how thick the pages feel in daily use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Attractive Sapphire Blue cover and sturdy construction make it feel premium for everyday carry.
• Ivory, 70 gsm paper is comfortable for fountain pens and ballpoints and absorbs ink well.
• Practical features like elastic closure, bookmark ribbon, and inner pocket keep notes organized.

Cons

• Some users may find the pages thinner than expected for heavy ink or marker use.

Specifications

Brand	Moleskine
Cover type	Soft cover, sapphire blue
Size	XL 7.5 in x 9.5 in
Pages	192 pages
Paper	Ruled, 70 gsm, ivory, acid-free
Features	Elastic closure, ribbon bookmark, expandable inner pocket

Our Verdict

The Moleskine Classic Notebook Soft Cover XL is a solid choice for anyone who wants a portable, well-made ruled notebook with quality ivory paper and useful organizational features. It represents good value for writers and students who favor a slim, elegant everyday notebook, though those requiring very heavy ink coverage should check paper thickness against their preferred pens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the paper suitable for fountain pens?
Yes, the 70 gsm ivory paper is generally fountain pen friendly and absorbs ink well, though very wet nibs may show slight show-through.

Does the notebook include an inner pocket?
Yes, there is an expandable inner pocket in the back for loose papers and a printed Incase of Loss flyleaf.

What is the exact size of this notebook?
The notebook is the XL size, measuring approximately 7.5 in x 9.5 in with 192 pages.