The ONLY 160gsm Notebook Review you need!

In the world of bullet journaling, the choice of notebook is crucial to the creative process. One option gaining popularity is the 160gsm bullet journal notebook. With its thicker paper, it promises an enhanced experience for both seasoned journalers and newcomers to the art of bullet journaling. In this blog post, we will delve into the features, benefits, and creative possibilities that 160gsm bullet journal notebooks offer.

This is the ultimate 160gsm notebook review you will need! We go into a ton of details on each of these amazing 8 thick paper bullet journals!

When I first started journaling, everything in the Bullet Journal world centered around 120gsm paper. If you could find coated 120gsm paper in a dot grid it was like pure gold and you hung on to it! Then Archer and Olive developed a small notebook back in 2018 with 160gsm paper and the whole community lost its mind over it! For ages (and still is) Tomoe River Paper was the holy grail in watercolor paper for journals.

I’ve been a user of Archer and Olive since they released their first notebook, and NOW, I actually mange the Design Team. So I am fully aware of the brand and its features. But like any stationery addict, I need more, and wanted to go research what my alternatives are when it comes to 160gsm notebooks and cost, as well as the comparison of quality! If you want to see the full A&O Review head over to this blog post!

Now I have been journaling for a while and have more journals than I can probably use! But I really wanted to find some reasonable views on journals that might be up and coming and a little more affordable than the A&O notebooks. A&O is notoriously a luxury brand and a little more pricey, but there is a reason for this and we will go into this in a little more detail later! So I went out and purchased all the other notebooks listed in this Review – With shipping to New Zealand the cost came in just over $200usd for all the notebooks.

Understanding 160gsm Paper: Exploring Paper Weight and Quality

When it comes to paper, weight matters. In the world of stationery and art supplies, the term “gsm” stands as a significant indicator of paper quality. GSM, which stands for grams per square meter, refers to the weight of a paper in grams per square meter of the paper sheet. This metric holds a crucial role in determining the texture, durability, and usability of the paper. Let’s delve deeper into the concept of GSM and how it relates to the quality of 160gsm paper in bullet journal notebooks.

1. GSM and Its Significance:

GSM serves as a standardized measure of paper weight and thickness. Essentially, it quantifies how much a given area of paper weighs. A higher GSM indicates a thicker and more substantial paper, while a lower GSM implies a thinner and lighter paper. This metric holds particular importance in creative fields like art, design, and journaling, where the choice of paper can greatly impact the final outcome.

2. Comparison to Standard Notebook Paper Thickness:

To better understand the weight of 160gsm paper, let’s compare it to standard notebook paper, which typically falls in the range of 60gsm to 90gsm. This standard notebook paper, often found in common notepads and notebooks, is generally suitable for writing with various pen types but may struggle to handle wet mediums like markers, watercolors, and ink.

In contrast, 160gsm paper offers a substantial leap in thickness. It is nearly twice as thick as standard notebook paper, providing a more substantial canvas for creativity. The extra weight of 160gsm paper allows it to handle a wider array of artistic techniques, from light sketches to intricate illustrations and even wet media applications.

3. Balance Between Thickness and Usability:

One of the notable advantages of 160gsm paper lies in the balance it strikes between thickness and usability. While heavier paper stocks (e.g., 200gsm and above) excel at handling wet media without bleeding or warping, they can sometimes be cumbersome for everyday writing and drawing. On the other hand, lighter papers are more manageable but may lack the resilience needed for artistic experimentation.

160gsm paper finds a middle ground by providing a sturdy surface that is well-suited for both writing and drawing, as well as accommodating a diverse range of mediums. It minimizes the risk of ghosting (show-through) and bleeding, ensuring that the creative process isn’t hampered by limitations.

4. What is 160gsm paper and why is it important?

The term “GSM” stands for “grams per square meter.” This is how we define paper weight.

The weight of different types of paper is measured from a sample sheet cut to one square meter in size. No matter the length or width the paper becomes, the weight measurement is always taken from the square meter sheet.

For example, paper with a weight of 80 gsm or 100gsm (LT1914) will be much, much lighter and thinner than paper weighing 160 gsm. Usually watercolor and thick cardstock are in the high 100’s and can sometimes go all the way up to the 400’s in gsm! When you are looking for a thick paper dotted notebook it can be difficult and tricky to find exactly what you are looking for!

Understanding the significance of GSM helps demystify the qualities of paper, particularly in the context of bullet journaling and creative expression. The 160gsm paper, with its balance between thickness and usability, offers a versatile and dependable medium for artists, writers, and journal enthusiasts. Its capacity to handle various techniques while maintaining a manageable weight makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to elevate their artistic endeavors within the pages of a bullet journal.

Spoiler alert! If you are wanting to know my top 3 picks for 160gsm notebooks! The ultimate winners are:

Benefits of 160gsm Bullet Journal Notebooks: Elevating Your Creative Experience

When it comes to choosing the perfect bullet journal notebook, the paper quality is a crucial factor that can significantly impact your creative process. 160gsm bullet journal notebooks stand out with their unique set of benefits that cater to both practical functionality and artistic expression. Let’s delve deeper into these advantages:

1. Minimal Ghosting and Bleeding:

Ghosting and bleeding are common frustrations among journalers and artists. Ghosting occurs when the ink from one page is visible on the other side, while bleeding refers to ink spreading through the paper, often leading to ruined pages. Thicker paper, like the 160gsm variant, plays a key role in minimizing these issues.

With 160gsm paper, you can confidently use a variety of writing tools, including fountain pens, markers, and brush pens, without worrying about the ink seeping through and affecting the next page. This reduction in ghosting and bleeding not only preserves the visual integrity of your bullet journal but also allows you to fully utilize both sides of each page without hesitation.

2. Versatility Across Artistic Mediums:

One of the most exciting aspects of bullet journaling is its potential for creative exploration. A 160gsm bullet journal notebook serves as a versatile canvas for a wide range of artistic mediums. From the bold strokes of markers and the delicate lines of gel pens to the vibrant washes of watercolors, this paper weight can handle it all.

With 160gsm paper, you can create rich and intricate illustrations, experiment with different color combinations, and layer various mediums to achieve stunning visual effects. This versatility empowers both seasoned artists and those new to creative journaling to explore and refine their skills within the pages of their bullet journal.

3. Durability for Long-Term Use:

Bullet journaling often involves frequent handling, flipping, and carrying around, which can take a toll on the notebook’s durability. Thicker paper, such as the 160gsm variety, offers enhanced durability that withstands wear and tear over time.

The sturdiness of 160gsm paper means that your bullet journal can accompany you on your daily adventures without worrying about pages getting easily crumpled or damaged. This durability ensures that your journal remains intact and presentable, allowing you to revisit your thoughts, plans, and artistic creations for years to come.

Elevating Your Creative Journey 160gsm bullet journal notebooks present a trio of benefits that enhance the quality of your creative experience. By minimizing ghosting and bleeding, offering versatility across artistic mediums, and providing durability for long-term use, these notebooks become powerful tools for self-expression, organization, and exploration. Whether you’re a writer, an artist, or someone seeking a dependable companion for planning and documenting, a 160gsm bullet journal notebook promises to elevate your journey and turn each page into a canvas of possibilities.

Creative Possibilities with 160gsm Bullet Journal Notebooks: Unleash Your Artistic Expression

A 160gsm bullet journal notebook isn’t just a place to jot down tasks and appointments; it’s a canvas that invites you to explore a world of artistic possibilities. The sturdy and versatile paper opens up a realm of creative expression that goes beyond the confines of standard notebooks. Here’s a closer look at the exciting creative avenues that a 160gsm bullet journal notebook can unlock:

1. Artistic Journaling:

Move beyond traditional note-taking and delve into the realm of artistic journaling. With 160gsm paper, you can combine words and images to create captivating mixed-media spreads. Experiment with incorporating ephemera, magazine clippings, washi tape, and even small sketches to transform your bullet journal into a visual diary that tells a unique story of your days.

2. Watercolor Wonders:

Watercolors are a beloved medium for their vibrant hues and fluidity, but they can be challenging to use on thin paper due to warping and bleeding. With a 160gsm bullet journal notebook, you can dive into watercolor painting without fear. The thicker paper offers the stability needed to absorb water without distorting the page or causing excessive bleeding, allowing you to create stunning watercolor illustrations and backgrounds.

3. Collage and Scrapbooking:

Whether you’re commemorating a special event or simply adding flair to your journal, collage and scrapbooking are wonderful ways to personalize your pages. The strength of 160gsm paper provides a solid foundation for gluing down various elements. You can confidently layer images, ephemera, and textured materials to craft dynamic visual displays that capture the essence of your experiences.

4. Hand-Lettering:

Hand-lettering and calligraphy thrive on paper that supports smooth ink flow and minimizes feathering. The thickness of 160gsm paper ensures that your hand-lettered words remain crisp and clean, free from smudging or bleeding. This opens up a world of possibilities for practicing different lettering styles, from elegant scripts to playful typography, making your bullet journal a showcase of your evolving lettering skills.

Embrace the Journey of Creative Discovery A 160gsm bullet journal notebook isn’t merely a vessel for your thoughts and plans; it’s a gateway to artistic exploration and self-discovery. Whether you’re capturing fleeting moments through mixed media, painting with watercolors, assembling collages, or refining your hand-lettering techniques, the thicker and more resilient paper empowers you to push your creative boundaries. Within the pages of your bullet journal, you’ll find the freedom to experiment, learn, and celebrate the unique fusion of organization and artistry that defines your personal creative journey.

How did I structure this 160gsm notebook review?

Today we review the best 160gsm notebooks available right now. Overall the similarities outweighed the differences, so for the differences we will go into some detail about those.

I am a numbers/ data nerd and a stationery nerd! So I divided this review in sections per notebook. Each Notebook gets it own section, and a score. The score is based on the following characteristics:

Values and Responsibility – 1 Point
Packaging – 1 Point for nice packaging
How the notebook was made – an average of score over
1. Cover
2. Paper Color
3. Paper feel
4. #of Pages (over 160 = 1 point)
5. Index/ Additional Pages
6. Numbered pages
7. Dots are 0.5mm apart
8. Back Pocket
9. Elastic Closure
10. Pen Loop
11. Book Marks (1 point for 2 or more)
12. Did it come with extras?
13. Did it smell funny?
Cost – Below $20 – 1 Point
Pen Test – No Bleeding/No Ghosting – 1 Point
Watercolor Test – No Bleeding/No Warping paper – 1 Point
Fountain Pen Test – No Feathering or Scratchies

There were a couple of characteristics that were the same across the board – this included the fact that all the notebooks were 160gsm paper, they all had sewn-in binding, they all had a dot grid, and all the dots were 0.5mm except for the Wordsworth and Black which was annoyingly off by a couple millimeters.

What did I use for the pen test?

I wanted to use the juiciest pens I could find. Juicy but consistent! Pens and stationery that would put a 160gsm dot grid notebook through its paces!

I wanted to be consistent over each notebook so used the following pens and supplies:

Fountain Pen: Lamy Fountain Pen
Highlighters: Stablio highlighter, Faber Castell highlighter, Mild Liner
Watercolor: Prima Marketing Watercolors, and Prima Marketing Watercolor Pencils
Tombow Monotwin Alcohol Maker (I would like to state, you shouldn’t use an alcohol marker on journal paper, as it will bleed through everything that isn’t marker paper)
Brush Pens: Karin Pro Marker, Tombow Dual Tip, Ecoline, Actylograph, Tombow Fudenosuke, Crayola, Sakura Koi
Gel Pens: Ink Joy, Pilot v5, Gelly Roll
Fineliner: Faber-Castell Fineliner, Scribbles that Matter Fineliner

How many different types of 160gsm Notebooks are there?

Thick bullet journals can be found everywhere now. The thick paper notebooks come in varying page counts from about 128 to 220 pages. I counted a total of 13 that I could find – I wasn’t able to review all of them, but intend to get my hands on them in the future

Notebooks included in this review:
- Archer and Olive
- Tekukor
- Owl Notebook
- Tumbitri Meri
- Scribbles that Matter
- Maisie Lane Co
- Smart Planner Co
- Wordsworth and Black
Ones I could not get my hands on
- Notebook Therapy (The shipping took forever!)
- SeQes (Sold out)
- Mindful Hookup (I felt really awkward about buying one as they had similar designs to A&O which didn’t sit well with me)
- Eclectic Scribbles (Didn’t love the cover options)
- Amanda Rach Lee (Didn’t arrive in time)

I hadn’t really heard of some of these until I started looking for them, and boy am I glad I did! I learnt about some new alternatives and it also reaffirmed my love in Archer and Olive.

Watch me review 8 different 160gsm bullet journal notebooks!

Archer and Olive 160gsm Notebook review

Archer and Olive scored 5.2/7

Overview

When you first open you are met with a luxury product, the box is beautifully detailed and crafted. On opening you are met with a paper wrapped notebook, and within the paper lies a stunningly made, extra pretty gift of pure joy!

When I originally completed my Archer and Olive review they had only just released the first set of notebooks – which at the time were revolutionary.

Environmental Responsibility and Values

Archer and Olive prides itself on its values. As a woman owned and run business, this little business really packs a punch! It speaks openly about inclusiveness, actively supports and promotes artists of all races and genders and promotes fair pay and credit for art created. One of the core values of A&O that really stick out to me, is the one on Mental health. Bonnie prides herself on speaking openly about her mental health diagnosis and how journaling has over help her overcome some of those challenges.

One of the other core values of this business is their commitment to environmental responsibility. As we go through this review you will see that not many other businesses focus in on this level of social accountability and responsibility. A&O ensure that the manufacturers used, pay their workers a fair rate. Their packaging is recyclable and the covers are either ethically sourced fabric covers or vegan leather.

Customer service is one of the the things that A&O does really well. They are responsive, quick and always willing to help out where needed.

What are the key elements of this 160gsm notebook?

Link to Purchase	Archer and Olive
Cost	$36
Cover	Hard
Sizes	B5 A5 B6 Travellers
Paper Color	Bright White
Paper Feel	Moderately Smooth
Pages	192
Index	No
Numbered pages	No
Dots	0.5mm
Grid/ Boxes	26 x 38
Dot Color	Light Grey
Back Pocket	Yes
Pen loop	Yes
Elastic Closure	Yes
Book Mark	2 (One with & Charm)
Paper	160gsm
Extras	None
Shipping time USA to NZ	6 Working days tracked

Pen Test

The pen test here was interesting. I have been using these notebooks for a while and know how they handle water and pens the best, so I almost used this as the baseline and the other notebooks had to stand up to the quality of this notebook. There was no ghosting or bleed from even the Alcohol marker.

You can see the A&O notebook holds up exceptionally well to both juicy inked pens and the watercolor. The alcohol marker was not visible and there was no ghosting or bleed. There was barely any feathering with my fountain pen.

Other Comments

Personally I love the little Ampersand pendent – It made for a really sweet addition to the line up and makes it feel really personal. There isn’t much else that is overly different about this notebook.

I have seen many people complain about the cost of this notebook. At $36, this notebook is the most expensive in the line up, but when you consider the values that are going into this business, I strongly believe that cost is going towards making the world a better place.