feela 12 pack a5 notebooks

The Verdict

The bulk notebook gamble: 12 for the price of 3 — but is the quality there?

Most 12-packs of A5 notebooks are disposable junk. You know the drill: flimsy covers, paper that feathers, bindings that explode by page 40. The feela 12 pack is different. It’s the rare bulk option that doesn’t make you feel like you’re rationing quality for quantity. At 4.8 stars from 240 ratings, buyers clearly agree — but let’s dig into what you’re actually getting.

What’s in the box

You get 12 notebooks, each measuring the standard A5 size (5.8" x 8.3") with 120 sheets — that’s 240 pages per book. That’s double the page count of most competitors in this price range, which typically cap at 60 sheets. The covers come in a muted color palette of 6 colors (two of each): classic black, navy, forest green, burgundy, gray, and cream. Each has a subtle embossed “feela” logo and a simple elastic closure. The binding is sewn, not glued — a significant detail at this price point.

Paper performance: The real test

Here’s where most budget notebooks fail, and where feela surprises. The 80gsm paper handles a surprising range of writing instruments. Fountain pen users report minimal feathering and ghosting — even with wetter nibs. Gel pens and rollerballs glide without bleeding through. One reviewer noted: “I use a Pilot Metropolitan with Noodler’s ink, and there’s slight ghosting on the reverse side but zero bleed-through. For an 80gsm paper, that’s genuinely impressive.”

The tradeoff: the paper has a noticeable tooth. If you’re used to the buttery-smooth finish of Rhodia or Leuchtturm, this will feel rough by comparison. Ballpoint users won’t notice, but fountain pen enthusiasts who prefer ultra-smooth surfaces might find it scratchy.

Build quality and real-world durability

The sewn binding is the standout feature. These notebooks lay completely flat when open — no cracking, no pages loosening over time. The elastic closure stays snug. The softcover has a slight texture that resists fingerprints.

But let’s be honest about the downsides. The cover is thin — around 300gsm equivalent — so it bends under pressure. If you’re shoving these into a packed backpack or tote, the corners will dog-ear and the cover will crease. For desk use or light carry, it’s fine. For rugged daily commuting, you’ll want a cover or sleeve. Also, there are no page numbers or an index — you’ll need to build your own organizational system if that matters to you.

What buyers consistently praise

Across the 240 reviews, three themes dominate. First, value: “I paid less for 12 of these than I would for 3 Moleskines, and the quality is 80% there.” Second, the ink resistance — multiple reviewers specifically call out the lack of bleed-through. Third, the lay-flat binding: “These lay open on my desk without me holding them down. My previous notebooks required a paperweight.”

Where it falls short

The paper tooth is the most common complaint. If you write with fine-point pens, the texture can catch. Also, the color options are muted — there’s no bright or pastel variety, so if you color-code by hue, this won’t work. And while the elastic closure is functional, it’s not reinforced; it will stretch over months of heavy use.

Who should buy this

• Students: 240 pages per notebook means one book per class per semester. The lay-flat binding is a game-changer for note-taking.
• Journalers: If you write daily, the page count and paper quality justify the bulk purchase.
• Office workers: Keep one in your desk, one in your bag, one at home. The price makes it painless.
• Skip it if: You need ultra-smooth paper for premium fountain pens, or you need hardcover durability for constant backpack travel.

FAQ

Q: Will fountain pen ink bleed through? A: No bleed-through, but you’ll see ghosting on the reverse side with wet inks. Dry inks show nothing.

Q: Are these notebooks really A5 size? A: Yes, they measure 5.8" x 8.3" — standard A5. They’ll fit in most A5 covers and sleeves.

Q: Can I tear pages out cleanly? A: The sewn binding makes tearing pages out messy. If you need perforated pages, look elsewhere.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want a reliable, high-page-count notebook at a price that makes you stop worrying about wasting pages. The paper quality punches above its weight class, and the sewn binding is a premium feature at a budget price.

Skip it if: You demand silky-smooth paper or hardcover durability. This is a softcover notebook with texture — it’s not a Rhodia replacement.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The best bulk A5 notebook value I’ve tested. The paper tooth and softcover flexibility hold it back from a perfect score, but for most buyers, this is a no-brainer purchase.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.