Lochby A5 Field Folio: First Impressions

Is It Love at First Write? My First Week With the A5 Field Folio

As someone who is obsessed with stationery, I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative tools. After a lot of research, some feedback from people I trust, and some great ad placements, I finally got my hands on a Lochby A5 Field Folio. More specifically it was an Easter Gift from my girlfriend haha. I was so excited though!

Now a little heads up. I tend to spend at least a month to a few months with things before I decide to do deep reviews. This is the first time Ill be doing a first impression post and I think this is the perfect medium to do so. In this post, I’ll share my honest impressions, outlining immediately what’s impressed me and what has left a bit to be desired.

What Im Loving So Far

1. Amazing Organization

   

   Right out of the box, the Lochby A5 Field Folio’s organizational features stood out prominently. I frequently juggle multiple notebooks. Some for journaling, others for sketching ideas or maintaining my daily planners. The Lochby Folio handled this task admirably. With its thoughtfully designed internal structure, I comfortably fit multiple notebooks inside without feeling cramped or cluttered. My personal Tomoe River paper A5 journal slid into the folio easily alongside Lochby’s own journals, demonstrating an intuitive compatibility that really made me happy. It fit PERFECTLY. Like….I cant express enough how happy it made me that I could fit all of this into one place. My Tomoe River Journal found a secure home inside of this sturdy case.

2. Exceptional Quality and Durability

Quality often defines my experience with a new stationery item, and here the Lochby A5 Field Folio did not disappoint. From the first touch, it felt robust, rugged, and solidly made. Each stitch and seam appeared meticulously executed, hinting at longevity and reliability. This gave me a comforting peace of mind. Especially as someone who is somewhat anxious about my favorite stationery supplies being damaged or misplaced. I try not to take my most precious journals out into the world unless I absolutely have to. Whether tossed into a backpack or neatly arranged on my desk, the Lochby Folio exudes a reassuring toughness. Knowing that my journals and writing accessories are safe inside something built with such obvious care and precision genuinely adds value to my journaling experience. I feel comfortable taking my stationery every where with me.

1. Secure and Convenient Zipper

   

Perhaps my favorite feature at first glance was the full perimeter zipper, which secures everything snugly inside the folio. Unlike other journal cases that rely solely on elastic bands or loose flaps, the zipper provides complete containment, ensuring that nothing accidentally slips out during transit. Now I do want to note that the zipper doesnt completely close everything inside. There are gaps at the ends of the zippers so dont think that youll be tossing this into your pool anytime soon. Have I ever mentioned how I carry a plastic ziplock bag with me every time I travel on a plane JUST in case the plane goes down, I can save my journals? Unhinged a bit, yes I know lol. But I thought Id just add that little tid bit here. The zipper action itself feels satisfyingly smooth yet sturdy. There's no annoying snag or stiffness; it zips and unzips easily, maintaining its integrity even when packed full. This secure closure is perfect for someone constantly on the move.

Areas That Could Improve

1. The Canvas Material, Not For Everyone

   

   One significant drawback that immediately caught my eye (and my fingertips) was the canvas material used to construct the Folio's exterior. Canvas certainly has its fans. It’s robust, hardy, and provides a unique rustic charm. However, personally, I found the feel and appearance somewhat less appealing. Canvas tends to pick up scuffs and marks quickly, which might align with a rugged, well-used aesthetic. In my short time using the folio, it already accumulated noticeable scuffs from casual handling and placement on various surfaces. If you’re someone who prefers their stationery accessories to maintain a pristine, polished appearance, this might become an ongoing frustration.

   

2. Tight Pockets

Another minor yet noticeable annoyance was the tightness of the folio’s internal pockets. Initially, I was excited about storing various pens, stickers, and stationery items directly inside the folio. However, I quickly realized these pockets weren’t particularly accommodating. The snugness meant that anything bulkier than a few stickers or thin sheets of paper became challenging to fit comfortably. Pens, particularly those with thicker bodies or clips, were notably difficult to store. Trying to insert and remove these items often required more force than ideal, diminishing the convenience and ease-of-use that the folio otherwise boasts. Over time, I expect the pockets might loosen slightly with repeated use, but as of now, they significantly limit the folio’s practicality as a versatile, all-in-one stationery organizer.

Initial Verdict

While the Lochby A5 Field Folio makes a strong first impression with its excellent organizational layout, exceptional build quality, and secure zipper closure, it does come with a couple of notable drawbacks. The choice of canvas material and overly snug pockets might detract slightly from an otherwise outstanding user experience, especially depending on personal taste and practical expectations.

Overall, I find the Lochby Field Folio extremely promising for specific uses, particularly for stationary people who frequently travel or appreciate rugged aesthetics. Despite minor grievances, the positives substantially outweigh the negatives. This folio offers superior protection and organization, significantly enhancing my peace of mind when transporting journals and writing tools. As I continue to use and explore the Lochby Field Folio, I'm curious to see if my initial impressions hold true or if my experience evolves. Expect a follow-up review after a month or so of extensive use, where I’ll revisit these initial thoughts and reflect on whether this sturdy folio becomes an indispensable companion in my journaling journey or if the few drawbacks begin to overshadow its strengths.