Planner Review: My Honest Thoughts on the Filofax Camden
The latest addition to Filofax's sustainable line-up
When I first opened the Filofax Camden, I had a moment. The minimalist styling, supple vegan leather, the elegant colour combos—it felt luxurious. Sophisticated. Like something I might carry to a client meeting, not just a tool to jot down tasks.
But once the unboxing excitement wore off, I started asking myself: can something that looks this good also work hard day to day? Or is the Camden more of an eco-warrior statement than a functional planner?
Here’s my honest review after spending real time with it.
The Look & Feel
Filofax calls the Camden a sustainable organizer. However, unlike their Eco Essential Organizer, you would never guess the planet-friendly credentials packed in side their latest addition.
It features vegan grain leather made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and 100% recycled paper, which makes it a stylish yet conscious choice.
The Camden feels like a designer accessory with its clean lines, pebble effect leather, and gender-neutral smart finish. It’s currently available in three classic colors: Olive; Mocha and Black, and while it looks structured, it actually has a very soft touch thanks to the supple vegan leather and padding.
Inside: Form Meets Function?
Opening it up, you get a mix of minimalist styling with practical touches. I should note that on opening this organizer for the first time it lies flat without having to train it, which is a major plus in my book.
On the inside left of the cover you have a bank of six card pockets, followed by two vertical slip pockets—great for storing stickers or creating a layered deco moment with journaling cards.
On the right side there's one slip pocket for a notebook, a pen loop tucked under the closure strap and then of course the slip pocket for the removable rings.
The rings mechanism is satisfying and gives a solid clack when opening and closing. One thing I did spot with the rings was a possible chance of misalignment. However, I feel this is a time-will-tell situation.
While we're on the rings we definitely need to discuss the "removeable" feature! These rings are NOT attached to the planner cover, but are instead mounted on a piece of thick cardstock that are easily removed from the vertical slip pocket that house them.
This is a great solution if you're someone who flip-flops between printable planner inserts for a ring/disc bound system, and perfect bound diaries or notebooks such as the Hobonichi Techo or a Leuchtturm1917.
My only concern with the removeable feature is durability purely because the rings are mounted on cardstock. This is another time-will-tell situation.
Now, let's take a moment to go back to that pen loop because we know how notorious Filofax is when it comes to pen loops that are difficult to use. The Camden has just one pen loop and it's not elasticated! The organizer I received appears to have a generous sized loop which can accommodate a fountain pen. However, I shall most likely add my Uni One to this planner as it fits in very nicely.
What's included
The Camden comes with a small selection of standard Filofax inserts (which I always swap out for my own), but they’re functional if you're new to ring-bound planning and are looking for a cover that includes everything you need to get started:
Calendar insert.
Eight sheets each of dot grid/plan/lined paper.
To-do list.
Contacts insert.
Fold-out undated year at glance (six months per side).
Cardboard page marker.
Paper top opening pocket.
Plus a pack of dated, vertical week on two pages refill.
Sadly, this planner doesn't feature the six card dividers, or the coloured lined paper you normally see in Filofax organizers.
The Verdict
The Camden is stunning. If you’re after a planner that looks and feels luxurious—without the luxury price tag—it delivers. The eco-conscious design is a bonus, and the ability to switch between ring inserts and notebooks is genuinely clever.
Would I recommend it?
Yes—but with caveats.
If aesthetics, sustainability, and system flexibility are high on your list, you’ll love it. But if you’re after something more rugged, with extra pockets or multiple pen loops, you might find it a little too streamlined for everyday demands.
Do you use the Filofax Camden? Or are you eyeing it? I'd love to know what you think, or what you're currently using. Leave a comment or reply—I'm always up for planner chat.
And if you're looking for a more structured system, my printable inserts might help you make the most of any A5 ring or disk bound planner you choose. You can find those shop.planningwithchloe.com
Until next time Planner Friend…
Chloe x