Filofax Norfolk Planner Review
Let's take a look at the Pros and Cons of this chunky, little planner
In this article we’re going to take a look at the Filofax Norfolk Pocket Sized Leather Planner, specifically:
All the features of the Norfolk in pocket size
The pros and cons of owning and using this planner.
As well as who this planner would best suit.
So, if you’re looking to purchase the Filofax Norfolk in Pocket size, but are unsure if is the right choice for you, this review will provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision and hopefully simplify your life with the “right” planner.
Grab your cuppa, and let’s get into it…
The Unboxing Experience
Not to bore you, but yes, we are going to start with a gratuitous unboxing moment…
With Leather Planners from Filofax you are getting more of a premium experience, so expect your shiny new planner to come in a sturdy, branded Filofax box, which is perfect for storing and protecting your planner when you’re not using it.
I love the cute polka dot print on the lid, with the Filofax logo at the centre, all in gold foil which definitely is giving me luxe vibes.
Now this is where I feel a little let down when I compare my Filofax unboxing experience with my Moterm one. The synthetic band that Filofax use to wrap their planner covers is a little bit of a let down.
Moterm scores an extra point here due to the dust bag giving me premium vibes but still at a relatively affordable price tag. That said, I do appreciate the acetate wrap protecting the Filofax cover because it allows you to have look inside without spoiling the leather cover with finger prints.
There weren’t any packaging inserts or a thank you card when I opened the box. But full disclosure, I did pick this up at a bargain price from Amazon UK Warehouse, so it could be that as a returned item it’s missing things. However, that’s usually disclosed on the warehouse listing and for this particular item it only stated box damage.
Personally, I think this is another missed opportunity for Filofax, branded tissue paper with a sticker and little card would take this to the next level without denting the bottom-line too much in my opinion.
Size Comparison
Although this is a pocket size planner, she is thiccc!
With a 25mm ring capacity, the pocket size Norfolk is the largest capacity pocket size planner in the current Filofax UK line-up on their website.
With this size ring capacity you’re going to easily get around 200 sheets of 80gms paper in this planner.
For comparison I have a Filofax Malden in Personal size, although this planner also has the same size 25mm rings, the Norfolk is still chunkier thanks to the full width wallet pocket at the top.
Ring size:
Filofax Norfolk pocket size: 25mm - largest ring capacity in pocket size for Filofax.
Filofax Malden & Finsbury pocket size: 19mm rings.
Filofax Holborn pocket size: 15mm rings.
Moterm Luxe 2.0 pocket size: 30mm rings Moterm’s largest ring capacity in pocket size.
Moterm Versa 3.0 & Regular 2.0 pocket size: 19mm rings.
Premium Leather
Before we move on to the inside configuration of this planner cover, let’s talk about the leather and lining.
This leather is so soft to the touch, it has an almost peach skin velvetiness to it! Compared the to Moterm Luxe pebbled leather which has a plasticky finish and feel.
They’re both lovely leathers, but I feel like the Filofax Norfolk steals the show here when it comes to tactile points. Norfolk states it’s a full grain leather which means it’s premium quality, compared to the Moterm which is a top grain so it’s a level down in terms of quality.
The lining of the Filofax is another winner for me. It has a quality feel about it, in that it’s thick, with a linen look, most likely a sateen polycotton twill lining, and it coordinates perfectly with the leather cover colour.
Quick comparison to the Moterm, which has what looks like a thin nylon lining. I understand this for “slip” when sliding papers into the pockets, but for me it just doesn’t do it.
Overall, the Norfolk exudes quality when it comes to its leather, lining and finish.
Colour options: Norfolk currently comes in pretty but muted colour options, with hues inspired by the English Countryside. I would describe the colours feminine but serious, they are very down to earth with a hint of softness.
The current line-up (as of February 2024) features: Taupe (my choice), Almond (a gorgeous golden light brown), Sage (a serious soft, green with a hint of grey), Lavender (a feminine, pale purple-grey).
Plus two new colours: Current and Espresso (deep and moody)
Internal Configuration
Now let’s look at the inside front and back cover.
Inside Front Cover:
1 Zipped Pocket (completely colour coordinated).
1 Vertical Slip Pocket.
Inside Back Cover:
4 Portrait Card Pockets.
1 Vertical Slip Pocket.
1 Elasticated Pen Loop with a Leather Flap.
Plus, at the top of the cover, we have a wallet style pocket run across the front and back.
To be honest, I’m not a fan of the slip pockets inside, purely because the rings are so large they make it somewhat awkward to the slide things into those pockets.
However, the elasticated pen loop is very much appreciated! It’s still a little snug, but I would imagine this loosening over time.
I’m not sure how I feel about the flap of leather on the pen loop, this is where Moterm eek ahead with their part-leather / part-elastic pen loop. Again, this is just my personal preference.
Inserts Included
Finally, let’s look at the inserts that come with this planner.
You get the Minimal Week On Two Pages multilanguage diary insert. This features a horizontal week and clean crisp white pages with a dark grey print.
The paper is smooth, 80gsm (not too thick/heavy) and fountain pen friendly according to Filofax.
There’s a “Belongs to" page, calendars of the current and next year, and “Big Plans" section with dotted pages for monthly goals at the front.
There are monthly dashboard pages, months can be separated, you get to-dos, special dates, goals and notes at the start of each month, as well as dotted and ruled pages for each month.
You also get: six white, plain divides; to-do lists; assorted notepaper (dotted, ruled, plain); grey ruler/page marker; frosted top opening envelope.
In total there’s probably around 120 sheets included in terms of inserts, plus you still have room for more!
Multilanguage includes: English, French, German, Dutch and Italian.
My Overall First Impressions
I do really love this little planner and I could see myself possibly switching down from an A5 to this handy pocket size planner. It thicc, but I could get all the essentials in it for planner and organising a life a I love!
The leather is stunning, and the attention to detail is top of class - as you would expect with a Filofax.
Final Summary
PROS: High quality leather, large capacity ring size means this planner could be your one and only, full width wallet top pocket, attention to detail with colour coordinate lining and zips
CONS: Very thick due to ring size and wallet pocket, not really room for a pen, strap closure isn’t adjustable / double snap closure as seem on most Moterms.
I think this planner could make a neat little on-the-go planner. However, it is very chunky and might be somewhat of an over-kill in terms of not taking full advantage of the large ring capacity.
Where I think the Norfolk Pocket Size really shines is as a comprehensive main planner, depending on the setup of your inserts of course. You have plenty of room to include a vast array of planner pages and sections.
If you’re someone who likes to ‘chuck’ your planner into a tote then you might find the leather could get scuffed and dirty quite quickly. Also, due to the thickness, this planner probably isn’t compatible with small handbags or cross body “camera” or “saddle” style bags.
Where to buy
Direct from Filofax.com
However, I picked mine up as an Amazon UK Warehouse used/returned/damaged item - only the box was damaged though! Check out the "Save with Used" section here (Amazon affiliate link ;-)