Review: This Is Ground Leatherback Writer 2 @Massdrop @ThisIsGround

A huge thank you to Massdrop for making this review possible! I totally eyed this when I saw it as an available drop, so I'm quite thrilled to be able to review it.

ABOUT

Price: $75.00USD
Size (flat open): 11.5" W x 6.5" H
Size (inside pockets): 3.0" W x 6.0" H

PRESENTATION

The Leatherback Writer2 does come in a cotton bag with a drawstring. It reminds me of the Midori Traveler's Notebook and Pelle leather journal cotton bags. The ends of the drawstrings have started to fray already but a little knot fixed them up.

APPEARANCE

The Leatherback Writer2 is portable and attractive. It has pointed corners and a snap closure that wraps around from the back to the front. It looks a little rustic based on the design and the color here.

Inside, there are two main pockets on each side, that come close to the spine. They run the height of the cover. The spine houses a pen loop that is quite roughly cut. The left main flap also has a secondary card holder stitched on it. The entire thing is made of the same type of leather - a slightly pebbled, but very soft whiskey-colored leather.  The edges are unfinished and unpainted, and the stitching matches the color of the leather - in this case, a medium, warm brown (whiskey).

PERFORMANCE & FEEL

I love that this is such a supple cover - it is useful for stuffing in an already stuffed bag, for example. It opens up easily, with generous space in the spine. It handles quite a few notebooks - some stuffed into the pockets on their own, or using the back covers so you can write in them without removing them.

Since the leather is so soft, snapping the closure shut when the cover is full can be a bit of a challenge, but nothing terribly difficult.

I'm not crazy about the cut out for the pen in the spine. It is useful, and it does hold a pen, but I think it looks a little sloppy and sort of a last minute addition - oh let's cut this out here for a pen! If you have a phone that is not a phablet, it can be put into a side pocket, which is convenient for carry-all purposes.

OVERALL

I like this. I like leather journal covers. I find them very useful, and having a rustic one can be more desirable sometimes! I like the color, the feel, and the pockets on this one. There isn't anything on here I hate. I think it's on the expensive side, but if the color or design really appeals to you, it may be right up your alley!

I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.