I recently tested the Hahnemuhle watercolor sketchbook with 100 percent cotton cold pressed paper, 120lb or 250gsm, and 60 pages in A6 format. I wanted something that feels premium but still works for real life sketching, not just studio perfect pages. This one surprised me in a good way, especially because I pushed it outdoors with quick sketches, pen lines, and layered washes. If you love travel sketching, this sketchbook can become one of those items you reach for without thinking.
Btw, more about my sketchbooks read in my recent post.
More information about this sketchbook here.
Size and weight
A6 is such a sweet spot for watercolor because it feels compact but never cramped. The page holds a lot of detail, so you can draw a house, a car, and foliage without shrinking everything into tiny marks. The sketchbook is light, so it does not pull your bag down, and that matters when you sketch outside. I also like how easy it feels to hold it in one hand, which makes spontaneous sketching way more likely.
Pen lining
I tested pen lining after the watercolor dried, using a fountain pen, and the result looked clean and confident. The ink stayed sharp on this cotton paper and I did not get smudges that ruin the mood of the sketch. The cold pressed texture gives the lines a nice organic character, but it still keeps them readable. If you enjoy the watercolor plus ink style, this sketchbook supports that workflow with zero drama.
Layers
This paper can take layers, and I mean real layers, not just one extra wash. I started with wetting the page, placed the main shapes and colors, then came back when it dried a bit to add stronger color and detail. When it fully dried, I added palms and small finishing touches, and the paper stayed strong. It did not fall apart or get weird, which makes it a great option if you build your sketches step by step.
Quick sketching
For quick outdoor sketching, this paper is a joy because it accepts fast color and still looks polished. I threw in a simple wash, let it settle, and then added fountain pen lines and details, and it instantly felt finished. The page stays crisp enough for line work, so your sketch does not look muddy even when you move fast. If you want a sketchbook that helps you capture a scene in the moment, this one supports that speed.
Travel sketching
This is where the A6 format really shines because it takes almost no space in your bag. It feels light, so you actually want to bring it outdoors instead of leaving it at home. You can keep it simple with watercolor and pen for quick travel sketches, or take your time and build layers when you sit down longer. That flexibility is exactly what I want from a travel sketchbook because every day on the road feels different.
Overall, the Hahnemuhle watercolor sketchbook in A6 feels like a reliable travel companion with premium paper that still works for everyday sketching. The 100 percent cotton cold pressed pages handle pen lining, layering, and quick washes without stress, and that gives you freedom to experiment. If you want one sketchbook that can do both fast travel notes and more detailed watercolor studies, this one is a strong choice.
