PHOTO COURTESY OF HERMÈS
Hermès doesn’t design many new bag shapes from scratch. Instead, it often reworks classic styles, and does so slowly, with enormous respect for wherever the original silhouette came from. The Hac à Dos is a perfect example. The chic backpack traces its lineage all the way back to the very first bag the maison ever made.
Long before it was a status symbol, the Haut à Courroies (HAC) carried riders’ boots and saddles. This was back when horses, not motor vehicles, set the pace of daily life. Its tall, slightly wedge-like shape was engineered specifically to hold cargo. Then when cars took over from horses, the bag evolved into a travel piece. And yes, the HAC also served as the inspiration behind the beloved Birkin.
Now, a century-plus later, it evolves again. This time, it shifts into a backpack built for the everyday grind rather than the stable or steamer. The Hac à Dos keeps everything that made the HAC recognisable. That signature profile is still there, standing tall rather than slouching wide. And the two straps that cross and close with a turn clasp, a detail original to the very first version of this bag, survive fully intact.
The bag comes in two sizes: the PM and its larger sibling, the GM. Take note that there is no MM size for the Hac à Dos. Crafted from Togo calfskin, it features a grainy, textured surface with visible veins and wrinkles built into its character. So no, it doesn’t demand babying the way a smooth, glossy leather might. It softens with wear and isn’t prone to scratches, exactly what you want from a bag enduring your daily commute.
Inside, there’s a large main compartment, plus an interior back pocket for everything you want to keep separate. The strap is fully adjustable and wide enough to sling over one shoulder or across the front of your body. At 28 cm by 19 cm, the Hac à Dos PM sits compact rather than oversized, closer to a smart daily companion than a weekend bag.
Finished with palladium-plated hardware, the Hac à Dos PM is currently priced at SGD15,700 for the one in Bai/Brun Togo calfskin.
