The HAC 40 is the classic Haut à Courroies — the size most people picture when they hear “HAC,” and arguably the most usable of the large formats. It was born as a travel bag, but its proportions make it a genuine statement work bag too, and it has quietly become one of the most coveted unisex bags Hermès makes. This is the complete buyer’s guide: exact dimensions and weight, real-world capacity, the best leathers and colours, what it costs new and pre-owned, and how it compares to the Birkin 40.
HAC 40 dimensions and weight
Hermès publishes no official specs, but the widely-referenced measurements — and how they stack up against a Birkin 40 — are:
| Measurement | HAC 40 | Birkin 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | ~40 cm (15.75 in) | ~40 cm |
| Height | ~34–40 cm (>2 in taller) | ~30 cm |
| Depth | ~23 cm | ~21 cm |
| Weight (empty) | ~820 g (~1.8 lb) | heavier |
| Handles | Shorter, hand-carry | Longer |
Two numbers surprise people. First, the HAC 40 is taller than the Birkin 40 by more than two inches while sharing its width — that vertical volume is the whole point. Second, despite looking bigger, a HAC 40 is often lighter empty (around 820 g) than a Birkin 40, because the structured body uses the leather efficiently. The trade-off is the shorter handles: a HAC is carried in the hand, not slung over the forearm.
What actually fits in a HAC 40
This is where the HAC 40 earns its reputation. The tall body swallows far more than the footprint suggests. In real use it comfortably holds:
- A 13–15″ laptop (a MacBook Pro fits upright), or a folio and an A4 document without folding
- A hardcover book or two
- A pair of spare shoes and a toiletry/wash bag — enough for a short trip
- The usual daily kit: wallet, tablet, cosmetics pouch, water bottle
Owners routinely use it as a three-day carry-on and as a work bag on the same week. If you want something closer to a pure handbag, the HAC 32 is the wearable everyday size; for true luggage, see the HAC 50.
The best leather for a HAC 40
Because the 40 is large and upright, leather choice affects both look and how the bag ages:
- Togo — the most common and most forgiving; durable, scratch-resistant, holds the height without stiffness. The safe default (see our Togo guide).
- Clémence — softer and slightly slouchy; frequently chosen for the 40 because it carries the tall body comfortably.
- Epsom — firm, embossed and the lightest option; the crispest, most architectural silhouette (see our Epsom guide).
- Box calf & exotics — box ages to a patina but is delicate; crocodile HAC 40s are a rare collector tier.
Compare the everyday options in Togo vs Clémence vs Epsom.
Best colours (and the resale angle)
For flexibility and value, neutral shades dominate: Black and Etoupe have the most stable demand. Because the HAC 40 is such a strong unisex bag, understated tones favoured by male buyers — Bleu Nuit, Etain and Café — also hold demand well. Brighter, rarer colours can be spectacular but appeal to a narrower buyer, which matters if you ever resell.
How much does a HAC 40 cost?
Hermès does not list the HAC publicly and it is often produced to order, so pricing is best understood through the Birkin and the resale market. For context, 2026 US Birkin retail runs about $13,500 (25) to $16,300 (35); a HAC 40, being larger, sits above the Birkin 40 in the same leather. On the secondary market, a HAC 40 in Togo typically starts around $17,900 and can climb to $32,500+ depending on condition, colour and hardware — and far higher for exotics. See our price guide and resale analysis for detail.
HAC 40 vs Birkin 40: which to choose
Choose the Birkin 40 if you want the wider, more proportional everyday shape that many find easier to live with, plus wider availability. Choose the HAC 40 if you want more vertical capacity, a rarer and more architectural bag, and you like the top-handle, hand-carry feel. Full head-to-head in HAC vs Birkin.
Buying and authenticating a HAC 40
Large HACs are a frequent counterfeit target, so buy from Hermès or an authenticated reseller, and learn the tells: the date stamp, the even hand saddle-stitching, the weight and engraving of the hardware, and the leather grain. Our authentication guide and date stamp chart cover each. A HAC 40 priced far below $17,000 with no provenance should be treated as fake until proven otherwise.
Caring for a HAC 40
Keep it dry (water is the main enemy), store it stuffed in its dust bag and box away from sun and humidity, never hang it, and wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth. The full routine is in our complete HAC guide.
Who should buy a HAC 40?
The HAC 40 is ideal for someone who travels, wants a statement work bag, or simply prefers a rarer, more structured alternative to the Birkin — and it is one of the best true unisex options in the house. If you want the most wearable everyday HAC, size down to the 32; if you want pure luggage, size up to the 50.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a HAC 40?
Approximately 40 cm wide, 34–40 cm tall and 23 cm deep — taller and slightly deeper than a Birkin 40 (40 × 30 × 21 cm).
How much does a HAC 40 weigh?
Around 820 g (about 1.8 lb) empty, which is often lighter than a Birkin 40 despite the larger size.
Can a HAC 40 fit a laptop?
Yes — a 13–15″ laptop fits upright, along with documents, a book and daily essentials.
How much does a HAC 40 cost?
It sits above the Birkin 40 at retail; on the resale market a Togo HAC 40 typically runs from about $17,900 to $32,500+ depending on condition, colour and hardware, and more for exotics.
What is the best leather for a HAC 40?
Togo is the durable all-rounder; Clémence suits the tall body; Epsom gives the crispest, lightest structure.
Is the HAC 40 a men’s or women’s bag?
It is genuinely unisex — its structured shape and neutral colours (Black, Etoupe, Bleu Nuit, Etain) make it one of Hermès most popular bags with both men and women.
