Hermès HAC A Dos PM vs. GM: Which size is right for you?
The Hermès HAC A Dos PM and GM backpacks are distinguished primarily by size and capacity. The PM is a compact, elegant bag designed for daily essentials, making it ideal for minimalists or those with petite frames, while the larger GM offers significantly more space for items like a tablet or notebook, suiting those who need a versatile work or travel companion.
Here’s a detailed look at both sizes to help you decide which Hermès backpack is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Hermès HAC A Dos PM
The HAC A Dos PM (Petite Modèle) is the smaller of the two sizes, offering a refined and streamlined silhouette. It captures the classic Haut à Courroies design in a compact backpack format, perfect for city outings and days when you only need to carry the bare necessities. Its elegant structure ensures it pairs just as well with a dress as it does with jeans.
- What it is: A small, structured luxury backpack based on the historic Hermès HAC design.
- Key features: Measures approximately 10" H x 8" W x 4" D. Features signature Hermès hardware, a classic top flap closure, and two adjustable leather shoulder straps.
- Price: Ranges from $8,000 to $10,000 USD, depending on the leather and hardware.
- Materials/Construction: Crafted from premium Hermès leathers like Togo, Epsom, or Clemence, known for their durability and luxurious texture. Features meticulous hand-stitching.
- Sizing/Fit: Its compact size is ideal for petite individuals or anyone who prefers a lightweight, less conspicuous bag.
- Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry, sleek profile that doesn't overwhelm smaller frames, versatile styling for casual and dressier occasions, embodies understated luxury.
- Cons: Limited capacity (won't fit a tablet or binder), higher price per liter of an already expensive bag, might be too small for someone who needs more than a wallet, phone, and keys.
This size works perfectly for those who value a minimalist aesthetic and need a sophisticated backpack for essentials-only errands or social events.
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Hermès HAC A Dos GM
The HAC A Dos GM (Grand Modèle) is the larger, more practical version designed for those who need more utility from their luxury backpack. It offers a substantial increase in capacity without sacrificing the bag’s elegant, structured design, making it a functional choice for work, daily use, or even light travel.
- What it is: The larger size of the Hermès HAC A Dos backpack, designed for greater capacity and versatility.
- Key features: Measures approximately 13" H x 10" W x 5" D. Can comfortably fit a tablet, small notebook, wallet, phone, and other daily items. Maintains the same flap closure and hardware as the PM.
- Price: Typically ranges from $10,000 to $13,000 USD, reflecting its larger size.
- Materials/Construction: Made from the same high-quality leathers (Togo, Epsom, etc.) as the PM, ensuring exceptional durability and the brand's signature craftsmanship.
- Sizing/Fit: Its larger size is well-suited for taller individuals or anyone who prefers a backpack with more presence and carrying capacity.
- Pros: Ample space for work or daily items, serves as a versatile all-day bag, still looks structured and polished despite its size, strong resale value.
- Cons: Can feel bulky or overwhelming on petite frames, heavier than the PM even when empty, represents a significant price jump from the smaller size.
It's the ideal choice for professionals, travelers, or anyone who needs their luxury bag to be as functional as it is beautiful.
Shop this product: hermes.com
Hermès HAC A Dos PM vs. GM Comparison
Size & Capacity
The most significant difference lies in their dimensions. The HAC A Dos PM, at 10" x 8" x 4", is built for essentials: a phone, keys, a long wallet, and a few small personal items. It’s perfect for keeping your hands free without being weighed down.
The HAC A Dos GM measures 13" x 10" x 5", and that extra space is immediately noticeable. It comfortably accommodates everything the PM can hold, plus a tablet (like an iPad), a small notebook, a water bottle, and a cosmetic pouch. However, it is not large enough to house most laptops, so it’s best classified as a work-friendly day bag rather than a full-fledged laptop carrier.
Fit & Aesthetic
On the body, the two sizes offer very different looks. The PM sits neatly on the back and maintains a discreet, elegant profile that complements petite frames wonderfully. It functions as a sophisticated accessory that doesn't dominate an outfit.
The GM has a much more substantial presence. For taller individuals, its proportions look balanced and intentional. On a smaller frame, it can appear oversized. Aesthetically, the GM leans more toward a functional, everyday carry-all, whereas the PM feels more like a dedicated fashion piece.
Price & Value
There is a price difference of several thousand dollars between the two sizes, with the GM costing more due to the additional materials and labor required. The PM starts around $8,000, while the GM is closer to $10,000 or more.
In terms of value, both bags hold their worth exceptionally well, a hallmark of Hermès craftsmanship. The GM arguably offers more "bag for your buck" given its increased utility and versatility for work or travel. However, the true value lies in which bag you will use more frequently for your specific needs.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the HAC A Dos PM and GM are stunning examples of Hermès quality, but they serve different lifestyles.
Choose the Hermès HAC A Dos PM if:
- You have a petite frame and prefer bags that are proportionally sized.
- You exclusively carry essentials like your wallet, phone, keys, and lipstick.
- You want a lightweight, hands-free bag for city excursions or social events.
- You prioritize a streamlined, elegant silhouette over maximum capacity.
Choose the Hermès HAC A Dos GM if:
- You need to carry more than just the basics, such as a tablet or notebook.
- You are taller or prefer a bag with a more commanding presence.
- You want a versatile luxury backpack that can transition from errands to the office or a plane.
- You are looking for the most functional and practical option between the two sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the HAC A Dos PM and GM?
The primary difference is size and carrying capacity. The PM is compact and designed for daily essentials, while the GM is significantly larger and can accommodate work items like a tablet and notebook.
Can the HAC A Dos GM fit a laptop?
No, the HAC A Dos GM is generally not large enough to fit a standard laptop. It is better suited for tablets, such as an iPad Pro, or small notebooks and documents.
Which size is more practical for everyday use?
This depends on your daily needs. If "everyday" means carrying only a phone and wallet, the PM is more practical due to its lighter weight. If you need to carry work items or more personal belongings, the GM offers far more practicality and versatility.
How heavy is the HAC A Dos?
As they are crafted entirely from premium leather with a structured design, both bags have weight. The PM is noticeably lighter, while the GM can feel substantial even before you fill it. This is a point to consider if you are sensitive to heavy bags.
Are the leather straps comfortable?
Yes, the straps are made from high-quality, durable leather and are adjustable. They are designed for comfort during normal wear, though they are not padded like typical athletic-style backpacks.
What does "HAC" stand for?
"HAC" stands for Haut à Courroies, which translates to "high belts" and refers to the taller proportions and strap closure of the original HAC bag, from which this backpack's design is derived.
Is the HAC A Dos a good investment?
Hermès bags are widely considered excellent investments due to their timeless designs, impeccable quality, and strong demand on the resale market. Both the PM and GM sizes tend to hold their value very well over time.
How does the HAC A Dos compare to the Kelly a Dos backpack?
The Kelly A Dos has a slimmer profile and features the iconic Kelly turn-lock closure, giving it a more formal feel. The HAC A Dos has a wider, more utilitarian shape derived from the classic saddlebag, giving it a slightly more casual and rugged aesthetic.