Before getting this bag I wondered "will it be too big?" and "will it be too heavy?". There's no doubt...this is definitely the biggest H bag I've ever had. But, I've also found that when I put all the items I would normally put inside a bag when traveling for an overnight trip (actually, at least 2 nights) for the first time I discovered that everything fit inside comfortably. With other bags I frequently take to the airport (garden party 36, double sens 45, the cityback 27 backpack) the sides are bulging, things are stacked on top of each other awkwardly (which makes for frustrating digging and pawing, at times frantically), and it doesn't look good. H bags are just not as big as US travel bags. That makes them economical and easy to carry, but for travel it can be a challenge if you have to load up the bag.
So, it was a pleasant surprise to see that everything fit easily, there weren't multiple levels of items, and I could access everything easily. I can also thank the samorga bag organizer for that.
Then, I wondered, what about weight? So I conducted a test. I stuffed all the items I'd usually carry w/me in my carryon travel bag in the travel bags I usually rotate. Here are the typical contents for a trip that involves at least 2 nights overnight in my carryon (I always check my Rimowa suitcase for clothes and major toiletries):
1. 15" macbook pro
2. 1 hardbound book (sometimes it is softbound, but I wanted to push the limits here)
3. a file folder with 25-30 papers (work stuff)
4. zip-around H globetrotter (with agenda and notebook inside)
5. a ziploc of vitamins/pills
6. sunglasses with a microfiber or silk case
7. small travel hand sanitizer bottle
8. power bar (snack on the run)
9. the HAC lock and dustbag (in another bag it could be extra bricbrac)
10. 2 pens
11. airpods pro
12. laptop charging cable
13. iphone charging cable
14. apple watch charging cable
15. airpods charging cable
16. N95 mask
17. H neobain pouch with H SLGs:
-tarmac w/passport
-silkin coin purse with gum
-silkin long wallet w/extra cards and checkbook
-lip balm and case
-dogon compact card holder w/about 6-8 cards
18. a H scarf for extra warmth on the plane
I put all of the above in 6 different bags I often use for travel and here's what I found the weight results were in pounds (all bags have a bag organizer in them- lightweight):
1. lightest of all, not surprisingly, was my Longchamp Le Pliage shoulder tote, size L: 11.6 pds
2. then came the double sens 45: 12.3 pds
3. then the garden party 36 (all leather version): 12.5 pds
4. then the cityback 27 backpack: 13.2 pds
5. and yes, the HAC40 was the heaviest, at 14.5 pds.
BUT, what shocked me was that only 2.9 pds separated the lightest from the heaviest!! I had expected the HAC40 to be leagues heavier than the lightweight nylon (I think?) Longchamp but the difference was really not that much at all.
Of course, how it feels is different because you can sling the Longchamp over your shoulder, as well as the double sens, and the cityback can go on your back. Freeing up the hands does make a difference. And, with the rigid, fixed base of the HAC40 there isn't a lot of give that can allow that bag to "crumple" and shrink like a double sens. That said, is the benefit of easily accessing everything inside a viable alternative strength? I think so. If my biceps get bigger but I don't have to unload lots of stuff to get to small items in the bottom of the bag that has sunken or fallen down to lower depths, that's a bonus. If I can't sling the bag on my back but I'm saved from having to dig and hunt for some small thing way at the bottom of a dark interior, that's truly worth considering.
And, of course, there's the benefit of the beauty of this HAC, which cuts such a striking figure...and you know what? I'm 5'9" and it doesn't look too huge on me, esp because the color of the bag is dark and I often wear dark clothes.
I think it's a keeper! What do you think?
Thanks for following along w/me in this little expose! And thanks to all my wonderful tpf friends for providing invaluable thoughts and perspective as I considered this bag. I love and collect H but I try to be a smart shopper and not impulse buy. If I get something I really want to use it and love it. #definitelynotaprofessionalreseller
Lots of love to you all!! Happy 2025!
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