#30 / Wide tote L (black) / pigskin "HALLIE"

The “Wide Tote L,” the largest of REN’s leather tote bags

Crafted from lightweight pigskin HALLIE, this tote is surprisingly light for its size. Its simple design suits any gender or age. With a generously large capacity, it works equally well as a commuting bag, for shopping, or even for lessons and hobbies.

The pigskin HALLIE used for this bag is a material that is both lightweight and strong. Despite its lightness, it offers the durability to withstand heavy loads. Even when filled with work essentials, this tough leather holds up with ease.

In business settings, it offers ample storage for a laptop, files, a tumbler, or even a camera, making it a reliable choice as a commuting bag. Its generous capacity also makes it ideal for shopping or travel, and it works well as a mother’s bag too.

The base of the bag is reinforced with a double layer of leather, giving reassurance against the weight of heavy loads. The design intentionally allows the bottom to sink slightly, like a pouch, when filled—an expression of REN’s thoughtful approach. Even when the base flexes, the balanced pattern ensures the bag maintains its form.

Bottom Plate XL for Wide Tote L(345mm×140mm) ¥3,800

If you are concerned about the bottom sinking, the optional bottom plate is recommended. Using the bottom plate keeps the base from sagging and maintains its shape.

▶︎ Product page here

The bag weighs approximately 540g. While many standard cowhide leather totes weigh around 1,000g, REN’s Wide Tote is finished at about half that weight. The reason for its lightness lies in the pigskin material itself, which is inherently lightweight, as well as in the simple construction that avoids adding unnecessary weight.

The flesh side of pigskin (the back side of the leather) sheds very little nap, allowing the bag to be crafted without a lining. By making the most of the material’s strengths and keeping the necessary parts to a minimum, the design remains simple while reflecting a commitment to lightness and to the material itself.

The simple, undecorated design suits anyone. It looks good regardless of age, gender, or height, and can even be shared among family members.

▲ height:51cm

▲ height:168cm

The handles are crafted in a four-fold construction to ensure both strength and a comfortable fit. Designed to be long enough for easy shoulder carry regardless of the user, the width prevents slipping and reduces pressure on the shoulder. These handles are made with comfort in mind.

The handle length is designed to provide a comfortable fit even for men.

The aging process changes depending on the person who uses it. The more it is carried, the more luster develops on the leather’s surface, gradually transforming into a vintage-like character. Its look varies with the items you carry and how often you use it.

▲ Right: Pink Beige after about 5 years of use

HALLIE

This is REN's original pigskin. Pig skin is a material that is relatively prone to scratches and uneven coloring, and was commonly used as a backing material. However, we saw its potential in its light weight, high density, durability despite its thinness, breathability, and fabric-like suppleness. By studying the differences in density and texture of different parts of the hides, as well as the dyes used, and by developing a method that wastes as little raw hides as possible, the appeal of this material is now reaching many people.

［ Notes on Product Purchases ］
Because it is natural leather, REN makes bags without discarding the scratches, grains, and uneven coloring that are part of the leather's character. Scratches do not disappear, but the more you use the leather, the more the surface of the leather becomes shiny and the more the scratches and color irregularities become familiar.