In 1993, Markus and Daniel Freitag were two brothers working as graphic designers. Their job required them to lug around tons of drawings and designs, and they soon realized they needed a practical and durable bag to do the job.
The answer came from a familiar sight: the massive trucks rumbling through Zurich, Switzerland, carrying heavy loads covered in large tarpaulins. Inspired by these rugged, weatherproof covers, the Freitag brothers got the idea for a versatile, durable bag that could carry everything they needed.
The Freitag brothers.
The first messenger bag from Freitag was created in 1993: made from Tarpaulins fabric, hand-stitched, and featuring a strap made from a car seatbelt.
Having the idea in their heads wasn’t enough - they made their first messenger bag from old tarpaulin fabric. That’s how Freitag, the brand known for its unique bags, was born. To understand why they’re called one-of-a-kind, let’s take a tour through the production steps of Freitag:
Sourcing Materials
The uniqueness of Freitag starts with its materials. While it might sound simple to source tarpaulins from trucks, it's not that straightforward. Finding the right, high-quality fabric that meets the brand’s standards is a careful process.
That’s where the “Truck Hunters” come in. This dedicated team is responsible for gathering 300 tons of tarpaulin each year. These hunters scour trucking companies, logistics firms, and more to find the best tarps in a range of eye-catching colors.
Processing the Tarpaulin
Once the tarpaulins are selected, they enter a "pre-processing" stage. With precision, craftsmen determine which sections of the fabric are suitable for use, discarding damaged areas—it's almost like "butchering meat"!
Using sharp knives, the fabric is cut into pieces, often over 2 meters long, before being folded and sent off for the next stage.
Washing – Not Your Average Laundry
Unlike a typical laundry service, Freitag’s washing process is unique. The tarpaulins are covered in grime from life on the road, but these bags need to be spotless.
Freitag uses a proprietary washing formula to ensure each bag’s colors are vibrant and distinct. No two bags are alike, each one carrying its own personality thanks to this process.
Handcrafted Cutting Patterns
In an age of automation, Freitag sticks to tradition - everything is done by hand. Designers use templates to cut the fabric according to precise patterns, making sure that every piece is cut perfectly. This manual process requires skill, calculation, and balance.
Finishing Touches
Sewing and assembly are handled by skilled partners in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, France, Portugal, and Tunisia. These experts are adept at working with tarpaulin, which is thicker and tougher than your standard leather.
Once the bags are complete, they’re shipped back to Freitag's headquarters in Switzerland, where they are photographed and listed online.
And here is the result
Every Freitag bag is one of a kind. Each bag’s color is exclusive - no two are ever the same
I received the R511 Carolus as a gift, which features a spacious design perfect for carrying a 15″ laptop, books, papers, and all sorts of essentials. The unusual gray color is truly stunning!
Freitag ships to Vietnam via Swiss Post, with a shipping fee of 35 CHF (~800,000 VND) per order.
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