He started at the age of 14 – now Albert Fill is over 80 years old and still makes backpacks in his workshop according to traditional models. Each of his pieces tells of his many years of experience, his care, and his passion for this craft. The unique pieces made with natural materials are sought after well beyond the country’s borders.
Albert’s workshop, with a view of the legendary Sciliar massif, resembles more of a cozy living room than a traditional workshop. Two large tables, covered with fabrics and leather, numerous sewing machines, shelves filled with tools and molds – and a birdcage with two canaries. “It has always been like this for cobblers and tailors,” he says.
Only the highest quality materials are used in his workshop. The cotton fabric comes from a renowned company in Milan. Naturally tanned leather for the edges and straps is sourced from Santa Croce in Tuscany, and the water-repellent loden from the well-known South Tyrolean company Moessmer in Brunico.
For me, it’s important that backpacks are not only comfortable to wear and pleasing to the eye, but also durable over time, which is why high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship are important.
“First, the fabric must be accurately drawn, then the individual parts are designed and cut,” explains Albert as he uses the cutting machine to cut the parts of the backpack to size. With the punching machine, for which he has countless molds, the leather parts such as the backpack straps are punched out. Then he inserts the corresponding holes and eyelets. The backpack covers are trimmed with leather.
In a precision job, Albert sews together piece by piece – from the carrying strap to the pockets to the money compartment – with a skilled hand on various sewing machines to create a fantastic backpack. His many years of craftsmanship are immediately evident in his agile and skillful movements and, of course, in the finished masterpieces.
For a small backpack, Albert only needs an hour. It takes about five hours for large hunting backpacks with frames, which can hold an entire deer. ‘If customers request it, the backpacks are specially padded, equipped with additional internal pockets, or embroidered with logos,’ says Albert.
His traditional loden backpacks are available in three sizes and six colors. From fabric, he sews seven different models and the hunting backpack. Albert also makes backpacks for students, bags, or felt wood carriers – each piece is unique and with unique character.
Information about Albert’s backpack workshop
Do you want a handmade masterpiece from backpack manufacturer Albert Fill?
Telephone: +39 0471 655696
E-mail: fillrucksaecke@gmail.com
Address: Walther von der Vogelweide Straße 20a – 39040 Laion
