Acronym Brand - Part 3_ Bag product range and typical functions — Nam Tran

Hello!

Thank you for returning to the final part of this series about the Acronym brand. The purpose of this series is that during the process of writing Acronym product reviews, I felt the need for a personal archive system for this information. This would allow me to easily explain the specific functions of each design, the characteristics of each material, etc. This would also help me shorten the reviews to a reasonable length and direct you to a specific list for further reference when needed.

Similar to the previous article, all the information I've listed is compiled and researched from a buyer's perspective, so it may lack some detailed and in-depth information for those working in the garment industry. If there are any errors, please point them out, and I will continuously revise and supplement this series of articles in the future.

In this section, I'll talk about bag products, their names, materials, some typical functions, and the abbreviations that once gave me a headache...

MAIN BAG PRODUCT NAMING SYSTEM (excluding bag accessories)

The name of a product appears in this format. 3A - XY

[3A] - 3rd Arm / Third Arm

"The 'extra arm' - the 3A line of bags co-designed by Acronym with the bag brand." BagJackBagJack is a cycling bag brand based in Berlin.

[ X ] - Design creation number

[Y] - Improvement Factor

The vast majority of Acronym bag products (as far as I can remember, from firmware 2012) come in three types. First, the fully equipped version without the Y code (3A-3, 3A-5…). Second, the TS TecSys (3A-3TS, 3A-5TS…). Third, the B version, which I currently only see in 3A-5 and 3A-3 (3A-5 has all three versions).

Bag Accessories Product Naming System

(There are still many things I don't understand about Acronym's bag accessory system, especially the numerical characters). Therefore, I will explain each character in my own way. First, the bag accessory products also start with [3A] and often appear in a fixed format as 3A - M(….)

Shhh shhhh shhhh shhh shhh…. let daddy Umit takes care of all your mods need….

[M] - Mod

Abbreviation for Module. A "component" of the "whole." The letter M indicates a modular pouch system that can interact with all Acronym products supporting 3A via TecSys webbing (P10TS, P23TS, J1TS, J59TS, etc.).

3A-3TS and 3A-MZ2TS, 3A-MK1, 3A-MK2 in order from left to right

The part (…) includes numeric characters and

[ Z ] - ZipThis type of accessory features a detached entry that opens and closes with a zipper. Instead of interacting with TecSys via a 20mm slotted loop like other products, the 3A-MZ typically uses a webbing-reinforced clasp with Velcro fasteners sewn to the bag body. This clasp design allows for faster attachment/detachment than a slotted loop. Some designs, like the 3A-MZ4, combine both.

3A-MZ4 brand details

[ K ] - KompessionThe bag uses a buckle similar to the Spanish buckle, with the top edge of the flap cut off. The bottom of the flap features a cam lock that allows for adjusting the opening width. This design allows for a natural and quick opening. The MK (Mod Kompression, not a swear word) often attracts more attention because it resembles the outer pocket of the 3A-1. The bag's construction allows it to maintain a flat, compact shape when empty, despite its relatively large capacity. Similar to the 3A-MZ4, the 3A-MK interacts with TecSys via slotted loops and Velcro fasteners.

[TS] and [PTS]

[TS] - TecSysThis accessory is made entirely from TecSys webbing. You can click here. ĐÂYTo read more about TecSys, please refer to the previous article.

Regarding the accompanying numerical characters, I currently lack specific confirmation, but many sources suggest they are simply the sequential numbering system for that particular accessory model.

Materials Acronym has used for Bags and Accessories: (I'm still researching this and will continue to update the information as I have more details.)

Unlike clothing, Acronym doesn't categorize its bags by material. I think this is partly because the difference in material doesn't affect the design's shape as much as it does with clothing (a typical example is the P30-DS and P30-CH pants; you can see that...). DS softer CH (Different fabric drapes greatly affect the shape and form.)

Cordura

Cordura is a material with a long history and a quality trusted by the US military. It was also used by Acronym for the first version of the 3A-1 bag sold (in KIT-001). Cordura comes in various thicknesses (as far as I know, Acronym uses 700D Classic) but is usually woven in a checkered pattern from synthetic fibers. Cordura is a fairly common material (compared to other materials Acronym uses); you can see it used in many backpacks, travel suitcases, and bags… thanks to its durability.

Limonta(L1 and L2) is a brand specializing in providing fabric solutions, based in Italy.

L1 - According to the information I've gathered, this is the second type of material used for 3A bags. It's a cotton fabric with a plastic-like coating on the surface to increase its water resistance. This plastic coating will peel off after a period of use, leaving the surface of the product quite patchy. However, many sources confirm that even with the peeling, the water resistance of 3A products using this material is not significantly affected. This is because the cotton layer underneath also has a thin layer of wax on the surface, allowing water to slide off easily.

3A-TS's plastic coating peels off after a period of use.

L2 - 3A bags made from this material are also among the most sought-after products. It's a blend of cotton and polyurethane. It's lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. The surface has a subtle sheen, similar to leather. This sheen varies depending on the user, giving each bag a unique look. The most noticeable difference between L1 and L2 is that L2 lacks the outer plastic coating, making it more aesthetically durable.

DIMENSION POLYANT X-PAC

A material originating from the sailcloth industry, X-PAC has a three-layer structure: a surface fabric layer, an X-Ply reinforcing fiber layer (the characteristic diamond structure you often see), and a polyester lining (some X-PAC fabrics also have an additional woven fabric layer beneath the lining).

The ripstop surface material is abrasion-resistant, non-stretch, and wrinkle-free. X-Pac is trusted and used in many outdoor products due to its lightweight properties (the lightest of all materials Acronym uses for bags), durability, and 100% waterproofness. If I'm not mistaken, Acronym uses VX21 material for its bag products. In the drop in mid-March 2021, Acronym also used X-Pac with a cotton (X10) surface layer for the 3A-1 Multi design.

Typical Functions and Some Commonly Used Phrases:

CABLE TAPE –––

The webbing system, which involved sewing holes at both ends to secure the headphone cord to clothing, helps keep the cord from getting tangled. This technology has been discontinued and is commonly found in older versions. — CABLE TAPE –––
The webbing system, which involved sewing holes at both ends to secure the headphone cord to clothing, helps keep the cord from getting tangled. This technology has been discontinued and is commonly found in older versions.

ESCAPE ZIP –––

YKK's unique one-way zip system allows users to quickly remove the jacket by pulling the zip sharply upwards. — ESCAPE ZIP –––
YKK's unique one-way zip system allows users to quickly remove the jacket by pulling the zip sharply upwards.

INTEROPS–––

One of Acronym's main functions from its early days was InterOps, which allowed users to put on and take off the jacket without having to remove their bag. The (waterproof) zipper was usually located on the back right hip, starting from about one-third of the upper body down to the bottom edge of the jacket, combined with snap buttons to fasten the two jacket flaps together after separation. — INTEROPS–––
One of Acronym's main functions from its early days was InterOps, which allowed users to put on and take off the jacket without having to remove their bag. The (waterproof) zipper was usually located on the back right hip, starting from about one-third of the upper body down to the bottom edge of the jacket, combined with snap buttons to fasten the two jacket flaps together after separation.

Errolson Hugh and the InterOps user manual included with the 3A bag.

FORCE LOCK –––

The Velcro closure inside has two magnets that allow users to utilize the magnetic attraction of the earbuds to "rest" them when not in use. (However, this is only a temporary resting point, as the magnetic attraction of the Force Lock to the earbuds isn't very strong, and they can easily fall off during movement.) — FORCE LOCK –––
The Velcro closure inside has two magnets that allow users to utilize the magnetic attraction of the earbuds to "rest" them when not in use. (However, this is only a temporary resting point, as the magnetic attraction of the Force Lock to the earbuds isn't very strong, and they can easily fall off during movement.)

JACKETSLING –––

The detachable sling allows the user to wear the jacket over their shoulders when the temperature changes while moving between different environments (inside a building, on the street, on public transport, etc.). The sling can be attached inside or outside the jacket depending on the user's preference (wearing the sling inside allows the outer jacket surface to fold into a natural channel, allowing water to slide off, keeping the wearer dry). Some sources suggest that Acronym's cross-body Jacket Sling was inspired by military gun slings. — JACKETSLING –––
The detachable sling allows the user to wear the jacket over their shoulders when the temperature changes while moving between different environments (inside a building, on the street, on public transport, etc.). The sling can be attached inside or outside the jacket depending on the user's preference (wearing the sling inside allows the outer jacket surface to fold into a natural channel, allowing water to slide off, keeping the wearer dry). Some sources suggest that Acronym's cross-body Jacket Sling was inspired by military gun slings.

Jacket slings aren't exactly a new idea; many other brands have used them, such as Rick Owens and CP Company. However, within the Acronym ecosystem, jacket slings have been elevated to a new level, becoming one of the most useful features among the basic functions of Acronym products. Jacket slings not only seamlessly integrate with InterOps functionality, but the placement of the straps also determines the pocket placement, allowing the wearer to access items conveniently and naturally.

Interact with the outer pocket of the J83-WS

Interact with the inner pocket of the J78-PX

SPEEDLOCK & SHOCKCORD –––

The elastic band system sewn into the garment's hem has an adjuster to keep the band securely in place. It often comes with a thin webbing strip (ShockCord) for easier tightening and securing.

(Photo: Lowering/Retracting the rope) — SPEEDLOCK & SHOCKCORD –––
The elastic band system sewn into the garment's hem has an adjuster to keep the band securely in place. It often comes with a thin webbing strip (ShockCord) for easier tightening and securing.
(Photo: Lowering/Retracting the rope)

GRAVITY POCKET

The sleeve pocket system has an outer opening that closes with a zipper or elastic band for concealment, while the bottom of the pocket is hidden inside the sleeve with a button to open it, allowing the contents to slide out. This allows the user to quickly retrieve items such as phones, wallets, cards, or switchblade knives by utilizing centrifugal force from the downward swing of the arm (or gravity if the object is heavy enough).

The video below is recorded in slow motion so you can see the mechanism of the pouch in action. (Note: I used the J1A-GTPL Gen 2.4 with the latest version of Gravity Pocket, which no longer uses a zip closure but an elastic opening. This makes operation faster and more convenient, and also makes using the Sleeve Hitch Tab easier.) — GRAVITY POCKET
The sleeve pocket system has an outer opening that closes with a zipper or elastic band for concealment, while the bottom of the pocket is hidden inside the sleeve with a button to open it, allowing the contents to slide out. This allows the user to quickly retrieve items such as phones, wallets, cards, or switchblade knives by utilizing centrifugal force from the downward swing of the arm (or gravity if the object is heavy enough).
The video below is recorded in slow motion so you can see the mechanism of the pouch in action. (Note: I used the J1A-GTPL Gen 2.4 with the latest version of Gravity Pocket, which no longer uses a zip closure but an elastic opening. This makes operation faster and more convenient, and also makes using the Sleeve Hitch Tab easier.)

SLEEVES HITCH TAB

Velcro fasteners are often found on the elbows of some designs. Their purpose is to allow the wearer to keep the sleeves in place when they roll them up. — SLEEVES HITCH TAB
Velcro fasteners are often found on the elbows of some designs. Their purpose is to allow the wearer to keep the sleeves in place when they roll them up.

AUXZIP –––

The zip system connects the thermal layer to the outer hardshell. F-shaped (female) zippers are for the hardshell and M-shaped (male) zippers are for the lining. The sleeves also feature snap buttons (liner) and elastic loops (hardshell) to help the AuxZip system secure the liner when putting on/taking off. — AUXZIP –––
The zip system connects the thermal layer to the outer hardshell. F-shaped (female) zippers are for the hardshell and M-shaped (male) zippers are for the lining. The sleeves also feature snap buttons (liner) and elastic loops (hardshell) to help the AuxZip system secure the liner when putting on/taking off.

MEZANINE POCKET

This type of bag has an opening, without a zipper or flap. It's used for storing items that need to be accessed quickly and frequently. It's used in both clothing and bags. — MEZANINE POCKET
This type of bag has an opening, without a zipper or flap. It's used for storing items that need to be accessed quickly and frequently. It's used in both clothing and bags.

DEEP POCKET –––

Acronym's impressive pocket design is something you can only truly appreciate when you use it. It typically consists of two sections: a large bottom and a small bottom. These two sections, combined with gravity, pull small items like knives, coins, and AirPods from the large bottom to the small bottom, preventing them from falling out during movement. You can also use the two sections as a tool to help organize your belongings. Some designs, like the P31 or P23, even have an additional hidden pocket inside, similar in size to the phone pocket on the outside of the thigh. (Note: Errolson also applied this pocket design to pants in their NikeLab ACG collaboration series, however, the small bottom is slightly smaller than the small bottom of Acronym pants.) — DEEP POCKET –––
Acronym's impressive pocket design is something you can only truly appreciate when you use it. It typically consists of two sections: a large bottom and a small bottom. These two sections, combined with gravity, pull small items like knives, coins, and AirPods from the large bottom to the small bottom, preventing them from falling out during movement. You can also use the two sections as a tool to help organize your belongings. Some designs, like the P31 or P23, even have an additional hidden pocket inside, similar in size to the phone pocket on the outside of the thigh. (Note: Errolson also applied this pocket design to pants in their NikeLab ACG collaboration series, however, the small bottom is slightly smaller than the small bottom of Acronym pants.)

DETACHED ENTRY POCKET –––

This type of bag uses a zipper closure. The zipper is usually placed on the inside of the zipper facing outwards. The purpose is to increase the bag's capacity when needed, while also preventing items from falling out during movement, even if you forget to zip it up. This is Acronym's most popular bag design, applied to both accessories and clothing. — DETACHED ENTRY POCKET –––
This type of bag uses a zipper closure. The zipper is usually placed on the inside of the zipper facing outwards. The purpose is to increase the bag's capacity when needed, while also preventing items from falling out during movement, even if you forget to zip it up. This is Acronym's most popular bag design, applied to both accessories and clothing.

DETACHED POCKET

Often designed similarly to a detached entry pocket, however, the bottom of a detached pocket is not attached to the body of the garment, completely separate from the body. This type of pocket allows items inside to move freely with the force of gravity during movement, reducing the drag on the garment. (A small warning: most of the time when using this type of pocket, you might experience a sudden heart attack if you can't feel where your phone, wallet, keys, mask, etc., are.) — DETACHED POCKET
Often designed similarly to a detached entry pocket, however, the bottom of a detached pocket is not attached to the body of the garment, completely separate from the body. This type of pocket allows items inside to move freely with the force of gravity during movement, reducing the drag on the garment. (A small warning: most of the time when using this type of pocket, you might experience a sudden heart attack if you can't feel where your phone, wallet, keys, mask, etc., are.)

TENSION ZIP

This is Acronym's latest pocket design. Its purpose is to facilitate easy and convenient one-handed opening, closing, and retrieving of items from the bag. The zipper structure is one side longer than the other, so when opened, the pocket also expands accordingly, eliminating the need to use the other hand to pull the pocket open. Based on personal observation and use of a variant of the TensionZip, I quite like this design because the closed pocket maintains its compressed size better than the Detached Entry style. As I mentioned, TensionZip has many variations, but the basic operating principle is the same. For example, the side pocket of the J84 (Teardrop Pocket) and the women's shorts pocket of the NikeLab ACG Cargo Shorts (SS18). — TENSION ZIP
This is Acronym's latest pocket design. Its purpose is to facilitate easy and convenient one-handed opening, closing, and retrieving of items from the bag. The zipper structure is one side longer than the other, so when opened, the pocket also expands accordingly, eliminating the need to use the other hand to pull the pocket open. Based on personal observation and use of a variant of the TensionZip, I quite like this design because the closed pocket maintains its compressed size better than the Detached Entry style. As I mentioned, TensionZip has many variations, but the basic operating principle is the same. For example, the side pocket of the J84 (Teardrop Pocket) and the women's shorts pocket of the NikeLab ACG Cargo Shorts (SS18).

LINE I/O –––

(Line In/Out) The 3A-1 bag features a cable management system with an entry hole inside the bag and a cable exit hole outside. It's typically used for charging cables or headphones. (Given the "Out" position is quite close to the small outer pouch, I think it would be more practical to use it for a charging cable connected to a power bank inside, as keeping headphones and a phone inside the main pouch is inconvenient and prone to cable loss during movement.)

(Image: taken from Antwon's review video) — LINE I/O –––
(Line In/Out) The 3A-1 bag features a cable management system with an entry hole inside the bag and a cable exit hole outside. It's typically used for charging cables or headphones. (Given the "Out" position is quite close to the small outer pouch, I think it would be more practical to use it for a charging cable connected to a power bank inside, as keeping headphones and a phone inside the main pouch is inconvenient and prone to cable loss during movement.)
(Image: extracted from) Antwon video review

Zip Garage–––

The material covering the top of the zipper helps to partially conceal the zipper when closed, reducing uncomfortable friction for the wearer (center zipper), or increasing water resistance in that area. — Zip Garage–––
The material covering the top of the zipper helps to partially conceal the zipper when closed, reducing uncomfortable friction for the wearer (center zipper), or increasing water resistance in that area.

QLQR –––

(Quick Lock / Quick Release) This special locking system allows users to quickly adjust the strap to best fit their body and needs. Developed in collaboration with BagJack.

(Image: QLQR 3-Point webbing 50-50 mm) — QLQR –––
(Quick Lock / Quick Release) This special locking system allows users to quickly adjust the strap to best fit their body and needs. Developed in collaboration with BagJack.
(Image: QLQR 3-Point webbing 50-50 mm)

DFMA

Designed for Martial Arts - The design is optimized for the widest possible range of motion, suitable for martial arts activities, while maintaining a sleek and streamlined form (LA6-DS is a prime example).

(Photo: Eskindir Tesfay in LA6B-DS) — DFMA
Designed for Martial Arts - The design is optimized for the widest possible range of motion, suitable for martial arts activities, while maintaining a sleek and streamlined form (LA6-DS is a prime example).
(Photo: Eskindir Tesfay in LA6B-DS)

Fit Block

The master pattern is a complete design for the main subject's body. From this master pattern, different patterns are developed for each different design. Therefore, you may see many designs, although different (J33, J27, J36, etc.), all developed from a common master pattern.

HARDSHELL

The product uses synthetic materials that focus primarily on protective features (water resistance, skin protection from impacts, wind resistance, etc.).

SOFTSHELL

The product uses synthetic materials that focus primarily on factors that promote body comfort (softness, elasticity, comfort, heat retention, etc.).

LIGHTSHELL

The product uses synthetic materials whose protective properties are not visible to the naked eye (referring to materials such as E, S, or DS).

NTS –––

Next to Skin usually refers to the base layer that comes into direct contact with the body.

WP –––

Weatherproof - Only the outer hardshell layer is made of GoreTex Pro.

WR –––

Weather Resistance - Only hardshell layers made of materials other than WS, S… or insulator layers

BDU –––

Battle Dress Uniform: The design borrows elements from military battle uniforms.

(*I will continue to update this list.

(Everything I've written is from the perspective and research of a consumer/outsider who knows nothing about the garment industry or materials. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to give me feedback. [instagram @drkvns**](https://www.instagram.com/drkvns/)

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Thanks to Hoang Lam, Thien Nguyen, Le Quoc Anh, Ray Le, and Pukak for providing additional information.