What is Backpack Armor?
Backpack armor is a type of body armor that consists of a ballistic plate (or panel) that is inserted into a backpack to provide protection against bullets. Backpack armor plates are basically identical to the plates that are placed in bulletproof vests that police officers wear but are available in many different sizes to fit all kinds of backpacks, laptop cases, briefcases, and even purses. Backpack armor plates are usually removable and can be easily switched in and out of backpacks just as you would move around a notebook.
Why Would Anyone Need Backpack Armor?
With what the media reports as a rise in mass shootings at public gathering locations such as schools, concert venues, workplaces, and churches over the years, worried citizens are exploring new options to help protect themselves and loved ones in public situations and offer an extra sense of security. With the latest advances in backpack armor technology, ballistic plates have become lighter, stronger, more affordable, and more discrete with users often times forgetting it’s even in their backpacks.
How Much Does Backpack Armor Weigh and Cost?
Depending on size and protection level you choose (more details below), backpack armor can weigh anywhere from 1 – 10 lbs. The most common backpack armor is a 10″x15″ level IIIA soft armor panel weighing a measly 1.4 lbs and coming in at about 0.25″ thick. This tiny 13″ Macbook Pro I normally carry around in my backpack is double that weight and thickness! Level IIIA soft armor is most commonly made out of strong heat-resistant and synthetic fiber like Kevlar and is lightweight, thin and flexible.
Here’s a link to one of the most popular level IIIA soft armor manufacturers on the market.
What Protection Levels Are There?
As mentioned above, the most common backpack armor is level IIIA soft armor that costs anywhere from $100 – $200 depending on the size and manufacturer. Level IIIA as classified by the NIJ protects against all common handgun ammunition but does not offer protection against rifles (see more about official NIJ standards here). To protect against rifle ammunition, you would need to step up to a level III or IV hard armor plate which is usually made of steel or ceramic and weighs 5 – 10lbs depending on the size. Most people don’t want to carry an extra 5 – 10 lbs with them everyday and opt for the ~1lb level IIIA soft armor option for backpack carry.
Where Can I Get Backpack Armor?
Backpack armor is legal to own and carry by law-abiding citizens in all 50 states and are approved by the TSA for carry through airports and onto aircraft! With level IIIA soft armor being the most common option weighing a measly ~1lb, why wouldn’t you include it discretely in your everyday carry backpack, laptop case, purse, or briefcase?