What is the Best Backpack Armor Solution?
The best backpack armor solution is one that can be immediately and effectively deployed in a moment’s notice to help mitigate the threat of an active shooter event in which you and or loved ones become victims. There’s no use in having a backpack armor setup if it gets left on the floor during a crisis. Preparation and training are of the highest importance to be able to effectively respond to these situations and it is highly encouraged to reach out to trained individuals in this matter along with the official government site ready.gov/active-shooter.
For those that choose to take an active approach to being prepared for disaster scenarios and opt to carry backpack armor, below are recommendations that may help you and or loved ones.
Selecting the Right Backpack Armor Size and Protection
Which backpack armor solution should I go with? Large backpack or small backpack? Soft armor or hard armor?
Start by selecting a backpack or other carry item for your armor that you feel most comfortable carrying and works best for your situation. Don’t feel comfortable or not allowed to wear a backpack in your situation? What about placing your backpack armor in a laptop sleeve, briefcase, handbag or purse?
Next find backpack armor that fits and covers the entire area of your selected backpack or carry item. It’s important that you select the proper size for your backpack armor otherwise you run the risk of the backpack armor panel moving around in your backpack and not protecting you. More about helping you select the correct size for your backpack armor below.
Do you require hard armor or soft armor? According to the NIJ standards, hard armor in level III and IV will protect against the most common handgun and rifle ammunition but weighs anywhere from 5 – 10 lbs based on manufacturer, price, and protection level (see more about official NIJ standards here).
Most people don’t want to carry an extra 5 – 10 lbs in their backpacks, so the next best option is level IIIA soft armor. Level IIIA protects against the most common handgun ammunition and usually weighs just a little over 1 lb but does not offer rifle protection. Choosing level IIIA soft armor that offers stab and slash protection is also recommended as this is not a requirement of level IIIA as defined by NIJ but some companies include this extra protection in their soft armor.
Most Popular Backpack Armor
One of the most popular backpack armor options is the 10″x15″ level IIIA soft armor panel which fits many popular backpacks. In the video below we test fit the 10″x15″ Level IIIA backpack armor in a JanSport SuperBreak, 5.11 Tactical Rush 12, Rush 24, and a Trail Maker Clear Backpack.
Not sure what size backpack armor will fit your backpack? Luckily there are a few manufacturers that customize backpack armor to fit the exact make and model of your backpack.