(Updated August 2024)

Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes.

The need, in this case, was of a father who, after witnessing the April 2007 Virginia Tech school shooting, felt driven to do everything he could to protect his kids. A father who just happened to be an ex-Army Ranger, deputy sheriff, and firearms instructor.

In August 2007, Joe Curran launched ‘My Child’s Pack’ — the world’s first purpose-built bulletproof backpack.

Bullet proof backpacks and backpack-compatible armor are primarily purchased by concerned parents, but their use extends to a wider range of adults as well.

Following on from our Bulletproof Backpack Buyer’s Guide, we’re here with a curated listicle of 2024’s top bulletproof backpacks and bulletproof backpack inserts.

But before we go into that, let's take a closer look at bulletproof backpacks and understand how they can offer an extra layer of security.

Table of Contents:

• What are the main functions of a Bulletproof Backpack?
• How Do Bulletproof Backpacks Work?
• Why Use a Bulletproof Backpack?
• How much do Bulletproof Backpacks and Backpack Armor Cost?
• How much does a Bulletproof Backpack Weigh?
• Bulletproof Backpacks vs. Backpack Inserts - Which to Choose?
• Best Bulletproof Backpack for Kids
• Best Bulletproof Backpack Inserts for Kids
• Best Bulletproof Backpack for Adults
• Best Bulletproof Backpack Inserts for Adults

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF A BULLETPROOF BACKPACK?

Load Carrying

A bulletproof backpack's most familiar job, of course, is for transporting stuff.

To that end, they’re engineered with any number and size of compartments.

Some even feature various attachment points, like rings/hooks, velcro, or tactical webbing, for tacking on other gear.

 

Personal Protection

A bulletproof backpack’s other purpose, as its name suggests, is to safeguard the wearer from bullets. They pull this off thanks to featuring some form of armor.

Some such packs have the bulletproof armor permanently sealed into the lining. But the overwhelming majority are supplied with an armor panel/plate which is then inserted into a specially adapted pocket inside the backpack.

No matter which, to keep the pack weight down, nigh on all backpack inserts use soft body armor made of unbelievably strong synthetic fibers.

Bear in mind too that whatever’s tossed into the backpack, metal-made objects most of all, will provide added bullet-stopping power.

 

HOW DO BULLETPROOF BACKPACKS WORK?

The soft armor fabric in bulletproof backpacks acts like a net catching the bullet and flattening the tip.

At the same time, absorbing most of its energy and spreading it across the whole of the armor so its not all focused in one bullet-sized spot.

Hard armor works a bit differently, tending to deflect or shatter a projectile and absorbing more of its impact, but the principle is no different.

It’s just as important to understand, though, that wearing a bullet proof backpack won’t make you invincible.

No body armor on Earth is 100% bulletproof. Technically, they’re bullet-resistant.

And though a lot of a bullet’s force is absorbed by the armor, some of it will inevitably be transferred to the body.

Bulletproof armor doesn’t last forever either. The lifespan of soft body armor, undamaged, is normally around five years from the date it rolled off the factory line.

Finally, bulletproof backpacks natch have to be within reach if there to do any good.

Even then, when in an active shooter situation, your priorities should always be to escape or take cover - - a bulletproof backpack, like any body armor, should be reckoned as a last resort.

 

WHY USE A BULLETPROOF BACKPACK?

Preservation of life

A bulletproof backpack’s most obvious benefit is in boosting your odds of survival if caught up in a scenario involving a loaded weapon.

What’s more, the armor in bulletproof backpacks is essentially the same as that worn by, say, the police. And that’s been proven time and again to save cops' lives.

Safe keeping of contents

Backpacks of any sort can take a beating. But one that’s armored is better at protecting the belongings inside if the pack’s accidentally dropped or stepped on.

Peace of mind

Of psychological value, if nothing else, bulletproof backpacks provide a feeling of safety or at least help lessen fears and anxieties.

Reason being because you’re as prepared as you can be. When it comes to keeping yourself and loved ones out of harm’s way, it’s as much control as you can expect.

Compared to other body armor solutions

Versus your average bulletproof vest, bulletproof backpacks are a far more discreet and generally less expensive form of body armor.

Throwing on a pack is more convenient than donning a vest, as well as providing better freedom of movement.

They’re also more versatile, and can be used as a bulletproof shield to protect anywhere on the body, not just the vital organs. Oh, and it’s not exactly the done thing to wear a ballistic vest in a place of study or work.

Unlike bulletproof clothing, and which may be your only option in schools and work places which have strict policies about bulletproof backpacks.

As against, armored packs again are less expensively priced as a rule. Nobody wears the same bulletproof clothes day in, day out but with bulletproof backpacks you can. And they aren’t limited to National Institute of Justice [NIJ] Level IIIA bulletproof protection.

All this with the bonus that, heaven forbid you ever need to use the armor in the backpack, it’s still a practical means to carry around gear.

 

HOW MUCH DO BULLETPROOF BACKPACKS & BACKPACK ARMOR COST?

Along with the level of protection, cost is a major consideration when shopping for a bulletproof backpack.

All-in-one bulletproof backpacks drop anywhere from some 120 to 550 bucks.

The price of backpack-appropriate armor inserts ranges from just under a hundred dollars to upwards of a grand.

HOW MUCH DOES A BULLETPROOF BACKPACK WEIGH?

The backpack itself can weigh next to nothing, and seldom more than three or four pounds.

Stand-alone armor inserts run from under 1lb (about the same as a loaf of bread) for the lightest soft armor panel to more than 10 times that for the heaviest steel plate.

Not forgetting to take into account the added weight of what goes into the pack.

Whereas the overall weight is less a worry for adults, it’s a prime factor if buying for a child.

 

BULLETPROOF BACKPACKS vs BACKPACK INSERTS - WHICH TO CHOOSE?

Why go with a purpose-made bulletproof backpack?

• There’s no risk of buying the wrong size, shape, or rating of armor insert. And for packs with inbuilt armor, there’s no danger of the insert shifting around, being seated in the wrong spot, or plain forgotten to be installed.

• They often come with features, usually safety related, that garden variety packs don’t.

• They tend to work out more economical, and come ready to use.

Why plump for a backpack insert only?

• They can be used with an existing backpack, and simply transferred to another if the pack gets outgrown or worn out.

• There’s a much greater pick of inserts than packs.

• They’re really the only option if the backpack needs to be armored against a rifle bullet.

 

THE BEST BULLETPROOF BACKPACK FOR KIDS

1. Guard Dog Proshield Smart

Surprisingly sturdy with a contemporary look and feel. And only ounces heavier than a non-ballistic backpack.

Suitability

For all-day, every day use by pre-teens, teens and younger students.

Bulletproofing Data

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA

• Bulletproof insert: built-in (non-removable)

• Ballistic composition: Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene [UHMWPE] soft armor

Backpack Features & Specifications

• Top carry handle.

• Comfortably padded, adjustable shoulder straps with added buckles for more secure closure and suction cup holder for hands-free cell use.

• Integrated USB power bank for charging mobile devices on the go.

• One of 20+ storage pockets, main compartment stows school supplies and stars separate sleeves to slip in each of a tablet and a laptop up to 18”.

• Easy-reach front pocket for keeping pens/pencils, memory stick, and the like.

• Hidden rain cover to protect the pack from the elements.

• Comfort-edged zippers with pull tags for simple and speedy opening or closing.

• Material: water-repellent nylon fabric

• Dimensions: 19” high x 13.5” wide x 8” deep

• Capacity: 27 liters

• Weight: 4.6lbs

• Colors: black, pink, and gray

• Manufacturer’s warranty: lifetime

 

2. BulletBlocker Clear Backpack

Completely see-through ballistic backpack handy for breezing through security checkpoints or whenever required by school policy.

Suitability

Particularly cut out for school children and event-going teenagers.

Bulletproofing Data

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA

• Ballistic insert: removable, and available in red, white, blue, purple, cherry, black, yellow, camo, and sunflower colors/patterns.

Backpack Features & Specifications

• Top grab handle.

• Padded and adjustable wide shoulder straps.

• Spacious main compartment for holding bigger items like text books, or a laptop/tablet.

• Amply sized front accessory pocket to stash smaller things such as keys, stationery, or a cell phone.

• Metal zippers with fabric pullers.

• Material: hard-wearing, waterproof, and easily cleanable plastic vinyl (PVC); shoulder straps, carry handle, and zipper seams made of nylon.

• Dimensions: 17.5" high x 12.5" wide x 5.5" deep

• Capacity: 20 liters

• Weight: 4.5lbs (backpack + bulletproof panel)

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 12 months

 

3. TuffyPacks Travel Backpack Level IIIA Bulletproof

Cleverly thought out, solidly constructed, incredibly lightweight (considering), compact, and doubly protective backpack.

Suitability

Perfect for elementary, middle, and high school juniors. Also good for all-around use by smaller framed seniors or those after a smaller and lighter armored everyday carry.

Bulletproofing Data

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA.

• Ballistic insert: 11"× 14″ TuffyPacks Level IIIA Ballistic Backpack Shield.

• Bulletproof composition: Lightweight Twaron with 28 layers of material and UV-resistant nylon covering.

Backpack Features & Specifications

• Stops multiple rounds of handgun fire
• Protects from stabbing/piercing objects
• UV Resistant Nylon Covering
• Easy to remove for cleaning/storage
• Fits most children's backpacks and smaller day packs
• Includes a laptop compartment, spacious packing compartment, front compartment with many pockets, pen pockets, key fob hook, comfortable airflow back design with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding, breathable and adjustable shoulder straps, foam padded top handle, a luggage strap, and a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back.
• Built-in USB charger outside and built-in charging cable inside.

4. Atomic Defense/Vaschy Boys & Girls Bulletproof Backpack

Playfully styled child's backpack combined with robust and lightweight armor insert.

Suitability

Meant for the very youngest (3 to 6 years) members of the family - - children, older toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners.

Bulletproofing Data

• Armor courtesy of Atomic Defense

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA

• Ballistic insert: 10” wide x 12” tall x 0.4” thick, removable, and with integrated trauma pad backing to absorb even more of a bullet’s energy.

• Bulletproof composition: High-Density PolyEthylene [HDPE] soft armor

Backpack Features & Specifications

• Vaschy brand backpack.

• Attached fabric loop at the top for carrying or hanging the backpack.

• Adjustable cushioned shoulder straps and padded back.

• Adjustable chest straps with buckle help stabilize the pack’s load.

• Fairly roomy main compartment for lunch box, fave small toys, and elasticated pocket to hold activity books.

• Smaller easy-access front zippered pocket.

• Elasticated side pockets for holding water bottles and whatnot.

• Inside name tag.

• SBS zippers complete with extra long pullers make for smooth opening/closing.

• Material: rugged, water-resistant and easy-to-clean polyester with reinforced stitching.

• Dimensions: 14.6” high x 10.2” wide x 4.5” deep

• Capacity: 11.5 liters

• Weight: roughly 1.7lbs (backpack + bulletproof panel)

• Colors/patterns: 14 different and exclusive prints include rainbow unicorn, purple dinos, astronaut, blue kittens, pink elephants, ocean animals, and yellow puppies

• Manufacturers’ warranty: lifetime

Related Model

For something more protective, albeit somewhat pricier and bulkier, switch up the Level IIIA panel to a Level III plate - - in either of ceramic or, more age appropriate being around a quarter of the weight, PEAD polyethylene.

 

THE BEST BULLETPROOF BACKPACK INSERT FOR KIDS

1. RMA Armament Body Armor Plate Gen-2

 

 

Supremely resilient and positively buoyant armor plate that’s just about as light as it gets both on the body and on the pocket.

Backpack Compatibility

• Fits well into your common backpack.

Features & Specifications

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA

• Ballistic material: hardened polyethylene with edge-to-edge coverage on the strike face of the armor plate

• Plate profile: single curve

• Plate shape: SAPI/ESAPI Shooters Cut

• Size: 10” wide x 12” tall x 0.25” thick

• Weight: 0.88lbs

• Color: black

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years

 

2. TuffyPacks Ballistic Shield

Super lightweight, extra protective, and top selling backpack insert especially for school age kids.

Backpack Compatibility

• Suitable for most children’s backpacks and smaller day packs.

Features & Specifications

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA and, though not officially rated for such, also resists stabs/spikes.

• Ballistic material: high performance polyethylene

• Panel profile: flat

• Panel shape: round top

• Sizes: 11” wide x 14” tall x 0.38” thick, 12” wide x 16” tall x 0.38” thick, and 12” wide x 18” tall x 0.38” thick

• Weights: 1.19lbs, 1.44lbs, and 1.69lbs, respectively.

• Color: black

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years

 

3. Spartan Armor Systems Soft Armor Panel

Hugely popular special threat rated insert, and tough to beat when it comes to both protection and value.

Backpack Compatibility

• Good for standard-sized backpacks.

Features & Specifications

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA+ (defeats all Level IIIA threats as well as .357 SIG FMJ rounds)

• Ballistic material: Spartan Armor’s proprietary Flex Fused Core soft armor.

• Panel profile: flat

• Panel shape: rectangular

• Size: 11” wide x 14” tall x 0.35” thick

• Weight: 1.59lbs

• Colors: black, tan, and gray

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years

 

4. Level-4 Armor Backpack Armor Insert

Bargain priced high-quality, low-weight insert best suited to ages 7 and above.

Backpack Compatibility

• Ideal for larger proportioned backpacks.

Features & Specifications

• Protection level: NIJ Level III

• Ballistic material: Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene [UHMWPE]

• Plate profile: single curve

• Plate shape: Swimmers/Shooters Cut

• Size: 10” wide x 15” tall x 1” thick

• Weight: 4.4lbs

• Color: black

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 7 years

Related Model

Less protective, but the Level-4 Armor NIJ Level IIIA backpack insert is among the most budget friendly of its kind, and comes with complimentary EV trauma padding.

 

THE BEST BULLETPROOF BACKPACK FOR ADULTS

1. Guard Dog Proshield II

Guard Dog’s second generation Proshield backpack has basic styling but substantially built with modern features.

Suitability

For work environments, commuting, college/university students, and teachers/lecturers.

Bulletproofing Data

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA

• Ballistic insert: built-in (non-removable)

• Bulletproof composition: Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene [UHMWPE]

Backpack Features & Specifications

• Double-reinforced ergonomic carrier handle, with fabric loop to hang the pack.

• Premium gel-padded shoulder straps and back allow for max all-day comfort.

• Cell phone pocket on one shoulder strap, with sunglasses holder and AUX output port (to jack in headphones) on the other.

• 20+ storage pockets/panels altogether - - not least a compartment to accommodate an 18” portable electronic gadget.

• Water bottle pouch, and zippered pockets on each side of the pack.

• Three vent grommets on each side of the backpack.

• Material: water-repellent nylon fabric

• Dimensions: 20” high x 15” wide x 9.5” deep

• Capacity: 37 liters

• Weight: 3.86lbs

• Colors/patterns: all-black, black with pink, as well as the exclusive urban cool motifs high country camouflage and pink camo

• Manufacturer’s warranty: lifetime

 

2. TuffyPacks/SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

Our second most popular bullet proof backpack package care of trusted industry names.

Suitability

Spot on for leisure/adventure travel or business trips to or through hostile territory, locally or internationally.

Bulletproofing Data

• Armor courtesy of TuffyPacks

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA

• Ballistic insert: removable 12” wide x 16” tall x 0.38” thick backpack cut bulletproof panel.

• Bulletproof composition: high performance polyethylene

Backpack Features & Specifications

• Swiss Gear brand backpack.

• Strengthened molded grip handle atop the pack.

• Ergonomically contoured and adjustable padded shoulder straps - - rigged with inbuilt suspension, mesh fabric, sunglasses holder, and thumb ring adjuster pulls.

• Heavily padded back panel with airflow channels for superior breathability and support.

• Laptop-only compartment with adjustable divider fits portable computers up to 17" - - together with the manufacturer’s signature ScanSmart tech and lay-flat design, helps speed through airport security.

• Dedicated floating TabletSafe sleeve fits tablets/e-readers up to 10” x 7”.

• Multimedia pocket with built-in headphone cord port.

• Accordion file holder.

• Quick-access top pocket for caching frequently needed things.

• Bottom organizer pocket with detachable key ring clip and several divider pockets.

• Deep pouches, and accessory pockets on each side.

• Carabiner clip and daisy chain webbing on the front.

• Material: durable and long-lasting 1200 Denier polyester fabric.

• Dimensions: 18.5” high x 13.25” wide x 9” deep

• Capacity: 31 liters

• Weight: 4.74lbs (backpack + bulletproof panel)

• Color: black

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years for the armor and 10 years for the backpack.

 

3. AR500 Firebird Armored Backpack

ncorporates ballistic panels designed to safeguard against potential threats. This low-profile design allows for discreet integration into your daily routine, providing peace of mind without compromising on style. 

Suitability

Great for the office, classroom, in fact, virtually anywhere.

Bulletproofing Data

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA

• Ballistic insert: built-in (non-removable)

Backpack Features & Specifications

• Material: 1000 Denier Cordura (lightweight, durable)
• Weight: Less than 3 lbs (without rifle plates)
• Storage:
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Smartphone pocket
  • Front pocket with organizer
  • Top pocket for valuables
• Other Features:
  • Discreet design
  • Padded straps for comfort
  • Water-resistant bottom
• Optional Trauma Pad: Reduces impact force behind armor

4. Leatherback Gear Tactical One

Not a cheap bulletproof backpack but, for sure, skillfully engineered, sophisticated, and absolutely feature packed.

Suitability

Best qualified for military operatives, police officers and other first responders, security professionals, game hunters, and the like. Just as worthy, though, for use as a bug-in bag.

Bulletproofing Data

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA

• Ballistic insert: removable twin armor panels - - set front and back, with each measuring 11” wide x 14” tall x 0.35” thick.

• Bulletproof composition: Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene [UHMWPE]

Backpack Features & Specifications

• Innovative two-in-one protection - - the backpack can be unzipped into two separate weight-balanced halves, each containing an armored panel, then worn as a bulletproof vest.

• Hidden emergency contact info card in between.

• Reinforced handle on top can take up to 300lbs of weight, plus fabric hanging loop.

• Broad adjustable padded shoulder straps - - part of which can be detached and used as tourniquets, drag straps, or door stop straps.

• Connected chest straps with clips adjust to help stabilize the pack’s load-out.

• A trio of raised pontoons on the back for extra comfort, with in-between air channels for better ventilation.

• Plenty sewn-on PALS webbing on the front, sides and shoulder straps for mounting MOLLE equipment - - an Individual First Aid Kit [IFAK], for example.

• Sizeable front velcro field for sticking on ID badges, insignias, morale patches and so forth.

• 17 interior compartments all told - - a sleeve to store a 17” laptop/tablet, felt-lined pocket for sunnies, hidden pockets for valuables, and an RFID-blocking pocket to counter identity theft.

• Material: heavy-duty 1000 Denier polyester with polyurethane coating to keep out water.

• Dimensions: 20.5” high x 15” wide x 9.5” deep

• Capacity: 42 liters

• Weight: 6.13lbs (backpack + 2x bulletproof panels)

• Colors: black, coyote tan, and wolf gray

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years

Related Model

The pack’s bulletproof protection level can optionally be upgraded to either of NIJ Level III or NIJ Level IV.

 

THE BEST BULLETPROOF BACKPACK INSERT FOR ADULTS

1. Predator Armor Backpack Armor

Lightweight, supple, and built-to-last Pack Ready ballistic insert.

Backpack Compatibility

• Just about any backpack out there.

Features & Specifications

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA rating

• Panel profile: flat

• Panel shape: rectangular with cut corners

• Size: 10.5” wide x 14” tall x 0.22” thick

• Weight: 1.4lbs

• Color: black

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years

 

2. Citizen Armor Aegis Elite Bulletproof Backpack Insert

 

 

Flexible yet seriously tough wafer-thin insert made of the very latest ballistic materials.

Backpack Compatibility

• Right for nearly any ordinary backpack.

Features & Specifications

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA+ (independently tested against all Level IIIA threats, plus more than half-a-dozen different armor-piercing rounds). Not to mention, boasting up to 20% less Back Face Deformation [BFD], and stab resistant to 34 joules of force (exceeding NIJ Level 2).

• Ballistic material: ATEK Protek graphene microfibers with added Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene [UHMWPE].

• Panel profile: flat

• Panel shape: rectangular with rounded corners

• Sizes: 7” wide x 10” tall x 0.24” thick (small), 10” wide x 13” tall x 0.24” thick (medium), or 11” wide x 15” tall x 0.24” thick (large)

• Weight: averages 1.36lbs

• Color: black

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 7 years

 

3. DFNDR Armor Bulletproof Backpack Insert

Hard as nails but feathery insert superbly crafted using the highest military grade materials.

Backpack Compatibility

• Works in almost any backpack whether small or extra large.

Features & Specifications

• Protection level: NIJ Level IIIA

• Ballistic material: Honeywell Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene [UHMWPE] laminate bound with a resin matrix. And dressed with Spall-Tek to reduce spall and deflection of projectile fragments.

• Plate profile: flat

• Plate shape: rectangular with rounded corners.

• Sizes: 9 different sizes from 9.5” wide x 12.5” tall to 10.6” wide x 18” tall. And in either of 0.23” ultra slim or 0.60” incorporating state-of-the-art trauma mitigation base on the back face.

• Weights: from a touch less than 1lb up to 1.55lbs depending on the size of the insert.

• Color: black

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 5 years

Related Model

DFNDR Armor also offer rifle rated NIJ Level III and NIJ Level III+ backpack armor inserts, albeit rather heavier and costlier.

 

4. MIRA Safety Tactical Body Armor Plate

Heavyweight protection for an insert that won’t break either your bank or your back.

Backpack Compatibility

• Adequate for regular backpacks, although geared more to tactical backpacks/assault packs.

Features & Specifications

• Protection level: NIJ Level IV

• Ballistic material: alumina oxide ceramic with edge-to-edge coverage on the strike face of the armor plate. Covered with Ultra-High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene [UHMWPE] to protect against spall.

• Plate profile: single curve

• Plate shape: ESAPI Shooters Cut

• Size: 10” wide x 12” tall x 0.9” thick

• Weight: 5.9lbs (+/- 5%)

• Color: black

• Manufacturer’s warranty: 10 year extended guarantee

 

DEMAND FOR BULLETPROOF BACKPACKS & BACKPACK ARMOR

Mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and gun violence in America and elsewhere aren’t anything new. What is, is their rapid rise.

Not since Sandy Hook and Parkland, Florida school shooting has the issue been more in the spotlight than after the heartbreaking incident in Uvalde earlier this year.

In the wake of which, sales of bulletproof backpacks and backpack inserts went through the roof. And demand spiked again in late August just ahead of the new school season.

Unfortunately, this can result in particular backpacks/inserts going out of stock or their shipment delayed.

Other than increased lead times which are beyond our control, don’t despair - - we’ve got many a bulletproof backpack and backpack insert to go for. Failing that, to avoid going unprotected, check out our other body armor or bullet-resistant clothing. And if need be, take advantage of one of our finance options.