The Ultimate Ballistic Body Armor Guide For Preppers and Survivalists

How would you survive in such chaos? This is when the survivalist, or "prepper," in you takes over. In these situations, body armor—such as bulletproof vests—becomes an important piece of survival gear you must have on hand. Here is your comprehensive ballistic body armor guide.

Why Should You Get Body Armor?

During catastrophic situations, you should prioritize keeping your body protected. In today's world, where nearly everyone has access to firearms, body armor helps you stay protected and assists in your survival. No matter the situation, wearing a bulletproof vest provides invaluable protection. Gun threats can arise unexpectedly at any time and from any direction.

Bulletproof vests are a key addition to your gear. They offer life-saving protection in extreme conditions. Depending on your build, they can cover about 15 to 19 inches of your front and back torso.

They bring much-needed defense in dangerous situations. However, keep in mind that even with a vest, parts of your body will remain exposed. Additionally, if you're in a situation that requires constant mobility, heavier tactical body armor like plate carriers may slow you down. This can present a potential disadvantage in such situations.

Lightweight bulletproof vests and soft body armor may be more practical in situations where mobility is key. In survival scenarios, the last thing you want is to waste precious time searching for resources and gear that should have been prepared in advance.

Since the world hasn't shown any immediate signs of catastrophe (the fact that you're reading this is a good indicator), now might be a smart time to invest in a bulletproof vest.

Even if you never end up needing it, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you're prepared if the worst happens. Will you be ready when it’s no longer just a game?

Will you be ready when it isn't a game anymore?

Debunking the Myths about Body Armor

There are many myths surrounding the ownership and use of body armor, particularly bulletproof vests. It's necessary to address these misconceptions, as believing them could mean the difference between life and death.

Myth One: Kevlar Vests are Equally as Effective as Hard Armor Vests

It is a common myth within the prepper community that Kevlar vests bring the same level of protection as hard armor vests.

The highest level of protection you can receive from soft body armor is an NIJ level IIIA rating. Such a rating will only grant protection up to a .44 magnum hollow point of semi-jacketed at 1,400 ft/s. Therefore, a majority of rifles can penetrate soft armor.

The main drawback for preppers is that many potential firearm threats may come from rifles. Standard body armor can't fully protect against these threats. However, hard armor plates protect against more powerful rounds. This includes 7.62 x 39mm M61 Armor-Piercing (AP) rounds traveling at 2,780 ft/s.

Myth Two: Homemade Body armor is just as Effective

Believing the myth that homemade body armor is as effective as professionally manufactured gear could cost you dearly. Commercial body armor is held to rigorous standards and certified to protect against specific types of ammunition. On the other hand, homemade armor involves complicated processes. Even if you think you know what you're doing, small mistakes during production can go unnoticed until it's too late. This could potentially result in the expense of your life.

Just as you wouldn’t expect your homebrewed beer to match the quality of your favorite brand, creating body armor is best left to the professionals.

Myth Three: Kevlar Vests Can be Concealed Under Your Clothes.

Most effective Kevlar vests tend to be quite noticeable under clothing. For instance, police officers often wear armor rigs over their uniforms. If they wear concealable vests, they can still be visible and usually provide minimal protection. We deliver a variety of concealable vests in Bulletproof Zone. So, if you're looking for one that offers maximum discretion, feel free to reach out to us.

In a true "doomsday" scenario where wearing a vest becomes necessary, concealing it may be the least of your concerns. Your priority will be protection, not going unnoticed.

Explanation of Body Armor Levels

Body armor ratings are based on their effectiveness against various levels of ammunition. These ratings have been compiled by the National Institute of Justice, or NIJ for short.

The NIJ regularly tests armor against various types of rounds. It is considered the only nationally accepted standard for body armor used by law enforcement.

If you're interested in reading a more in-depth guide to protection levels, you can see our blog post here.

The NIJ currently rates protection levels in a total of 5 categories of bullet-resistant armor:

• Level II: Made to stop up to 9mm rounds, including those from a submachine gun, and .357 Magnum rounds with a maximum velocity of 1,340 ft/s.
• Level IIA: Made to stop up to 9mm rounds at a maximum velocity of 1,225 ft/s and .40 S&W rounds at 1,155 ft/s.
• Level III: The minimum rating for hard armor, tested to stop 7.62mm lead-core rifle rounds.
• Level IIIA: This rating for hard armor stops up to 124-grain FMJ or .357 Sig rounds at velocities up to 1,410 ft/s. It also stops 240-grain .44 Magnum rounds at up to 1,340 ft/s.
• Level IV: The highest level for hard armor. It is made to stop up to .30cal (Armor Piercing Rounds) steel core hard armor.

Hard Armor Plate Materials

Apart from various levels of protection, ballistic or "bulletproof" hard armor may also be produced using various materials. Below is a brief overview of the different materials, along with the pros and cons of each. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to check out our detailed guide.

Steel Plates

The most widely available option is steel. It has been produced and used commercially since World War II. Steel plates are commonly used, but they aren't always the most effective option.

While steel plates give users a good deal of protection, there’s no denying that they are also quite heavy. Steel plates tend to cause excessive spalling that can result in secondary fragmentation injuries from shrapnel.

Ceramic Plates

These plates are a more recent option in the world of hard armor. While they weren’t initially made as personal body armor, ceramic plates were used during the Desert Storm operation to protect British Challenger tanks.

These tanks sustained minimal damage from enemy fire. This demonstrated the effectiveness of ceramic plates for body armor. They deliver the same level of protection as steel plates. However, they are significantly lighter and are a practical choice for mobility and comfort.

Polyethylene Plates

These plates utilize the friction created by a bullet's spin to their advantage. The friction melts the polyethylene, causing it to adhere to the round. Once the bullet is stopped, the polyethylene cools and re-hardens. Polyethylene plates weigh between 2 to 5 pounds. They are lighter than steel plates and even slightly lighter than ceramic plates.

Overt or Covert Vest?

When choosing the right protection levels and vest types, it's necessary to know that body armor is generally classified into two main categories: overt and covert.

Overt body armor is conspicuous and larger in profile. Because of this, it can hold larger and heavier plates. This makes it stronger compared to covert body armor. It may even block bullets from a high-powered rifle when fitted with Level IV armor.

Its size and bulk make it challenging to move quickly or wear for extended periods. However, it's ideal for individuals involved in long-range combat or fortifying a position.

On the other hand, covert body armor is meant to be concealed. Aside from the obvious element of surprise, covert body armor is more comfortable and easier to wear as they are smaller and lighter. These types of vests are best for those who need to be mobile and are not expecting to experience combat for extended periods.

Stab Proof Protection

In addition to ballistic protection, some bulletproof vests can also integrate stab or slash protection. The combined protection can be more effective. However, it comes at the cost of additional weight and bulk in the vest itself.

Stab and slash protection should only be considered if you foresee yourself entering close combat situations or looking through enclosed areas often.

Additional Gear to Consider

SAPI Cut Plates

These hard armor plates deliver the highest level of protection in their class. While other types of body armor may provide greater coverage, SAPI plates are nearly unmatched when it comes to balancing protection with an agile, lightweight design.

Many SAPI plates are made from silicon carbide or boron carbide ceramics. These materials imbue superior protection while remaining lighter than steel alternatives.

Additionally, SAPI plates are engineered to crack and disperse the energy from an impact. This allows users to absorb the shock without being staggered. They are able to continue fighting effectively after a ballistic hit.

Gloves

When firing a weapon, gloves can be extremely beneficial. For example, rifle barrels tend to heat up quickly during extended use. Holding the firearm for long periods can become uncomfortable.

Hence, wearing gloves protects your hands from burns and allows for a more comfortable grip. Using gloves can lead to improved accuracy during prolonged engagements.

Helmets

Although your head is one of the hardest parts of your body to hit, taking that rare strike could be fatal. There are many reasons to think about head protection, beyond just bullets.

If you're walking through the wilderness after bugging out, the chances of encountering another looter or prepper are high. In such situations, minimizing exposure to your body is important if others see you as a threat. Additionally, falling debris or materials can pose serious risks while looting or moving through unstable areas. Hence, having a helmet could potentially be life-saving.

How Bulletproof Zone can help

Body armor is a necessity for every survivalist or prepper out there. Take into account how you will be moving, what situations you see yourself doing best in, and what type of protection level would be appropriate for you. Then, decide on what vest to obtain.

Bulletproof Zone brings an extensive collection of Body Vests and Plate Carriers. We allow you to compare multiple items across numerous manufacturers. Our selections take the guesswork out of choosing. We help you confidently determine whether your choice is the right one.

If you have any questions about what type of gear would be best used to prepare for even the worst of circumstances, drop us a line at support@bulletproofzone.com. Until then, stay safe and stay well!