In this modern world where things can happen out of the blue, ensuring your safety as well as that of your family and loved ones has become more paramount than ever.

Just recently, the United States has experienced a tragic string of  increasing active shooting cases across the nation. Lives were lost, serious physical injuries incurred, and fear and anxiety conquered the minds of the survivors.

These shooting incidents, most of which took place in schools, are raising concerns among civilians, specifically parents who want to protect not only themselves but also their children. As expected, many have started looking for ways to take safety into their own hands and ensure their children's safety, and bulletproof backpacks seem to be a viable option.

However, there are several important things to know before purchasing your backpack armor which we explain in more depth below.

Importance and Benefits of Backpack Armor

Bulletproof backpacks or backpack armor are said to be ideal for kids who attend school in bad neighborhoods. These are also great for business travels, hunting trips, and for emergency medical technicians and police offers.

Backpack armor can offer an added protection to keep the user safe. With numerous choices available right now and different levels of protection, backpack armor can offer several benefits:

1. Personal safety

The first and most obvious benefit of using backpack armor is to improve personal safety. With its use, you will be able to protect vulnerable parts of your body from shrapnel and bullets. Most of the bulletproof backpacks that you can find today have been tested using different ammunition and firearms shot at certain distances.

2. Protection of personal belongings

Aside from keeping you protected, backpack armor is also perfect for protection of the valuable items you might have inside your backpack, suitcase, briefcase, laptop case, purse, and more. These can withstand several gunshots and still keep your tablets, laptops as well as other valuables safe and secure from harm.

3. Mobility

One more notable benefit that you can enjoy when you use backpack armor is none other than mobility. These products have been ergonomically designed for a comfortable and compatible fit which will let you move with freedom while providing you with much needed protection. Their edges are all smooth and don’t need any form of maintenance for them to stay in top shape.

4. Affordability

A quick search online will let you know that most of the bulletproof backpacks today are actually very budget-friendly. For just a few dollars, you can be sure that you will be getting a cost-efficient product that may keep you and all your belongings safe from gunfire. This means that there is no need for you to break the bank just so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Just remember though that although backpack armor and bulletproof backpacks offer security and protection, these items still have their limitations. It means that there might be a need for you to be more vigilant in keeping yourself and your children safe and protected when outside. Remember that these are just for added protection, not for complete security.

Difference between Level III Hard Armor and Level IIIA Soft Armor

As reports about mass shootings or school shootings emerge, many parents are investing in such items. As full disclosure, most bulletproof backpacks have been built tested and certified to stop handgun caliber rounds, yet would do little to inhibit bullets from rifles like the infamous AR-15.

A lot of manufacturers have reported an increase in the sales since the recent shootings. However, it was found out that bulletproof backpacks won’t protect anyone against rifle fire. Backpacks are made from the same materials such as kevlar and/or twaron that police and other law enforcement officers wear in their bulletproof vests. This soft armor material isn’t considered what experts would refer to as a "rifle proof."

For a backpack to be rifle proof, you should use level III hard armor as it can stop rifles, yet with its weight of up to 8+ lbs. per plate, this is often times not a viable option for schoolchildren. That is why many parents would rather select level IIIA soft armor, which is recommended for kids, but are built to stop pistol ammunition and not rifle ammunition.

Buying for Adults and Kids

When buying backpack armor for kids, we'd recommend choosing level IIIA soft armor which offers less protection but it much lighter. For adults who don’t mind the weight, you may choose to opt for level III hard armor which offer protection against rifle caliber rounds.

In the case of selecting backpack armor, it is an unfortunate trade off between weight and protection. However, most experts agree that using these bulletproof armor definitely does not hurt and may offer psychological comfort, if anything else.

Should I Buy A Bulletproof Backpack or Backpack Armor?

Most bulletproof backpacks are basically designed to be bulletproof against fire from shotguns and handguns since they use built-in Level IIIA soft armor panels that are made of Kevlar fabric, which is actually a strong thread that’s woven densely to make lightweight, soft body armor.

Backpacks using this Level IIIA armor will not protect a person against AR-15, which is a famous choice of weapon for majority of mass shooters. The soft body armor will not stop bullets from AR-15 or bullets from rifles or assault weapons. Only level III hard armor plates can protect against rifle rated ammunition.

However, experts agree that using backpacks with soft armor is often better than using regular backpacks as a whole, especially since the added weight is hardly noticeable. So if your budget permits, don’t hesitate to buy bulletproof backpacks or bulletproof armor for existing bags and backpacks as this can make a huge difference in one’s safety and protection.

Disclaimer: Backpack Armor Does Not Make You "Invincible"

Even if backpack armor is a good investment, it will not really make you invincible from some possible shootings. So, it is still beneficial to consider other safety measures and equipment designed to protect you and your family in case of shooting. But still, backpack armor is great than having nothing to protect you.

It is also important to note than nothing is 100% “Bulletproof” - there are many variables at play which determine a given type of armors effectiveness; Instead bulletproof vests, backpacks, and armor can be rated as bullet resistant with a spectrum of protection levels according to NIJ (National Institute of Justice) ballistic resistance ratings.

It is equally important to understand that even if body armor prevents penetration; preventing injury or death cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, while bulletproof backpacks do not guarantee it can stop bullet rounds, especially that of rifles, many experts agree that it does not hurt for your or your children/grandchildren to wear one. 

About Bulletproof Zone Backpack Armor

Bulletproof Zone offer a range of high quality bulletproof backpacks and bulletproof backpack armor inserts that you may consider, especially if you want to provide more protection for yourself and your kids. We offer bulletproof backpacks from Guard Dog Security and Leatherback Gear as well as standalone plates in a range of sizes from AR500 Armor, TuffyPacks and Angel Armor.

If you are looking for the right bulletproof backpack armor suited for your kids or your unique needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at Bulletproof Zone.