- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The AR500 Armor Firebird is a ballistic-rated backpack designed for everyday carry, built around a permanently sewn-in armor panel that travels with you wherever the pack goes. Two armor configurations are available: a Level IIIA soft armor panel rated to stop up to six rounds of .44 Magnum, and a Level III+ Lightweight steel armor panel rated to stop 5.56 M193 at velocities up to 3,000 fps. The shell is constructed from 1000 Denier Cordura with a Hypalon bottom panel, and the main compartment measures 18" x 15" with a 16" laptop sleeve. Available in Black, MultiCam, or Mars Orange, with or without a trauma pad add-on.
Who this is for
- Daily commuters and students who want consistent ballistic coverage without carrying dedicated tactical gear
- Parents and caregivers looking for a low-profile way to keep family members protected in crowded or unpredictable environments
- Concealed carriers and preparedness-minded individuals who prioritize discretion and want rifle-rated or handgun-rated protection integrated into everyday equipment
Ballistic panel
The Firebird ships with one of two armor configurations selected at checkout. The Level IIIA soft armor panel is rated to stop up to six rounds of .44 Magnum ammunition. For elevated threat environments, the Level III+ Lightweight steel armor option is rated to stop 5.56 M193 bullets at up to 3,000 feet per second. Both panels are permanently sewn into the back panel of the backpack.
A trauma pad upgrade is available for either armor configuration at no additional cost, adding a layer of blunt-force trauma mitigation behind the ballistic panel.
Sewn-in panel design
The armor panel is integrated directly into the back panel of the Firebird rather than sitting in a removable sleeve. This design eliminates the risk of leaving a panel behind when switching bags. It also keeps the panel at the correct height and position at all times — a removable panel that is not sized precisely for its host bag can shift downward or sit off-center, reducing the coverage zone. The sewn-in construction also keeps the panel invisible when the pack is opened, so there is no visible ballistic insert to draw attention.
Capacity and organization
The main compartment measures 18" x 15" and includes a laptop sleeve sized to accept a 16" laptop with room to spare. Beyond the main compartment, the Firebird adds three dedicated accessory pockets.
The lower pocket measures 6" x 10" and is organized with a lanyard attachment, three pen pockets, and a slot for business cards or similarly sized items. The upper pocket measures 4.5" x 8" and fits the largest current smartphones including cases. The top pocket measures 8" x 8" and is lined with a non-scratch fabric — suited for sunglasses, a wallet, or small accessories.
Construction
The shell is cut from 1000 Denier Cordura, a ballistic nylon fabric chosen for abrasion resistance and long-term durability. The bottom panel uses Hypalon, a synthetic rubber material that resists abrasion and moisture, protecting the pack and its contents when set on wet or rough surfaces. Shoulder straps are padded for extended carry comfort. The main zipper uses Hypalon pull-tabs for added durability. A sturdy carry handle at the top provides a grab-and-go option when not worn on the back. The Firebird is available in Black, MultiCam, and Mars Orange.
Specifications
- Brand: AR500 Armor (Armored Republic)
- Model: Firebird Armored Backpack
- Armor option 1: Level IIIA soft armor — rated to stop up to 6 rounds of .44 Magnum
- Armor option 2: Level III+ Lightweight steel armor — rated to stop 5.56 M193 at up to 3,000 fps
- Trauma pad: Available as add-on at no additional cost
- Panel installation: Permanently sewn into back panel
- Main compartment: 18" x 15"
- Laptop sleeve: Fits 16" laptop
- Lower pocket: 6" x 10" with lanyard, pen pockets, card slot
- Upper pocket: 4.5" x 8"
- Top pocket: 8" x 8", non-scratch lining
- Shell material: 1000 Denier Cordura
- Bottom material: Hypalon (abrasion and moisture resistant)
- Colors: Black, MultiCam, Mars Orange
Frequently asked questions
Can this backpack be shipped to my state?
It cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is also subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.
What NIJ level is the ballistic panel?
Two options are available at checkout. The soft armor version is Level IIIA, rated to stop up to six rounds of .44 Magnum. The hard armor version is Level III+ Lightweight steel, rated to stop 5.56 M193 at up to 3,000 fps. Level III+ is a Special Threat Rating — it exceeds legacy NIJ Level III threat parameters for that specific round and velocity.
Will this panel stop rifle rounds?
Yes, but only if you select the Level III+ Lightweight steel armor option. That panel is rated to stop 5.56 M193 at up to 3,000 fps. The Level IIIA soft armor option stops handgun threats up to .44 Magnum and does not provide rifle-rated protection.
Is the panel removable?
No. The armor panel is permanently sewn into the back panel of the backpack. This keeps the panel correctly positioned at all times and prevents it from being accidentally left behind when switching bags. The trade-off is that the panel cannot be transferred to a different pack.
Can this be used in schools or by students?
Yes. The Firebird is designed specifically for discreet everyday carry. Its appearance is identical to a standard backpack — the armor is sewn into the back panel and is not visible when the pack is opened or in use. The Level IIIA soft armor configuration is the more practical school-carry option given its lower weight profile.
What is the difference between the soft armor and steel armor options?
The Level IIIA soft armor panel stops handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum and adds less weight to the pack. The Level III+ Lightweight steel armor panel stops 5.56 M193 at up to 3,000 fps, providing rifle-rated coverage at the cost of additional weight. Both options are available with or without a trauma pad at the same price.
Bulletproof Zone will ship orders as soon as possible. For example, if you purchase three items, they will be shipped to you based on lead time and availability. This way you get as much of your order as soon as possible, which means that your order may come in separate packages, especially if you order products from different manufacturers.
We will bear the shipping cost for products returned because of product defect, misrepresentation, or false description. Afterward, we will initiate a full reimbursement should you decline an offer to replace the item with the same item of equal value and assured quality.
Order Confirmation:
As soon as you place your order with Bulletproof Zone, you will receive an order confirmation e-mail. This means that your order has been logged in our system and your credit card has been pre-authorized for the purchase. Afterward, we contact our suppliers to confirm the availability of the product you are ordering for immediate shipment. If your item is on backorder or unavailable, we will cancel the pre-authorization and duly inform you via e-mail.
Order Shipment:
Orders are shipped within five business days from the date of your order unless specified otherwise on the product page. The product page will contain the most accurate estimate on shipping and lead times. Shipping and lead times provided on the product page are our best estimates based various factors including order volume, information from our manufacturer, raw material fluctuations, etc., and may vary due to these factors.
You will receive an email containing the tracking information of your order after the order has been shipped to your location. If you do not receive tracking information from us within seven business days of the lead time specified on the product page, feel free to follow up with us at orders@bulletproofzone.com.
Bulletproof Zone is not responsible for lost or stolen packages. A tracking number will be provided when the package is shipped. It is the buyer’s responsibility to provide a safe place to receive mail. Once an item has been marked as delivered by the carrier, the seller is not responsible should that item go missing.
Some of our products are carried by manufacturers in various countries. Due to the nature and cost of the products that Bulletproof Zone sells, you may be charged additional import duties upon delivery. Our support team can help in investigating abnormally high import duty charges but we are unable to cover the cost of any import duties.
Damages:
We take full responsibility for any obvious damage to your product caused by wrong packaging or delivering an already defective product. Please inspect the packaging of your item(s) when they arrive, if you notice any damage, you should document it when signing for delivery. If the item(s) contained in the package arrives damaged, please send photos to support@bulletproofzone.com, and we will process an insurance claim on your behalf.
Returns and Cancellation Policy:
We back all our products with a customer satisfaction guarantee, so we created a fair return and cancellation policy.
All sales are final. No Refunds, No Cancellations. In most cases, once the order is processed, it is final and not cancellable. We may allow exceptions due to an order error or wish to return your order after delivery for any reason other than a product defect or misrepresentation. Any cancellation request is subject to an administration and cancellation fee equal to 10% of your order with a minimum of $35, whether order shipment is successful or not.
All sales are final on all closeout items and for custom manufactured bulletproof clothing once the manufacturing process has begun or not returnable unless there is a product defect or misrepresentation. Applicable to brands such as MC Armor, Israel Catalog, BulletBlocker, Tacticon Armament, Wonder Hoodie, and others.
Before returning any product, you MUST obtain a return authorization from our customer service representative. We can only process AUTHORIZED returns for items.
To make a Return or Exchange:
- Obtain authorization for return or exchange by emailing us at support@bulletproofzone.com explaining the reason for the return or exchange.
- Please use or indicate your order number as attention
Return or exchanges request submission must be within 14 calendar days upon receipt of shipment unless noted otherwise on the product description page. Your return must be in original packaging and unused.
We encourage using USPS flat-rate shipping in returning products to receive a shipping expense refund. Buyers must ensure all returned parcels delivery receipt AND signature confirmation. We highly recommend insuring your parcel as we cannot issue a refund for an item that we do not receive back should it get lost/damaged during transit.
Refunds:
Should an item be returned because it was defective, misrepresented, not as described, etc., Bulletproof Zone will issue a full refund and will reimburse the customer for all shipping expenses associated with the return.
Please allow 5-10 business days from the time the item is received to process a refund. Refunds will only be issued to the original credit card that you use when placing your order.
We stand behind our products 100%!
By purchasing any of our items, the buyer certifies they have read and agree to our shipping, return, and privacy policies.
The Bulletproof Zone Promise
When you buy body armor, you're buying your safety. We don't take that lightly. Here's what every order from Bulletproof Zone includes.
1. Authorized dealer of every brand we carry
Every plate, vest, and carrier we ship comes from the manufacturer directly to our warehouse. We don't sell gray-market product, surplus, or returns. That means factory-fresh stock, the full manufacturer warranty, and real after-sale support — the kind only an authorized dealer can offer.
We maintain authorized-dealer relationships with America's leading body armor brands, including Spartan Armor Systems, AR500 Armor, RMA Defense, Shellback Tactical, Caliber Armor, DFNDR Armor, Protection Group Denmark, BulletSafe, BulletBlocker, and over 40 more.
2. Best price, guaranteed
If you find a lower price at another authorized dealer of the same product within six months of your purchase, we'll refund the difference.
Why the "authorized dealer" requirement? Because gray-market and surplus armor may not be genuine, may have a compromised supply chain, and almost never comes with a manufacturer warranty. We won't price-match against products that may not actually protect you.
3. Free fitment consultation
Body armor only protects you if it fits. Email us a photo and your measurements before you order, and one of our specialists will help you size your carrier and plates correctly — at no charge, no obligation.
4. Trusted by thousands of customers
Bulletproof Zone has been a trusted authorized dealer of America's leading body armor manufacturers for over five years. We have over 4,000 verified Trustpilot reviews from real customers across all 50 states.
Price Match Guarantee — Terms
- You must have purchased the item from our website before requesting the price match.
- Discounted items and "free with purchase" items are not eligible.
- The item must be in stock on the competitor's website at the time of your request.
- The price match is valid for six months from the date of your purchase.
- The competitor must be an authorized dealer of the product. Auction sites (eBay, Overstock), discounters, and gray-market resellers do not qualify.
- The competitor must operate an online store. Brick-and-mortar-only retailers do not qualify.
- Price match applies to the item price plus shipping. Sales tax is excluded.
To request a price match, email us a link to the product on our site and the same product on the competitor's site within six months of purchase. We'll process the refund.
Why Bulletproof Zone?
At Bulletproof Zone, we are passionate about protecting lives. Every piece from our catalog is designed and rigorously tested to provide the highest quality of protection you need from firearms, explosives or even close quarters combat.
We’ve partnered with various manufacturers that operate within the United States under a strict set of guidelines both on a national and corporate level so that when you shop with us, you will be able to select from the highest quality body armor, ballistic plates and tactical gear available on the market.
Whether you are a military service member looking to find your own gear, a professional that operates in the security field, or an avid firearms enthusiast that capitalizes the importance of safety when shooting, our tactical gear will provide you the level of protection you need.
Any questions or concerns? Please call us at (408)-909-4938 or email us at support@bulletproofzone.com and a member of our professional support team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.