- Product Details
- Shipping and Returns
- The BPZ Promise
- Why Bulletproof Zone?
The DFNDR Armor Level IIIA Handgun Rated Backpack Armor (model E-IIIASA) is a hard stand-alone ballistic insert built from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber bound in a resin matrix. Independently tested to NIJ 0101.04 and NIJ 0108.01 protocols at NIJ-certified ballistic labs, this panel stops all Level IIIA-rated handgun threats evaluated at muzzle velocity. Spall-Tek coating reduces projectile fragment deflection after impact. Available in multiple dimensional options to maximize coverage inside your specific bag, backpack, or purse, and manufactured entirely in the USA with no TSA travel restrictions.
Who this is for
- Students and commuters: who carry a backpack daily and want discreet, NIJ-tested handgun-rated ballistic protection without adding bulk or triggering airport screening
- Parents and school administrators: looking for a panel that inserts into an existing bag rather than requiring a purpose-built tactical carrier
- Everyday carriers: who need a hard-panel insert with a trauma mitigation layer that fits almost any backpack, bag, or purse already in their rotation
Ballistic panel
The E-IIIASA panel uses UHMWPE fiber bonded with a resin matrix to form a rigid, hard stand-alone armor plate — not a soft-armor insert. That construction delivers Level IIIA handgun protection in the lowest areal density format DFNDR produces, keeping added weight to a minimum for everyday carry. Every threat in the rated profile is tested at muzzle velocity, the most demanding test condition, and the results are published in DFNDR's threat profile table for that model.
Each panel also incorporates a Trauma Mitigation Base that absorbs and dissipates impact energy to reduce blunt-force trauma behind the armor surface. Spall-Tek, applied to the panel, further reduces the deflection of projectile fragments after a round is stopped. The thin-profile variant is tested to the additional NIJ 0108.01 protocol, which governs ballistic-resistant protective materials beyond the standard plate test, providing an extra layer of independent verification for users who prioritize a slimmer profile.
Removability and conversion
The panel is designed to slide into almost any backpack, bag, or purse. Before ordering, measure your bag's main compartment — width, height, and depth at the widest and tallest points — and match those dimensions to the available insert sizes. Because the panel is a discrete insert rather than a sewn-in component, it transfers between bags without tools and can be removed for inspection or replacement. No permanent modification to your bag is required.
Capacity and organization
The insert occupies the main compartment of your existing bag. DFNDR offers multiple panel dimensions so you can select the size that fills as much of your bag's back panel as possible, maximizing the protected zone without blocking access to the rest of the compartment. All remaining pockets, sleeves, and organizers in your bag function normally with the panel installed.
Construction
The UHMWPE hard panel ships with Spall-Tek applied at the factory. It carries no TSA travel restrictions, so it moves through airport security without triggering additional screening. All panels are manufactured in the USA.
Specifications
- Model: E-IIIASA
- Ballistic rating: Level IIIA (Handgun Rated)
- Test standards: Independently tested to NIJ 0101.04; thin-profile variant additionally tested to NIJ 0108.01
- Testing facility: NIJ-certified ballistic labs
- Core material: Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber in resin matrix
- Armor type: Hard stand-alone panel
- Trauma mitigation: Trauma Mitigation Base
- Spall mitigation: Spall-Tek coating
- Available sizes: Multiple dimensional options (measure backpack interior before ordering)
- TSA restrictions: None
- Country of manufacture: USA
Frequently asked questions
Can this backpack armor 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 this panel and what does that mean?
Level IIIA is a handgun-rated designation. This panel is independently tested to stop the full range of Level IIIA-rated handgun threats at muzzle velocity. It does not protect against rifle-caliber threats. For the specific rounds in the rated threat profile, refer to DFNDR's published threat profile table for model E-IIIASA.
Will this panel stop rifle rounds?
No. Level IIIA is a handgun-rated standard. Rifle-caliber threats — including 5.56x45 and 7.62x39 — exceed the IIIA rating and require a separate hard rifle-rated plate at Level III, Level III+, or Level IV.
Is the panel removable, or is it sewn in permanently?
It is removable. The panel is a discrete insert designed to slide into almost any backpack, bag, or purse. No permanent attachment is required, so it transfers between bags freely and can be removed at any time.
How do I choose the right panel size for my bag?
Measure the interior of your bag's main compartment at its widest and tallest points, then match those dimensions to the available insert sizes. If your measurements fall between sizes, select the larger option to maximize ballistic coverage. Contact us if you need help selecting the right size for your specific bag.
Does this panel have any TSA travel restrictions?
No. This panel carries no TSA travel restrictions and passes through airport security screening without triggering additional review.
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.
