Bulletproof Backpacks
Gimmick Or Lifesaver?
“Active shooter” incidents are on the rise and so is the market
for private-citizen body armor, especially backpacks. But, are
they really useful? Photo: U.S. Air Force, Colin Smith
Bulletproof backpacks and other apparel are certainly popular right now but they rely on two big assumptions. The first is that the armor inserts will actually stop whatever bullet they are rated to stop. The second assumption is the user will actually have the armor in place to stop a bullet when needed. Let’s examine both ideas.
First and foremost, there is no such thing as “bulletproof” soft material (versus hard armor such as steel plate). Reputable manufacturers actually offer “bullet-resistant” armor as they simply cannot guarantee their product will work in every situation against every type of weapon within a certain category. Essentially, “Bulletproof” is a marketing, rather than technical, designation. Don’t forget this!
Armor inserts have grown much lighter and comfortable in
recent years. These are level IIIA panels that should stop
virtually all handgun rounds.
The Standards
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) first developed voluntary standards for body armor in 1972. The criteria may be voluntary but today nearly every police officer wears body armor certified to NIJ standards and you should look for these ratings when shopping.
The standards range from IIA (there is no Level I) that stops lower-power bullets such as the 9mm FMJ all the way up to Level IV, which will stop a hit from a .30-06 AP round. The most popular soft armor is Level IIA — lightest in weight but stops many handgun rounds — or Level III; bulkier but also stops most handguns and some rifle bullets.
To add to the confusion, these long-time standards have been reconfigured and are now labeled as HG1 (Handgun 1, roughly equivalent to IIA) through RF3 (Rifle 3, equivalent to IV). However, most consumer products are still labeled using the old II-IV rating system. You might see both while shopping.
Soft armor, like clothing, has a limited lifespan because it is subject to degradation by heat, sunlight, moisture and normal use. This is why soft armor panels typically have a 5-year warranty period, after which they should be replaced. Will a six-year-old (or older) panel still work? Probably, depending on how much deterioration has occurred but regardless, the manufacturer won’t figuratively stand behind it.
If you decide to buy a bullet-resistant accessory, pay attention to all these points before plunking down a pile of cash for what might just turn out to be a stack of canvas sewn together in China. Fraud isn’t unheard of, so you should always look for a well-known company providing technical documentation and certification before buying!
Users of armored products should also remember what cops know all too well: Your head, lower torso and sides are still unprotected. Armor panels are not a magic full-body shield against bullets, they only protect against a center-mass hit from a rated round. Is the protection worth it? Only you can answer this question after a rational analysis of your own situation.
On The Street
Backpacks, briefcases and other such apparel are primarily intended to protect the user against gunfire while fleeing an active shooter. However, the biggest concern about these accessories is the practicality of having the item in hand when an emergency strikes. Consider how much active-shooter news footage you have seen where the fleeing victims took the time — or were permitted — to grab a backpack or bag. The answer is “very little.” I do agree one situation where these items make a ton of sense is for commuters who spend considerable time wearing or carrying a bag in public.
I also believe giving bulletproof backpacks to school kids sends a concerning message. Children today are painfully aware of school shootings and I fear giving them bulletproof gear simply reinforces their already-considerable anxieties. If you decide to equip your kids, try to focus on how it’s more like a bike helmet rather than dwelling on the looming specter of an active killer.
Because of active shooter drills, most school children are painfully
aware of such incidents. Parents often consider giving their kids
bulletproof backpacks but don’t consider the mental health effects.
Photo: U.S. Air Force, Kemberly Groue
Practice Makes Permanent
If you choose to carry an armored accessory, you should also train to use it quickly in an emergency, including donning to the front in case the danger comes from that direction. If you plan on using a backpack or briefcase alongside a concealed weapon, you should also try it out at the shooting range before convincing yourself it’s a workable plan. Mass shootings happen fast and the first rule of survival is to leave the area immediately — no questions asked. Taking time to fumble around with a backpack seems counterproductive in many situations.
One interesting line of backpacks I’m currently examining from Bodyguard Armored Backpacks addresses this concern with a unique feature: The pack includes an integrated quick-release front panel. If you need armor, you pull two straps and you are now essentially wearing body armor protecting both the front and back of your torso. The system seems to work well but hopefully I’ll never test it “for real!”
I’d estimate most shooting and protective professionals in my circle are a little dubious of the whole concept, though most of them also eventually mention, “But I do keep an old body armor panel in my own bag.” Is this a case of “Do as I say, not as I do?” Perhaps, but now you have more information to make an informed choice.
