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September 26, 2022
I’m not in law enforcement or in the military. My job does not require any kind of ballistic armor (or so I’ve heard it called). As a professional writer, the greatest threat to me in the workplace is forgetting to hit “save as.”
Until recently, the idea of owning body armor never even crossed my mind. Call it naive, but I didn’t even know it was an option for the everyday person.
I know that mass shootings have sadly become almost common place. You can’t even turn on the morning news without hearing about one. But the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas hit closer to home for me than any before. I have a school age son, who is the same age as the children that lost their lives that day.
So, I began to research protective gear for him. It wasn’t long before I was completely overwhelmed and confused by all the body armor options and terms out there – “what’s the difference between a bulletproof vest and a plate carrier?” “Will all armor be effective against an AR-15?” “What is the best type of armor for school?” “What in the world is ‘level iv body armor’? “NIJ protection levels?” and so on. The questions kept coming and soon I found myself looking wide eyed at my computer screen.
So, when Premier Body Armor offered me the chance to write guest blogs on their website, one of the topics I thought would be helpful for people like me would be a blog that answered some of these questions in layperson terms.
Prior to my research, my experience with body armor of any kind was the bulletproof vests seen in every police procedural show on TV (I’m kind of a fan!) But turns out there is a lot more to it. Remember, this blog is meant to be just the basics for an everyday person – a body armor 101 if you will.
I apologize in advance to anyone out there with a technical background in body armor. My terminology is more of a mother’s interpretation. So, if you’re looking for an in-depth, technical, and detailed examination of body armor here’s a blog that is probably more your style (although feel free to continue reading!)
Simplified, it turns out there are two main types of body armor – that which you wear and that which you carry. Now we’re not talking about military grade armor here. That’s another subject and one that I am not at all qualified to write about.
So, let’s look at the “wearing” type first.
There are several different types of bulletproof vests, each meeting different needs such as whether the vest is meant to be concealed or used in high-risk situations, such as law enforcement. They are designed to reduce and deflect the impact of a bullet, thus helping to save your life. If the bullet cannot penetrate through the vest, it cannot penetrate through your body.
Bulletproof vests are made from a variety of materials, many of which are designed to stop and encapsulate the bullet, preventing it from turning into shrapnel itself. Bulletproof vests are meant to protect your torso. We’ll come back to that in a bit. You may walk away with a nasty bruise, but you’ll walk away.
Plate carriers are like bulletproof vests in that they are worn to protect the torso. The big difference is that while the bulletproof vest provides protection as is, plate carriers are designed to carry inserted armor plates– the vest itself alone isn’t bulletproof. This provides a bit more versatility, as you can exchange different plate levels (more information on that in just a second) depending on the environment and threat level you face. Most plate carriers are used in military situations.
Now, for obvious reasons, bulletproof vests and plate carriers were not an option for helping protect my son at school. So next I investigated the “carrying” type of armor.
Just like the name indicates, bulletproof backpacks and bags are made to withstand a bullet in a similar manner to a bulletproof vest, you just carry it instead. Plates, just like in the vests, are inserted into the material. I did look at this as a possibility for my son. However, the good ones are expensive and when we tried out a few, we found them to be extremely heavy.
Instead of wearing a bulletproof vest or carrying a full bulletproof bag, bulletproof inserts are just that – you put them in any backpack or bag and use it as protection should the need arise. One of the benefits, for me anyway, is the innate ability to move them from one bag to another.
The armored inserts are a much more affordable body armor option (although no amount of money is too much if it keeps my son from serious harm) and for a seven-year-old was a lot easier to manage in terms of weight.
So, decision made, right? Wrong! There is so much more involved. In addition to the different types of body armor, there are also different types of body armor plates (a.k.a. the proof in bulletproof).
Soft and flexible, these types of plates provide strength and protection, while remaining light and are often what is used in concealed body vests or the “carrying” type of body armor.
Just like their name, these plates are hard and not flexible, but provide the protection against threat levels. However, they are not as light as soft armor plates as they are designed for rifle rated protection.
Oh no! More questions. More research!
For a parent, myself included, this is a likely question to ask. And the answer isn’t exactly clear. Rifle rounds can penetrate soft body armor. For reference, most police officers wear soft body armor vests, which are meant to withstand a bullet from a handgun.
Hard body armor is meant to protect against the more powerful weapons, but when it comes to armor piercing rounds, military grade armor is really the only option and for most school kids and their parents, this is not realistic.
Yet, Premier Body does offer a rifle-rated hard armor backpack plate to protect against rounds from an AR-15. Weighing in at 4lbs, this is a viable option for backpacks and relative to the weight of a textbook. However, that does not mean that soft body armor options aren’t an effective level of protection.
So, this is when I discovered NIJ ratings.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has designated five rating levels given to body armor depending on the armor’s ability to withstand increasingly higher velocities of impact. For the purposes of this blog (and my own research) I looked at the most commonly used three levels.
This level is the highest level given to soft body armor. Level IIIA body armor is a flexible, lightweight option that still provides protection. Most seen in concealed bulletproof vests and backpack armor inserts, Level IIIA body armor is designed to withstand lower caliber weapons such as handguns. For reference, most on-duty police officers choose to wear vests that are rated level IIIA.
This is the level that begins to transition to hard body armor and is the first level rated to withstand rifle-type weapons. Level III body armor does not stop armor piercing rounds (like green tip), but it does stop rounds such as 5.56 or 7.62. This is the most common use of protection from an AR-15.
This is the highest rated level and is worn by the US Military in combat environments. Level IV body armor is distinguished in it’s ability to stop armor piercing rounds.
In my “full on anxiety mom brain,” schools seem like combat environments these days. However, sending my son to school in military grade armor just isn’t going to work. In the end, comfort and function won out for me. If my seven-year-old can’t carry his own backpack because it’s too heavy or it proves to be too cumbersome or impacts his mobility in the event of an actual incident, how much benefit is derived?
You don’t need a degree in biology to know that there is a lot more to the human body than the torso area. So, why is most bulletproof protective gear meant to protect that one area of the body? The majority of gunmen will shoot for the largest mass and that is your torso. That is also where most of your vital organs are located, so it’s important to protect the area.
A wound to the leg could be fatal, however it is not as likely. Now what about the head? Well, I must admit this is where my research stopped. I knew it was not conceivable to send my son to school wearing a bulletproof helmet and quite frankly, after hours of researching bulletproof this and that and thinking about school shootings, I was done and exhausted.
Which led to my decision to purchase backpack armor that fit seamlessly into my son’s backpack. This was a lightweight and flexible option for him to have a bulletproof backpack in any bag, all he had to do was add the insert to any bag he wanted to carry. Now, it is a taxing and difficult conversation to talk to my child about school shootings. We discussed him using his backpack as an armored shield to cover his vital organs in his torso and also his head.
Which in turn, eased my child’s stress about school shootings and left him feeling like a superhero with his armored insert. You can read more about starting the conversation about school shootings with my son in the blog:“How I Talked to My Child About School Shootings.”
So, that’s a layperson’s guide to body armor. Obviously, there is a lot more information out there and it’s worth spending some time with Google on your own.
I had no idea just how much went into bulletproof body armor. Now I do and I hope I never have to use any of it. But there’s something to be said for peace of mind.
Guest Blogger: Emily Johnson
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January 02, 2025
December 20, 2024
I bought the carrier, and it arrived within a few days. I was happily surprised by the low weight, and rugged construction of the Alpha Carrier. I put a level 4 plate in both front and back, both of which fit like a glove. The sizing was easy to adjust, and the one size fits most is true of this product. Huge adjustment range. Very impressed by the Fortis Alpha Carrier, along with everything I have ever ordered from Premier Body Armor. Great job, guys!
After wearing my full body armor for 30-years, it isn’t conducive to under cover plain clothes work that I do now and it is so hot to wear during the summer. I put this armored t-shirt on and it fits like a glove, but is not uncomfortable. The first day I wore it alone, but the second day I wore a form-fitting micro fiber tank top under it and it really felt good. I actually had no wetness because the bottom top absorbed it. It was a warm day, but nothing like sweating intensely with full body armor. I ordered a second carrier shirt to switch out for washings. With my gear on and plain black tactical shirt, I am so much more comfortable on my feet for long hours. I should have bought this years ago.
As someone with extensive experience wearing a wide variety of body armor in the military, law enforcement, and physical security industries, I know firsthand the challenges of balancing protection, comfort, and concealment. The Everyday Armor T-Shirt has exceeded my expectations on all fronts.
This is by far the most comfortable body armor option I’ve ever worn. The lightweight design and breathable material make it ideal for all-day wear, whether you’re on duty or just out running errands. It’s so well-concealed that it doesn’t print, even under a fitted shirt, making it perfect for discreet protection without sacrificing mobility.
What sets this apart is how seamlessly it integrates into daily life. Unlike traditional armor that feels bulky or restrictive, the Everyday Armor T-Shirt feels like part of your everyday wardrobe while still providing reliable peace of mind.
If you’re looking for everyday protection that doesn’t compromise comfort or discretion, this is an outstanding choice. Highly recommend!
PBA is awesome. I own 3 backpack panels from them. I own panels for Vertx ReadyPack, Eberlestock Fade Sling, and now the Fade Adapt.
The Fade Adapt panel is huge. Fits snug into the backpack and covers a lot. Mainly gonna be used for traveling and camping. I feel comfortable carrying it knowing I'll have a huge panel to hide behind.
Thanks again PBA for the great products.
When it comes to armor, if you want something light so you can be quick and/or carry more ammo, med supplies, etc., and still want the best protection… get these. Sure they’re not level 4… but they cover the most likely rounds to be used in an urban environment. Quit thinking Level 4 is the best and get these, you’ll be thoroughly impressed. Hell even my 10 year old loves them! Would be great for their backpack too.
Love this new little sling with the panel in it beautiful exactly how it describe on the website
Have always worn soft armor, generally in outside carrier working law enforcement and military. Needed to up protection from rifle fire. Did not want heavy steel plates. Polyethylene the ticket for weight and protection. The Fortis III+ very nice. Light, 3.4 lbs each, multi curve, comfortable, have protective coating, fabric, nice. I put them in a Agilite K19 carrier. Overall more comfortable, easier to move than the outer carriers and soft armor I have worn before. Weight is crucial in extended wearing of vest, especially when adding pouches, ammo, radio, etc. These plates really help in reducing weight and no compromise on protection. The price was a factor along with quality and protection level. These plates nailed it, don't know how you could get anything better for this price. Company is legit, background In manufacture sold me also. You will not be disappointed in the Fortis III+ multi-curve plates.
I’ve put it to use on the job as an AEMT and it does it’s job well. It keeps me at more of a peace of mind knowing I have a bit of protection going to calls and it doesn’t get in the way of my patient care.
First, I want to thank the customer support team that helped me with my return. The first sling pack was way too small. Y’all suggested another one that was larger. It was a perfect size and I love the way it hugs my body. Second, love the way your body armor fits in the sling pack. It’s a perfect pairing. Now let’s talk about the combo. This has to be one of the nicest packs I have ever bought. Honestly I didn’t know much about the Viktos brand. WOW!! Very nicely constructed. I love the fact I can put in my side x side while out on the ranch. It holds everything that might be needed.
Again thank you to everyone. Pease keep up with quality products like this. You have a customer for life! Thank you!
James Moffat
Caballo, NM
Fantastic Product - Armor Fits like a Glove. Also, it was very convenient to get the bag with the armor.
While it inherently seems a little bit silly to armor a fanny pack, premier and VertX are a perfect match as always. And silly or not, now I've got an extra layer of 3A soft armor to throw over one of my children, sling across my chest, etc if ever needed. It's big enough to protect vitals, and my gun rides in the socp pack as well. This is a great setup for short walks and hikes, or summertime on the boat
By far the most concealable body armor I own. I am 5’11 and 155 lbs. I got a small and was so worried that the armor wouldn’t be concealable since I’m on the thinner side, but I was dead wrong. I had a hoodie ready to throw on in order to show it concealed further, but there would be no point. You can’t see anything with this size SMALL under-armor polo on…that’s actually impressive premier. Great job.
I have wore the product multiple times now and have received many compliments on the fact that you can’t hardly tell I’m wearing it. Also it is very comfortable in comparison to other similar products on the market. I’m very happy with the product.
Fit as described quality products from a American family company.
Great shirt. Very discrete to wear. Proud to support and American company
Troy Suits
October 27, 2022
This is a great article for the beginner. There are tons of Information out there and it is hard to know where to start. Once you start understanding the verbiage and you understand what purpose it will be used for, then you will have a great place to start. Don’t get overwhelmed, just stay focused and keep learning.