Do Bulletproof Backpacks Work?

Understanding the Bulletproof Backpack

Time for Honesty

At Premier Body Armor, we want to help protect you and your loved ones in a practical way! Adding specialized body armor solutions to your everyday routine is the best way.

How do Bulletproof Backpacks Work?

Bulletproof inserts and backpacks are made of layers of Kevlar®, synthetic fibers woven together in a crisscross pattern to form a durable, flexible weave. The process is repeated multiple times creating sheets of Kevlar® which are stacked on top of each other and sewn into one piece. The layers of Kevlar® are covered with an outer material. PBA uses Cordura®, which is a woven nylon and filament yarn that creates a sturdy, waterproof fabric.

 When a bullet hits the layers of Kevlar®, the tight weave traps the bullet, stopping deeper advancement. Our has been tested to withstand multiple hits.

Bulletproof Backpack vs. Bulletproofing Your Backpack

There are two products on the market for backpack armor - the “bulletproof backpack” and the “bulletproof backpack insert/panel”.

Bulletproof Backpack

Some companies manufacture a bulletproof backpack that has a Kevlar® panel sewn into the lining. There are also options for a steel plate to be inserted, but this creates a heavy bag.

 Cost: $150-$350

Bulletproofing your Backpack

Bullet-resistant backpack inserts are standalone panels. The Kevlar® panel is sized to fit into the back compartment of your backpack. Some tactical bags, such as Vertx®, have a specific compartment for a bulletproof panel. For most backpacks, simply sliding the panel into the rear of the bag or laptop compartment works well.

 The advantage of the bulletproof panel is the ability to choose the backpack. If you get a new backpack, you can simply switch your panel to the bag. Likewise, you can insert a new panel into your backpack when it needs to be replaced (yes, body armor has an expiration date, which is typically 5-years).

 Cost: $99-$250

Do They Work?

Yes. 

PBA’s panels have been tested against and withstood common handgun rounds as specified by NIJ (National Institute of Justice) Standard-0101.06 such as 9mm, .40, .45, and .44 magnum and Special Threat Tested against 12 Gauge (buckshot and slug), Liberty Civil Defense 9mm and FN 5.7×28 (SS197SR).

Most bulletproof backpacks and panels stop common handgun rounds and resist against some stab and slash threats. Companies repeatedly test their products to ensure the utmost safety. The FBI reported handguns were used in 64% of 10,982 U.S. gun murders and nonnegligent manslaughters in 2017 (Pew Research Center). Handguns are not every threat you might face, but they’re the large percentage.

The bottom line - bulletproofing your backpack increases your chance of survival.

How to Use a Bulletproof Backpack?

When wearing a bulletproof panel or backpack, your back (and blind spot) is covered. Your vital organs are protected from behind. Even though your chest doesn't have a panel over it, you can assess the danger in front of you.

Common practices if you hear a shot:

• Try to escape and get to safety
• Turn your backpack around and cover your head and chest with your bag if the threat is in front of you
• Use common sense

Is Bulletproofing My Backpack Right for Me?

• Do you feel safe while you’re out?
• Do you feel safe in your neighborhood?
• Do you travel frequently for work or pleasure?
• Do you go hunting?
• Do you shoot at a range?
• Do you attend concerts?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, consider investing in backpack armor. 

PBA' s Backpack Panels

Premier Body Armor sells bulletproof backpack panels in a variety of sizes and colors. We produce bullet-resistant panels because we believe body armor should fit your lifestyle. You can use a regular backpack - the color and style you like - and simply add our panel in the back.

Features:

• Tested to meet the NIJ 0101.06 Level III ballistic standard
•   1-2 pounds in weight depending on the size you choose
•   .22" thin
•   Resistant to some stab and slash threats
•   TSA approved

Our panels are 100% made in the USA.

Panel Warranty

Incident Replacement 5-Year Warranty.

Non-Backpack Options

We understand you don't wear your backpack 24/7! We also offer bulletproof laptop cases, as well as purse and binder inserts.

Increased Protection Options

• Tru-Spec Concealed Armor Shirt
• Discrete Executive Vest
• STRATIS Rifle Rated Backpack Insert

Check out our YouTube channel to see our backpack panels put to the test.