Image of black backpack armor for kids. This bulletproof backpack insert is square shaped
A close-up of stacked ballistic sheets with text overlay: "Premier Body Armor Level IIIA Insert for 5.11 Rush 24/72 Pack—same para-aramid ballistic core as our law enforcement vest.
A black Premier Body Armor Level IIIA Insert for 5.11 Rush 24/72 Pack with a para-aramid core is displayed on a tan vehicle. "Level IIIA/HG2" text marks protection per NIJ standards, defending against .44 Magnum rounds.
A Premier Body Armor Level IIIA Insert for 5.11 Rush 24/72 Pack is shown in a camo backpack with the black panel visible at an airport window. Outside are planes and vehicles. Text: "TSA Approved" and "Travel anywhere with peace of mind.
Close-up of the Premier Body Armor Level IIIA Insert for 5.11 Rush 24/72 Pack, crafted from durable 500D Cordura fabric with a visible brand label and a para-aramid ballistic core. "500D Cordura for durability" text appears at the top.
A close-up of a 5.11 Rush 24/72 Pack with an open zipper reveals a Premier Body Armor Level IIIA Insert being placed inside. Text at the top reads “THIN & LIGHTWEIGHT.” This insert meets NIJ ballistic standards for protection.
A hand places a black Premier Body Armor Level IIIA Insert for 5.11 Rush 24/72 Pack into an open blue backpack on a light wood floor. Text above reads, “Soft and Flexible.”.
Three black rectangular armor panels from Premier Body Armor, specifically the 9.5 x 9.5 Level IIIA Insert, are shown standing vertically, arranged in increasing size from left to right. A smartphone is placed next to the smallest panel for size comparison. Text in the image reads, "Representative Side View. Thinner than an iPhone. Just 6mm thick." Designed with a para-aramid ballistic core, these lightweight backpack armor panels meet NIJ ballistic standards.

9.5 x 9.5 Level IIIA Insert

BPP-9023.1

Regular price$190.00
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Low stock - 8 items left
  • Backordered, shipping soon
  • Free shipping on orders over $299
banner with us flag and text made in the usa
  • Just .22″ thick
  • Constructed of only the finest USA-made para-aramid ballistic core and features a rugged 500 Denier CORDURAÂź outer shell
  • Tested to meet the NIJ ballistic standards for Level IIIA (see testing information below)
  • 5-year warranty
  • TSA Approved!
  • Quick fulfillment! All in-stock orders typically ship within 24 business hours
  • Shipping available within the US (except CT & NY) and Canada (except AB, BC, MB & NS)
  • Body Armor is 100% civilian legal
  • Easy returns and exchange policy

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Designed to fit seamlessly into the main pocket of most smaller backpacks or totes, this lightweight & flexible Level IIIA / HG2 backpack armor will provide you and/or your loved ones with years of dependable service.

Dimensions: 9.5" x 9.5"

Weight: 1.5 lbs


9.5" x 9.5" Insert At A Glance

Armor Materials

Proprietary ballistic package sealed in a waterproof ripstop fabric, then covered with a protective outer layer of 500 Denier CorduraÂź.

Physical Specifications

Panel Size: 9.5" x 9.5"

Weight: 1.5 lbs

Thickness: 0.22"

Warranty

5 years

NIJ Certification Standard Level IIIA / HG2
Made In Made in the USA and Berry Amendment Compliant: Manufactured in the United States using only domestic materials.
Stab Protection

While ballistic fibers naturally offer some resistance to stabs and slashes, this product is not formally tested or rated for stab protection (NIJ Standard 0115.00).

Compatibility

This backpack insert is also compatible with the following bags:

  • Vertx EDC Essential Sling
Additional Features

Soft and flexible

TSA-approved

 

Static Sections with Embedded PDF

Testing and Rating

NIJ STANDARD TESTED ROUNDS

The NIJ 0101.07 Standard calls for the following test rounds:

Round Velocity (ft/s)
9mm FMJ RN ~1,470 ft/s
.44 Magnum SJHP ~1,430 ft/s

In addition to stopping penetration, the armor must limit backface deformation to 44mm to reduce blunt force trauma.

To learn more about the NIJ body armor standards, read our Understanding Body Armor Ratings article.

OFFICIAL TEST REPORT

Want to see the full test report? View the test document below:

*Note: In the penetration column, "P" stands for partial penetration, meaning the bullet was captured by the armor and did not fully pass through. This is a successful result. A failure would be marked as "C" or "CP" for complete penetration, indicating the bullet fully passed through the armor.

Ballistic test results for Premier body armor backpack armor

What's Inside Premier Backpack Armor?

A student wearing black shorts sits at a desk. On the floor is a black Adidas backpack with a visible Premier Body Armor panel and a book inside. The classroom has tiled floors and a wooden door in the background.
A stack of rectangular, layered fabric or paper pieces with rounded edges sits on a table, next to a pair of scissors and more stacked materials in the background.

Inside every Premier Body Armor backpack insert, you’ll find the same advanced ballistic material used in our NIJ-certified law enforcement vests.

Multiple layers of para-aramid fibers are carefully woven to absorb and disperse impact, much like a spiderweb catching its prey, while remaining exceptionally lightweight and flexible.

A rugged Cordura cover then protects these ballistic layers from everyday wear and tear, ensuring your backpack insert can outlast the bag itself and provide lasting peace of mind.

FAQs: Backpack Armor

We recommend measuring the width and height of your bag's main compartment or laptop sleeve, then selecting the insert dimensions that best match.

Our inserts come in multiple sizes to fit a wide range of bags, so whether you’re using a purse, briefcase, or school backpack, you can be sure to find a secure, snug fit.

Body armor is legal to own in all 50 states; there are no special permits or licenses needed. However, we cannot ship to Connecticut or New York due to state laws and restrictions.

If you’re unsure about the laws in your specific region, we encourage you to review local guidelines or consult a legal professional.

Use a damp cloth or mild soap to spot-clean the CorduraÂź exterior. Avoid submerging the entire panel in water or using harsh chemicals, as this could compromise the ballistic materials.

If your panel comes in contact with excessive moisture or other substances, allow it to air-dry completely before re-inserting into your bag.

No, our backpack inserts are made with non-metal materials and are TSA approved, so you shouldn't have any issues during standard airport screenings. Always check with official TSA guidance and your airline’s policies for the latest information on traveling with body armor.

A person wearing white Adidas sneakers and black shorts sits at a desk. A black Adidas backpack on the floor has an open compartment revealing a book titled "ÂĄAsĂ­ se dice!" and a bag of Premier Body Armor inside. The scene appears to be in a classroom.
Learn More

Bulletproof Backpacks for School

What you need to know.
Read the blog
A bearded man with tattoos sits on outdoor steps, placing a "Premier Body Armor" panel into a black backpack. He is wearing a blue "Vertx" t-shirt, black shorts, and sneakers.
learn more

do bulletproof backpacks work?

Blending modern protection with everyday functionality.
Read the blog

Law Enforcement / First Responder / Military discount available

Please see TERMS & CONDITIONS for additional details regarding lead time, shipping, warranty & return policy.


Recently viewed

Customers said the armor panels "fit perfectly" and are "well made." The Level IIIA inserts are designed for sling bags and provide protective capabilities. Shoppers ordered multiple panels with positive initial impressions, though long-term durability remains to be evaluated with continued use.

  • 5 stars: 196 (98%)
  • 4 stars: 3 (2%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
A
Anonymous
Very impressed.

Very impressed. It gets toasty in the warm weather but not as bad as the last “vest” I had. The white t shirts are perfect. I recommend the side inserts too which I did buy.

S
Steve L.
10x15 is actually measured at 10.5x16 - BETTER!

10x15 is actually measured at 10.5x16, which fit my backpack even better. It is very lightweight and can't even tell with this additional weight. I bought this as a gift for my friend's son who will be teaching 5th grade at an underprivileged school. After playing around with this, I think I'll order a few more for myself and niece. Now only if they make this for stopping rifle rounds with this light weight.

C
CKaufman
Built to survive a teenage girl

5-Stars!!
I bought this backpack insert five years ago for my daughter, and it just resurfaced after she graduated in 2025—still going strong. It was used every single day in a bag that, honestly, was a total mess inside.
Despite being covered in makeup, glitter, god knows what else, and books being shoved in there, the insert held up incredibly well. I wiped it down with baby wipes, and it cleaned up perfectly—it looks brand new.
The durability and quality really impressed me. This product gave me peace of mind through the years, and it absolutely delivered. Highly recommend!!!

U
Uncle D.
:Awesome all around!

Purchased 2 of these for my nephews entering high school. Was originally going to purchase from another company. After about 2 weeks of dealing with them and their excuses I canceled the order. They said they were made in the US, but I'm pretty sure they were coming from Shenzhen. Overall, the other company gave me a very shady feeling.

Dealing with Premier was a welcome change. Zero issues ordering. Zero issues on shipping. Zero issues on promised delivery date. Zero issues total.

Amazing process from start to finish, and I'm VERY confident in these plates, I've seen many Youtube channels actually testing their efficiency in stopping rounds. These will be something hopefully never needed...but if they are, I'm absolutely positive they will perform.

Recommended 22 stars.

M
Mr G.
Insert used in maxpedition riftpoint packpack

I did a quick measurement and this fits perfectly. Had this Maxpedition Riftpoint CCW bag for years with no armor and thought I would try it out. Insert fits great inside the internal pocket. Bag has slight bulge with full size pistol and armor together but padded enough I can’t complain. I would buy again.

A
Anonymous
10x15 Level IIIA Backpack Insert Is Great for protecting my daughter at school

We fit the 10x15 Level IIIA Backpack Insert into her Jansport backpack in the laptop pouch and she can’t even tell it’s there. Hopefully she will never need to use it! Thank you for providing us with superior protection!

L
L.Y.
The perfect fit for SOC Backpacks!

My wife recently joined me on her navy journey and needed a good drill bag. With the recent terrorist attack on new years, I decided to give her a little more protection while she travels and executes her duties. Her job will be putting her in the public view. I am more than impressed with the perfect fit and how lightweight it is. I just used a tape measure on the bag to order the right size. When I got it, I was a little concerned it wouldn't fit but I was completely wrong.

J
Jason T.
Peace of mind and reliability

I would first off like to thank everyone involved in the creation of these fine products.
The security I have with the armor helps me know I've got peace of mind. God bless everyone at Premier and thank you from the bottom of my heart. (Bag is from Garage Built Gear)

Hi there, thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing our 10x15 Level IIIA Backpack Insert. We are thrilled to hear that our product has provided you with peace of mind and reliability. It's our pleasure to serve you and we appreciate your support. Thank you for trusting Premier. That's a sweet bag too!

A
Allan M.S.
10x15 Level IIIA Backpack Insert

Awesome insert for my Evergoods Backpack! Have protection now! Thank you so much for having these Inserts! :)

L
Leslie T.
I'll definitely buy more in the future.

I didn't know ballistic backpack inserts were a thing... Once I discovered them, I went down a rabbit hole researching it. This was partly motivated by my wife. She is a part time teacher at our kid's school and they held an active shooter training for the school staff. It scared the heck out of me. The inserts are not cheap, but when it comes to our kids safety, who cares what the price is? If I could not afford these, I would still look for one that I could afford. As parents, we want to do whatever is in our power to protect our kids. I know school shootings are such a rare thing.... but, it is a thing now. These have a 5 year warranty, but I really think they will last much longer and the kids will be able to use these as long it fits in the backpack they decide to use. I'm going to start buying these as gifts for my nieces and nephews. As far as the company, I have to say, the processing was fast. The shipping cost and speed to Hawaii was excellent. The packaging was very good.

Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
C
Chris H.
Amazing performance, especially for the weight

We tested this panel with multiple handgun rounds and it did everything it was supposed to. The most impressive aspect was that it weighs next to nothing. Especially compared to other brands.

Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
D
DC
Not inconvenient

There are a number of other body armor brands out there you could purchase (most at a bit of a cheaper cost). However, I mainly went with this brand because of the tests performed on YouTube, which demonstrate its reliability and ability to withstand multiple bullet rounds.

Statistics do show that you have a very slim chance of getting caught up in a school shooting. Still, the peace of mind is big. With this brand I know it is dependable. And, the shield is so light weight that it barely makes a difference in my backpack. It's certainly not inconvenient to carry.

On another note, I probably should have ordered a size larger (I got 10 x 15), but the size still shields my essential organs (and that's what's important).

S
Stephen N.
Fits Eastsport

Fits Eastsport backpack from Walmart, in the laptop sleeve. We did blackout the logo with a sharpie, wife thought it was better “blacked out ” . (11x16.5 backpack insert)

J
J.C.
Perfect Fit

We purchased the Level IIIA 11x16.5 for our son. It fits perfectly in an Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack. I hope we never have to find out how well it works, but I am thankful to have the extra protection.

A
Anonymous
Fits perfectly in all my bags

I got 2, one for my backpack and one for my wife’s. It’s very slim and can fit in almost all bags given the dimensions.

Z
Zane M.
For a discreet PDW

I placed this level 3A in a Thule 23 liter subterra backpack (where the laptop goes) and the fit is near perfect. Width is perfect but I wish it was a bit taller. The product seems well built and quality although I hope to never have to test it. If you’re a firearm enthusiast body armor of any type should be on your radar. It may help you survive a deadly encounter. I plan to buy the executive vest soon.

L
Levi J.
Small price to pay for peace of mind!

With everything happening in the world, I love the peace of mind that comes from carrying this on campus as a law student and in the future for work. The dimensions are spot on and the insert is so lightweight I do not notice it in my bag at all. The Large fits perfectly in my 25L Eagle Creek backpack with room to spare for my laptop in the back sleeve. Also appreciate the tag on the back with serial number, manufacture date, and warranty so I know when I should replace it in the future.

C
Chris V.
Tote Panel

I bought this panel because it fits perfectly in the Red Rock Outdoor Recon Sling pack. Upgrading the sling bag for 3A is a must for eveyone who wants passive protection from active shooters.

Thanks for the review Squatch! Most people are surprised at just how many bags the Level IIIA Purse and Tote Panel fits in. Thanks again and stay safe - PBA Team

D
DEL
Solid

Solid. Not as hot as the other brand I got about 6 years ago.

H
Harold V.
Truly a set and forget

Truly a set and forget.if you’re thinking about price, peace of mind is priceless and armor in my bag gives me just that. I know once my children are schools age they will have a Premier panel watching their backs. One time easy install or not, you can move it around and transfer it easily from pack to pack. Thank you Premier body armor for another great product.