It's back to school time and I'm considering going the bullet proof route. I don't want a fly-by-night pack, but something that is LEO worthy.

Anyone with a recommendation?

what threat level?

The trade off: more weight the better the defense, but heavier in the back.

Pistol calibers seem the most practical, but I'd really like to have rifle caliber in a pistol caliber weight.

Red Oxx makes top-quality gear in Montana (not China). Well worth considering.

https://www.redoxx.com/

ETA...if you actually mean 'bullet-proof' (not just tough), Red Oxx won't have what you're looking for. They make top-quality gear...but not bullet proof.


...

Just buy a "hiking" style backpack that has a camelbak/water bladder sleeve and then get a Level III or Level IV plate to stick in.

Don’t buy a backpack in hopes of it saving your life. If you have enough concern to wear body armor on the daily, then get a proper vest that will really protect you, and still be fairly comfortable. Check out AR500 Armor.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Beancooker, August 17, 2019 08:35 AM

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
Don’t buy a backpack in hopes of it saving your life. If you have enough concern to wear body armor on the daily, then get a proper vest that will really protect you, and still be fairly comfortable. Check out A500 Armor.

It's not about hoping to save your life, it's about giving one more level of help should that ever be needed.

Not everything is tactical. Keep that in mind.

Cool. I get where you’re coming from.
Check out the plates at AR500. Throw one in a backpack. You should be good to go brother.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Beancooker, August 17, 2019 08:34 AM

Wait. Is this backpack for a child? Is this something he/she will want to carry?

Here is a link to a company that does what you are asking.

https://www.fortifiedprotectio...sXhsDAmwpS5Wau18AZXg

Full disclosure- I do not have a financial interest in the company, however, I know one of the owners who is a former cop and is a very humble, down to earth guy.

Get a kifaru Antero.

Vertx is the pack I use daily, Gamut I believe. Quick access concealed carry zipper and you could easily slide a plate in the main area.

quote:

Originally posted by lkdr1989:
Just buy a "hiking" style backpack that has a camelbak/water bladder sleeve and then get a Level III or Level IV plate to stick in.

This.

Vertex makes low vis styles that have a plate sleeve.

You can get rifle certified plates and pistol weights, but it's gonna cost ya... About $500 a plate.

And even for a child, a lightweight rifle plate is going to be too heavy (around 3-5 lbs).

I went with pistol inserts which are under 1-lb.

With all due respect, have you considered and minimized the other risks?
This chart puts it in perspective.

http://www.aei.org/publication...ood-in-their-mouths/

^^^^^^^^^^^
For sure, but if you can give yourself or your child an edge for $100-200, why not?

call me a skeptic - but this seems to be a feel-good item with very limited utility. Great marketing to tug at the heartstrings, but not very useful.

So what is too prevent harm to the legs, head, front of body, etc? And, is the protection valid only for handgun rounds and likely not effective for rifle calibers?

I have a Vertx sling pack that can take armor. If I was using it in that role, I could easily rotate it around to cover my chest.

Most packs only take a pistol caliber rated soft armor. If your concern is standing up to the rifle caliber mass shootings we're seeing more of, there’s not many choices I think.

UHMWPE Is interesting and can be shoved in a pack loose but can you be sure it’s sitting in the right position to protect your vitals? I think it is probably to thick to fit in the armor pockets of most packs.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
^^^^^^^^^^^
For sure, but if you can give yourself or your child an edge for $100-200, why not?

Exactly.

Getting them to carry it is the strong consideration.

quote:

call me a skeptic - but this seems to be a feel-good item with very limited utility

I lean this way myself.

Around here the kids are not allowed to carry backpacks around school anyway. They're either hanging in the classroom (younger kids) or in a locker (older kids).

Less that two pounds and only $129.

https://www.ar500armor.com/ar5...soft-body-armor.html

No, I don’t work for, and am not affiliated with AR500.