11x14 level 3+ (22% lighter) and 11x14 level 4 options are on backorder for 2-4 weeks. All other options are available for immediate shipping. Order today to reserve yours.

Why Atomic Defense Has the Best Bulletproof Backpack Inserts

Atomic Defense's bulletproof backpack armor serves as a benchmark that stops more bullets with less deformation and goes above the National Standard from NIJ. The competitors' level III will only stop basic AK-47 bullets, while Atomic stops AK-47 and the AR-15's most common bullets.

Choosing Level IIIA, III, or IV Armor Inserts for Your Backpack

• Pros:
• Standalone rated.  Meaning nothing needs to assist it to stop bullets.
• Stops almost any pistol ammunition.
• Extremely lightweight.
• Recommended for ages 3+
• Thin and flexible.
• Easy to hide.
• Sealed in a waterproof bag.
• Long lifespan and is easy to take care of.
• Can take countless bullets around the armor.
• Built-in trauma pad to further reduce felt impact from bullets.
• Cons:
• Unable to stop rifles (IE, AR-15, and AK-47) by itself.
• Thin and flexible.

• Pros:
• Standalone rated.  Meaning nothing needs to assist it to stop bullets.
• Stops the most common rifles (IE, AR-15, and AK-47) by itself.
• Best middle ground with lightweight performance.
• Recommended for ages 7+.
• Offered in a 22% lighter weight or standard ceramic option.
• Less than 1 inch thick.
• Able to stop armor-piercing bullets from most pistols.
• Can stop multiple bullets.
• The lightweight variant floats in water acting as a life-preserver.
• The highest rating we recommend for children's backpacks.
• Cons:
• Heavier than IIIA armor.
• 2x thicker than level IIIA armor.
• Unable to stop armor-piercing bullets from rifles.
• Not flexible.

• Pros:
• Standalone rated.  Meaning nothing needs to assist it to stop bullets.
• Stops just about everything up to 30-06 M2 AP.
• Stops the most common rifles, pistols, and their Armor Piercing bullet variants.
• Less than 1 inch thick.
• Beats the industry "1 bullet to plate center" by stopping multiple bullets around the plate.
• Cons:
• About 30% heavier than our regular level III armor plate and 60% heavier than our level III lightweight options.
• Recommended for ages 15+. Often too heavy for younger kids' backpacks.

To find the right size armor plate for you, start by measuring the pocket or area that you would like the plate to fit in with a tape measure or ruler. Make sure to measure the length, width, and height. Typically, our 11x14-inch insert will work best in adult bags, and the 10x12-inch will work best in children's backpacks.  

Understanding the Weights of Different Ratings. Higher Level Armor Isn't Always Better.

• Level 4 (IV): Approximately 6.5 to 9 pounds - about the weight of a laptop or a gallon of milk.
• Level 3+ (III+): Approximately 5 to 6 pounds - about the weight of a jacket or a small laptop.
• Level 3+ Lightweight (III+ Lightweight): Approximately 4 to 5 pounds - about the weight of your boots.
• Level 3A (IIIA): Between 1 and 1.5 pounds, about the weight of a plastic water bottle or a 70-page notebook.

Common FAQs for Bulletproof Backpack Inserts:

IS THE BULLETPROOF INSERT REMOVABLE OR SEWN INTO THE BAG?

• The insert is removable, allowing for separate washing of the backpack and the insert without compromising the plate's integrity.
• The backpack allows for easy changing of armor inserts, depending on the situation or the child's age.
• Monitoring the insert's condition is possible to ensure it remains undamaged and maintains high-performance standards.
• Easy transferability of the bulletproof insert to another backpack or bag when the current one becomes outdated or goes out of style.
• Rigorous testing of backpacks to ensure comfortable fit and weight distribution with the plates.
• Flexibility to position the plate in the desired location within the backpack.
• Note that all backpacks available on the market with sewn-in armor usually only go up to IIIA, which stops pistol-caliber bullets. Our bulletproof backpacks can accommodate plates that offer protection against high-powered rifle rounds with Level III or IV bulletproof ratings because they are detachable.

Are all of the bulletproof plates waterproof? 

Yes, except for the NIJ III+ (3+) STOPS AR-15 & AK-47 (Ceramic) option.

- The level 3A insert is sealed in a waterproof bag.
- The level 3+ PEAD 22% Lighter plate is waterproof, floats in water, and can act as a life preserver.
- The level 4 plate is also coated in a waterproof material.
- The 3+ Ceramic plate is housed in a fabric construction preventing it from being completely waterproof.