The Next Level of Protection: Armored Backpacks

Armored backpacks that look no different than any other
backpack.

According to USAtoday, after the recent shootings of Sandy Hook Elementary School and the Aurora movie theater, many parents have been purchasing backpacks with ballistic armored plates inside. These plates are used to protect the user in case of a bullet being fired at their body. One manufacturer of such backpacks is the company known as Amendment II. The sales of armored backpacks increased even greater when the elementary in Newtown, Connecticut was attacked by Adam Lanza. It was reported that sales had increased "over 500%" after that day. Of course, these backpacks do not share the same price tag as a normal backpack. For a Level II ballistic plate, which can stop most conventional handgun rounds, it can cost up to $300. But for the more security inclined, they may purchase a Level IIIA ballistic plate. A Level IIIA plate comes with one more "I" on the name and an extra $100 added onto the price. Amendment II was not the one to come up with the concept of armored backpacks however. That is credited to a parent named Kerry Clark. Even though many people have been purchasing the backpacks like it is water, there are critics. Some people say that it will cause children to become more anxious, instead of the desired effect of comfort and calmness. While I do agree with keeping all children safe, I must say, I do not agree with the price tag of $400 dollars for a Level IIIA plate that only protects one side of a person’s body. The company known as AR500 creates steel targets and plate carriers to hold the same ballistic plates as the backpack, but on all sides of the body and the prices are generally cheaper for armor that is much better. AR500 even sells Level III backpack armor for only $65 dollars. I understand why such backpacks are selling, but I personally believe that a small plate carrier of simply an AR500 plate inside a normal backpack is a much more viable option. But do not let my opinion stand in the way of your child’s safety if you wish to purchase such a backpack. It is your decision, not mine.

AR 500 ballistic armor of the same Level III rating. Notice
a difference between the backpacks and this?