Armor plate for student backpack?

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Armybrat

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I know next to nothing about those, and would like some guidance to purchase same for my middle school grandson.
Quality manufacturers?
Suitable level of protection?
Availability?
Cost is no object.

Any relevant advice is appreciated.
 
Protect against handgun speed bullets only. I suspect armor to protect from .30 cal rifle would be too heavy for a middle schooler.
https://www.northjersey.com/story/n...r-fire-do-these-backpacks-hold-up/2017751001/

I did a little searching and found a class III Backpack insert. 4lbs and $500
No experience with product or company.
https://premierbodyarmor.com/produc...Pna9ZeLbBEiHr5ijbiCZmJzCGxXxXuaEaAi9yEALw_wcB

I don’t know too many kids that would be happy about adding an extra 4 pounds to their pack. That’s roughly the same as a two liter bottle of soda.
 
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Consider adding a tourniquet or two to his backpack and teach him how to use it.

With the life saving potential they offer they should literally be everywhere these days and everyone should know how to use one.
 
I have two AR 500 plates in an Eddie Bauer backpack. It has two pockets that they fit in, and one over the other. They are heavy. The only reason they're there is they didn't work for my vest.
 
Forget what everyone else is saying and or doing, shelter in place my @$$.

I'll have to disagree with this. Depending on the layout of the school, door lock situation, etc., sheltering in place can very well be the best decision. Tell the kid to run no matter what anyone (i.e. their teacher) says, and you could have them A) Run out into a hallway straight into the shooter and B) Expose the classroom they were just in to immediate danger by opening what was a locked door.

It's not a great situation either way, but if lockdown procedures are done correctly running out of the classroom could potentially be a much more dangerous situation, as the kid would be stuck in a hallway full of locked doors creating a shooting gallery for the shooter.
 
I knew a kid who had one in highschool. Had a shooting threat, had EPPD and all there, watching the place.I remember one of my professors was a retired Sargeant for the PD.

It was psychologically comforting for him.

Anyways, he took the opportunity to teach us how to make improvised tourniquets, apply pressure, check they're level of consciousness, etc. Just in case. He bought props with his own cash to teach us these methods, and gave amazing lectures.

Descanse en Paz, Hinojosa.
 
I can't think of any reason even a perfectly magically bullet proof backpack would be of the slightest value. They are on hooks and often very far away (alcove, out in the hallway, in lockers) from students during classes. If your kids first instinct is get pack, put on, face away and wait for the gunfire... not sure that's the best plan. And like other armor, covers only some of the body. Typical droopy packs won't cover much of the vital torso stuff, and of course there's extremeties, heads, etc.

If I absolutely had to — to quiet down a relative, etc — I'd make sure the kid had a pack with a hydro pocket or similar, and get the cheapest used kevlar I can. Surplus store, ebay etc. Get a 12 pack of EMT shears or buy Kevlar shears (kevlar is very hard to cut, will dull everything but specific shears but you can get by just changing out EMT shears regularly) and cut the panel to fit. Wrap the edges in duct tape (it will fray, and is fire retardant, will not melt to seal edges like nylon can be. Put in the pocket and ignore it.

Combined with books, computer, etc. you can consider the Kevlar to be ICW backers, and its /probably/ adequate ballistic protection against stuff but... only in the 1:13.7 billion chance that it is or can be placed in the way in a timely manner.

Agree, if going to this level, stuff a quality TQ and an Izzy in there also. Practice with them, and at the least remind them regularly they have supplies, so can offer to those who know how to use them as needed. Buy a spare Izzy and practice with it, buy a blue trainer TQ and same. Fire drill days at home, do bandage drills also.
 
I'll have to disagree with this. Depending on the layout of the school, door lock situation, etc., sheltering in place can very well be the best decision. Tell the kid to run no matter what anyone (i.e. their teacher) says, and you could have them A) Run out into a hallway straight into the shooter and B) Expose the classroom they were just in to immediate danger by opening what was a locked door.

It's not a great situation either way, but if lockdown procedures are done correctly running out of the classroom could potentially be a much more dangerous situation, as the kid would be stuck in a hallway full of locked doors creating a shooting gallery for the shooter.
You agree you just don't know it. It could be worse, but anyone can do some research - figure out what is most likely, and instructing the kid accordingly. I'm not talking about a once size fits all, just that - it appears - we all know now, they are not going to rush in as fast as possible and take out a shooter, they're going to wait, maybe an hour, who knows. Maybe 6 hours next time. I'm just saying, and this is generally a go to philosophy for me, if there is shooting, and you want to survive, run the other way very fast and keep going.
 
You agree you just don't know it. It could be worse, but anyone can do some research - figure out what is most likely, and instructing the kid accordingly. I'm not talking about a once size fits all, just that - it appears - we all know now, they are not going to rush in as fast as possible and take out a shooter, they're going to wait, maybe an hour, who knows. Maybe 6 hours next time. I'm just saying, and this is generally a go to philosophy for me, if there is shooting, and you want to survive, run the other way very fast and keep going.
The mentality we instilled into our kids growing up was, no one will take better care of you, or have your best interests at heart, than you. So do what it takes to take care of you, and if you dont think that what youre being told is in your best interests, do what it takes to do what it takes. We also told them that they have a right to defend themselves and if necessary, fight back to win.

Both those things, brought some challenges with them going through the schools growing up in the 90's, but I do believe they are stronger now for it, and that mentality has carried on to their kids, which is even more of a challenge these days.

You need to teach your kids to think for themselves and to put their best interests first, in anything that might do them harm. Youre not instilling fear, but common sense and reality. They arent stupid, and with proper teaching and guidance on your part, will make you proud. You just have to be an active parent, and that starts the day they are born. You want them on the right track before they get pushed into the state indoctrination centers they call schools. :)
 
I know next to nothing about those, and would like some guidance to purchase same for my middle school grandson.
Quality manufacturers?
Suitable level of protection?
Availability?
Cost is no object.

Any relevant advice is appreciated.

The high density polyethylene plates are rated for rifle. The naked plates could be worked into a backpack. Very light weight.
Product Info for VISM Polyethylene Ballistic Plate
Shield yourself from some serious calibers when equipped with the VISM Polyethylene Ballistic Plate. These designed by VISM are rated at Level III Plus which is capable of stopping 7.62x51mm, 7.62x39mm, and 5.56x45mm rounds in the field. However, please note that these plates are NOT NIJ rated - this is NcStar's personal rating system. This VISM PE Ballistic Plate is constructed from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) that offers avid protection with lightweight properties for maximum mobility. A curved design provides optimal comfort for operations, and each plate is completely sealed for protection against liquids and harsh chemicals you may come in contact with. Stay safe and active on any mission when wearing this VISM PE Ballistic Protective Plate that is ideal for use with VISM plate carriers.

Specifications for VISM Polyethylene Ballistic Plate:
Color: Black
Fabric/Material: Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Armor Cut: Shooters
Features of VISM Polyethylene Ballistic Plate:
  • Constructed of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) creating a light weight ballistic plate
  • Rated at Level III Plus - capable of stopping 7.62x51mm, 7.62x39mm, and 5.56x45mm rounds
  • Curved design fits the user with greater comfort, and the cut upper corners (Shooter's Cut) allow for better mobility
  • Fully sealed to protect against liquids, chemicals, and other harsh elements
  • Ideal for use in VISM Plate Carriers
MIRA Safety is proud to introduce the MIRA Tactical product line and debut a line of 5.9 pound lightweight Level IV body armor. It’s designed to stop multiple impacts from armor-piercing ammunition.

Tested to NIJ standards at a US laboratory, MIRA Tactical's Level IV Armor includes single curve, shooter’s cut 10” x 12” ESAPI armor plates and side plates available in 6” x 6” and 6” x 8” sizes (depending on your armor carrier/cummerbund). Our hybrid armor offers an enhanced range of motion and protects the wearer from all types of small arms up to and including armor-piercing high-powered rifle rounds in 5.56, 7.62, .308, and .30-06 calibers.

Unlike typical ceramic plates, which can splinter and crack and only protect against single-shot threats, Mira Tactical’s Level IV plates combine the benefits of both ceramic and polyethylene. They are lightweight ballistic plates that are easy to deploy, and they provide outstanding life-saving protection, making a great addition to one’s survival kit.

Key Features:

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  • At just .9” thick and only 5.9 pounds, its LIGHTER than some less protective Level III plate configurations
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  • Extensively tested at a US-based laboratory in accordance with standards for NIJ Level IV armor
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While you are at it, you might want to get a portable lightning rod for the back pack as well. The ground-wire is a pain to drag along though.

A kid has about equal chances of being in a school shooting situation as he does getting struck by lightning.
 
While you are at it, you might want to get a portable lightning rod for the back pack as well. The ground-wire is a pain to drag along though.

A kid has about equal chances of being in a school shooting situation as he does getting struck by lightning.
Oh, sheesh, is that the new NRA reason for doing nothing? Do you think the reason for low lightning deaths might be because all buildings, effectively, have lightning rods now? Do you think if schools were getting struck by lightning enough to kill the kids, they would ALL have lots of lightning rods? Just don't go down this road of dismissing the problem, OK? The GOP wants to arm teachers, teachers are asking about IFAKs, people are asking about armor plate for their kids; just stop with the "stuck by lightning" nonsense. People are afraid for their children. "Stuck by lightning" doesn't cut any ice with them. It makes them think you don't give a damn.
 
Oh, sheesh, is that the new NRA reason for doing nothing? Do you think the reason for low lightning deaths might be because all buildings, effectively, have lightning rods now? Do you think if schools were getting struck by lightning enough to kill the kids, they would ALL have lots of lightning rods? Just don't go down this road of dismissing the problem, OK? The GOP wants to arm teachers, teachers are asking about IFAKs, people are asking about armor plate for their kids; just stop with the "stuck by lightning" nonsense. People are afraid for their children. "Stuck by lightning" doesn't cut any ice with them. It makes them think you don't give a damn.

So go ahead and scare little Sally...."Dear, take this bullet proof backpack and make sure you carry it ALL THE TIME because some bad man is coming to school to kill you."

Get a grip. This won't work, and just screws with kids heads.
 
Years ago, before retirement, my brother was the CEO of an insurance co. and traveled extensively throughout Eastern Europe, Russia and China. He had several suits and a hang up suit/clothes bag made from kevlar (co. paid $$ for them). The bag gave protection slung over the shoulder/back or held in front.

Never had to test it tho.....
 
There are about 130,000 K-12 schools in the U.S. with about 49 million students.

The odds of a student being involved in a mass shooting is very, very low.

The vast, vast majority of people aren't demented or evil enough to cause that kind of trouble. Very rarely, there is a confluence of insanity, narcissism, nihilism, intent, poor planning, and incompetence that produces an unlikely and unfortunate event.

In general, the thing that protects us from disasters are low probabilities of occurrence.

Instead of armored backpacks, teach your kids that if the gunfire is coming from in the school, go out the windows and run for the nearest house or building.
 
I'll have to disagree with this. Depending on the layout of the school, door lock situation, etc., sheltering in place can very well be the best decision. Tell the kid to run no matter what anyone (i.e. their teacher) says, and you could have them A) Run out into a hallway straight into the shooter and B) Expose the classroom they were just in to immediate danger by opening what was a locked door.

Just in general and as a matter of safety, telling your kids to ignore adults at their school is a bad idea. We do lockdown, fire and (where I'm at), earthquake drills for a multitude of reasons but primarily to get kids and staff used to a procedure and following directions is a huge part of that. Being someone who's in charge of kids in these situations, it doesn't sound particularly useful or appealing to me to have kids scrambling to retrieve armored backpacks or whatever instead of listening and keeping calm.

And for the record, part of our lockdown drill is once the door is closed/locked, it's locked for good.
 
Just in general and as a matter of safety, telling your kids to ignore adults at their school is a bad idea. We do lockdown, fire and (where I'm at), earthquake drills for a multitude of reasons but primarily to get kids and staff used to a procedure and following directions is a huge part of that. Being someone who's in charge of kids in these situations, it doesn't sound particularly useful or appealing to me to have kids scrambling to retrieve armored backpacks or whatever instead of listening and keeping calm.

And for the record, part of our lockdown drill is once the door is closed/locked, it's locked for good.

Agreed. My wife works in a school (speech pathologist). While she not be a tactical expert or anything, we often run through situations and what the best course of action is with the layout of her office/room, etc.. The reality is, staying put as long as you can prevent access is usually the safest option.

As an aside, one of my biggest frustrations is that my wife works in a school that is a soft target (no officer on campus), my children go to daycare at a soft target (no security), and I'm the only one that spends the majority of my day in a relatively secure area (I work in a courthouse). I find it incredibly frustrating that we take security of our government officials seriously but not our children. Anyway, sorry, rant over.
 
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I live across the street from an elementary school. I keep weapons, plate carrier, and helmet ready. The odds I will ever be home at the same time that school is getting shot up and I will have time to gear up and react in time to make a difference is so tiny, it's really laughable. I do it anyway. It's all I can do.

But that's me. I'm a full grown-up adult with SOME training and experience. I have CHOSEN to make this my life focus. I don't project my focus onto the people around me. The AR500 plates I bought are like 8 lbs. I bought them specifically because they are the cheapest alternative to the ceramic plates I was issued, and only slightly heavier. (I know there is contention in the community about how effective they are. I think for the money and the shelf life, compared to the odds of ever actually needing them, is good enough.) I'm NOT going to tell a kid between 5 and 18 to carry around an extra 8 lbs in their backpack, never mess with it, and if they are ever being shot at, go get the backpack, put it on, try to put it between them and the threat, and HOPE that if they get shot, it will hit the plate and not somewhere else. These odds are so crazy as to be laughable. Now, if you pitched it to 15 y/o me, I would have loved it. I would have thought of it the same as if you had told 15 y/o me that I was allowed to carry a gun, but it had to be a Desert Eagle in a shoulder holster, I would have put it on and sworn that it was light as a feather and I can't even feel it. That's because I have always been this way. Almost no one else is like me.

I have never heard of any victim of any school shooting, where they look at the victim, and say; "See that? Rear-entry rifle round, center of mass, went straight through the 1986 Pre-Algebra text book and severed their spine. Dead before they hit the ground." No. All I see is a weight that will make them delay running to retrieve it, and make them run slower.
 
I know next to nothing about those, and would like some guidance to purchase same for my middle school grandson.
Quality manufacturers?
Suitable level of protection?
Availability?
Cost is no object.

Any relevant advice is appreciated.

Guidance? Gigantic waste of money. Getting shot at all, let alone in a school shooting is WAY down the list on dangers children face. What you need to do is keep them away from cars and swimming pools....
 
Guidance? Gigantic waste of money. Getting shot at all, let alone in a school shooting is WAY down the list on dangers children face. What you need to do is keep them away from cars and swimming pools....

Well, that’s not a normal topic to panic about despite killing more of them.


Forget what everyone else is saying and or doing, shelter in place my @$$.

This assumes there is someone coming to save you versus recover your remains.

And clotting agent.

Everyone should have quick clot, agree 100%, can save a life even without bullet wounds. The lessons learned before you get to it are likely even more important to learn as far as first aid is concerned.
 
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