Bulletproof Shield Slips into Backpacks

Chris Null told us about this $175 bulletproof backpack designed by two dads in time for the start of the school year. But they are not the only ones who are aiming to make backpacks and other portable bags a defense against sudden violence in an unpredictable world.

BackPackShield Manufacturing offers a $249 shield made of more than 10 layers of bullet-resistant DuPont Kevlar fabric—in an array of 10 colors. It's about a half-inch thick and weighs about as much as a big textbook, but the company says it will fend off most handgun bullets, including 9 mm and .44 Magnum. 

The Austin, Texas-based BackPackShield Manufacturing was founded by Kerry Clark, who is also president of AMPTECH Research, a defense and aerospace supplier. He has spent decades designing and testing missiles and other highly explosive ordnance. While working with the U.S. Air Force as it was lining attack helicopters with bullet-resistant Kevlar, he came up with the idea for a similar, smaller shield to line students' backpacks.

BackPackShield company spokesman Mike Romanies says EMTs and commuters may find the shield appealing, too. They are available for purchase at backpackshield.com or by calling 512-288-4789. 

Desperate times call for desperate measures, I know, but I'm not ready to outfit my kids with backpack armor. I'd love to hear from parents who would consider buying a bulletproof shield or backpack and if you think it would really make a difference if the unthinkable were to happen at your kids' schools.

Related: Protect Your Kid With a Bulletproof Backpack