It’s no longer enough to only carry a gun. Nowadays, we need to think defensively and consider including body armor in our everyday carry load out. When you think of body armor, heavy plates with a plate carrier are probably what comes to mind for you. Body armor has come a long way and no longer means heavy, bulky plates that have to be in a carrier strapped to your body. Body armor can include backpack inserts, everyday t-shirt armor, and vests. Premier Body Armor is one such company making high-quality armor in various designs to give you numerous options to set up body armor that works for you. Instead of walking around with a chest rig of any kind, you can discreetly protect yourself with everyday clothing and gear.
Here are a few examples of body armor options that might work for you:
Vertx Overlander Bag + Premier Body Armor Insert
The Vertx Overlander Bag is one of my all-time favorite bags for many reasons. It is the perfect backpacking and hiking bag for long day trips or overnight camping trips. It has also become my range backpack for precision rifle series matches. This bag can take a beating and has stored up to 50 pounds of support bags, bag riders, bipods, ammunition, and more in it without missing a beat. You can store a water bottle, sunscreen, or bear spray in the side pockets, and inside, you can insert body armor and the Crossbreed Holsters Pac Mat with the Modular Holster to safely carry a gun while not drawing suspicious eyes to you. Premier Body Armor has made it easy by offering a bundle on their website with both the bag and the right size Level IIIA insert so you can get both in one place.
5.11 LV18 Backpack 2.0 30L + Premier Body Armor Insert
Did you know you can fly with body armor? I feel most vulnerable when I’m in airports, so the 5.11 LV18 backpack is my go-to carry-on bag that I always travel with. I use the Level IIIA insert from Premier Body Armor. I usually check a firearm, but those moments between landing and getting to my bag to get my gun loaded up, are still some of the most vulnerable, so having body armor already with me is comforting. The insert sits perfectly in the large outer zip pouch. This is just a great everyday option, too, if you take a backpack with you to work, to a coffee shop, to and from the range, out on a day hike, or just living your life. The 5.11 LV18 backpack has adjustable straps, an ambidextrous side entry compartment where you can also include a Crossbreed Holsters Pac Mat and Modular holster for your EDC gun, and side compressions straps and expandable water bottle pockets. If I’m not using the body armor insert, you can bet I have the laptop armor in here also from Premier Body Armor.
MSRP: 5.11 Backpack $145.00 + Level IIIA Backpack Insert $269.00
Laptop in Premier Body Armor Laptop
I’m a big-time traveler, and I don’t go anywhere without my laptop. In fact, I’m sitting in a coffee shop writing this article right now as I look down at my bulletproof laptop case from Premier Body Armor. This is the EASIEST form of body armor out there. It’s so simple; everyone should consider getting this case and protecting themselves on the go. Unfortunately, we know school shootings happen across the country, and a simple laptop with this laptop case is a great option for kids to put in their backpacks to help protect them in school. I was in graduate school at FSU when the library shooting occurred, and I remember seeing how students were using tables and bookshelves to defend themselves against bullets. While cover and concealment are good things to consider in a shooting, body armor is a necessary line of defense everyone should have.
MSRP: $350.00
Everyday Armor T-Shirt
I’m not saying it makes sense for everyone to wear an armored shirt every day, but if your line of work could potentially cause you harm due to gunshots, wearing the everyday armor t-shirt from Premier Body Armor is a great option. Or if you just like being a prepared citizen, this Level IIIA armor shirt is comfortable without the heavy burden of wearing a chest rig and plates all day long. It’s practical for everyday carry, lightweight, and moisture-wicking, not to mention it’s covert compared to a plate carrier.
MSRP: $315.00
Vertx VTAC Pistol Scabbard + Armor
While I don’t have this yet, it’s on my “to buy” list of items. In my truck, behind my passenger seat, I’ve built a MOLLE panel with medical equipment attached to it and a glass breaker, and I plan on installing the VTAC pistol scabbard to it. We spend a lot of time in our vehicles traveling, commuting to and from work, and they are a place of vulnerability for us humans. This simple yet effective scabbard and armor bundle can protect you or your loved ones in a vehicle. It is discreet and can easily hang on the back of a seat, and Premier offers the Level IIIA armor to go with it.
Go on the Defensive!
At the end of the day, carrying a gun daily is great. But you need to start thinking defensively. Body armor seems to be something that most people find as “outrageous” or a little “extreme,” yet we’ve seen how close-to-home shootings can occur and in places we wish we felt safe. Having some form of discreet body armor is a great place to start to integrate it into your everyday life. Quit thinking about plate carriers and plates, and start thinking about discreet ways to be outfitted with body armor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kenzie Fitzpatrick is a professional competitive shooter and an active blogger for many firearm websites. As an NRA-certified instructor and National Range Officer Institute Chief Range Officer, Kenzie trains new shooters on basic firearm safety, brings new shooters to competitive shooting and works major matches across the country. She has a passion for teaching people how to carry concealed and is a positive ambassador for the Second Amendment. Kenzie is also the host of the Reticle Up Podcast, where she interviews competitive shooters, hunters, anglers, archers, entrepreneurs, and outdoorsmen.
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Very nice Post