BulletSafe Bulletproof Backpack Panels

posted on March 31, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
backpack-panel_f.jpg

Tom Nardone recently conducted a crowd funding campaign that was so successful that the requested funding was met in just over two weeks, with 28 days left before the promotion was scheduled to end.

While the video that introduced the campaign is not very good, the lighting is poor and it is obvious that the people are not actors, the idea that it presented is quite awesome, which is probably why it has done so well. Nardone is the president of BulletSafe, a maker of bulletproof vests, and the product he introduced was bulletproof panels that fit inside of backpacks.

The panels are 10 inches by 12 inches, and weighs only 1.25 pounds. They are made of the same materials the company uses in its bulletproof vests, and are rated to stop all handgun rounds up to .44 Mag.

While the chances of ever being needed are quite small, a bulletproof panel in a kid’s backpack is a great idea. Nardone originally built the panels for his own kids, before realizing that other parents just might want these as well, and they are available for less than $100.

In addition to individual, Nardone has already received orders from stores that have had customers come in asking for this very type of product. Some comments on the campaign, though, have been less than complimentary, stating that kids have a higher chance of drowning than being attacked, which is absolutely true. In fact, kids have a higher chance of being hurt playing any sport, even golf, than from a firearm, thanks in no small part to the numerous safety campaigns of NRA, such as Eddie Eagle. That doesn’t, however, change the ingenious of this idea. Parents purchase all manners of equipment to keep kids safe-gates, monitors, socket plugs-so why shouldn’t we consider an item that could protect them in the unlikely event of an attack.

Latest

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.