Bodyguard Armored Backpacks (From $369)

We wish it weren’t so, but the reality is that we live in a time when armored backpacks are a really good idea. Several options exist, but one of the features we really like about Bodyguard Armored Backpacks is the ability to turn your armored backpack into a bulletproof vest—FAST.

Available in three different sizes, the Bodyguard Armored Backpacks have the appearance of a traditional backpack yet instantly convert into a bulletproof vest, providing both front and back protection capable of stopping pistol and some rifle rounds (depending on the armor you choose). Wearers can quickly and easily activate the armor while wearing the pack thanks to a patented deployment system that works by pulling a secondary panel over your head and securing it in place across your chest, eliminating the need to take the backpack off or manage complicated straps or buckles.

Each backpack can house two 10-inch x 12-inch hard ballistic plates or a pair of 11-inch x 14-inch soft panels. The Elite model (pictured) is a 25-liter, slash-proof, stab-resistant option that’s perfect for everyday commuters headed to work or school that’s located on the wrong side of the tracks. The Switchblade model is a 40-liter day pack capable of carrying all your daily essentials while remaining unassuming. Lastly, the First Responder model could be called “the ultimate go bag,” designed to be stored in a vehicle, office, or classroom until needed. For more information, contact Bodyguard Armored Backpacks; Tel.: (201) 406-3510; Web: www.bulletproofbodyguard.com