Concealable everyday body armor

[Experimentalist]

I'm going through the manifold challenges of applying for my CCW in Alameda County, and it seems logical that if carrying a defensive weapon is sensible (and I clearly believe that it is), then perhaps consideration of protective body wear is equally sensible.

This isn't about stopping rifle threats, hard plates, or heavy armor. It's about something you could wear all day, every day. Honestly, methinks the odds of being shot at without prior warning on the streets of the S.F. Bay area are a more immediate threat than engaging on the battlefield. Something that is (somewhat?) concealable - or at least that might be explained as a back brace - would be much more likely to save *my* life.

I found this product from Engarde: https://usabodyarmor.com/concealable/deluxe/

It's not invisible, but seems to check many of the boxes. I appreciate the material used is Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology. I distantly recall warnings about heat degradation for this material, but then I don't expect to store it in a car.

Anyone have useful insights on the topic? Or better yet, anyone have actual experience they would care to share?

Thanks in advance.

[twinfin]

If you're a snazzy dresser, this one looks good!

[FeuerFrei]

IMO a level 2 vest is easiest to live in. Get a poly pro shirt to wear under it. You will sweat it up. It covers most street pistol calibers and provides less bulk. IMO

*in all my years of carrying I have never used armor or saw the need. I am not a paid door kicker or arrester or the innocent before proved guilty.
*get fitted properly or you'll regret your vest purchase.
*buy new shirts 1 size up or more so you can wear them over the vest without looking like the Michelin man.

[Big Chudungus]

I did a very half-assed job of making a soft armor carrier out of heavyweight snug t-shirt.

Only did the front but seems EXCELLENT and much much better that store bought.

ALL the store bought carriers seem to be built to military specs and designed for sever abuse for years...but not EDC comforts for us civilians. If my DIY wears out in 6 months so be it. It also seems to really cut the bulk, being just a couple layers of t-shirt VS 1000 denier Cordura and backing, padded shoulder straps, massive velcro, etc.

I'm also thinking of putting front and back XL size upside down to make more "T" shape, then Sm sized right side up on sides so their tops fit between the gaps in the Ts, should be much more total coverage and seemed in initial "dry fit" (tape).

[Experimentalist]

Originally Posted by FeuerFrei

IMO a level 2 vest is easiest to live in. Get a poly pro shirt to wear under it. You will sweat it up. It covers most street pistol calibers and provides less bulk. IMO

*in all my years of carrying I have never used armor or saw the need. I am not a paid door kicker or arrester or the innocent before proved guilty.
*get fitted properly or you'll regret your vest purchase.
*buy new shirts 1 size up or more so you can wear them over the vest without looking like the Michelin man.

Appreciate the advice, thanks. You make a particularly good point about level 2 protection, I tend to over-engineer things.

Originally Posted by Big Chudungus

I did a very half-assed job of making a soft armor carrier out of heavyweight snug t-shirt.

Only did the front but seems EXCELLENT and much much better that store bought.

Interesting project, I'm a little disappointed that commercial suppliers aren't as efficient in their packaging. I guess making things adjustable to a range of body shapes drives compromises in that respect.

Ballistic back-packs might be an interesting compromise. Something like this: https://byrna.com/products/byrna-ballistipac-backpack

This video does a good job of demonstrating the product:



This product is pretty "invisible" as backpacks are fairly ubiquitous.

The armor would offer protection to the back when in the usual "stowed" configuration, with the added flexibility of being able to hand off to a family member for protection should that be useful. And of course drawing the full panel with all one's kit immediately at hand is pretty impressive.

This pack offers extra flexibility in the event of being surprised. A mugger logically would want the pack. Slipping it off and moving it to the front would place ballistic protection between you and the attacker. Even better, the bulk of the pack would block view of your right hand as you drew a weapon. Interesting tactics one could use with such an item.

The only issues I can imagine in day to day use are those stores that prohibit bringing in back-packs due to the problem of shoplifting. I don't go into such stores often so that would not be a show-stopper for me.

[mdr110]

Personally I like the vest option. Although the pack is nice designed with many useful compartments. I would rather vest which is 247 protecting when on and if SHTF I don't have to worry about pulling it down to protect me (another step). Every second counts when bullets are flying.

[Munny$hot]

2A is a good compromise for bulk and weight for most threats you'll encounter on the streets. If you feel the need to wear armor on a daily basis you may want to change the places you go. If you have no choice, then definitely make it part of your EDC. Having access to armor in your vehicle can be a good idea in case of riots etc and generally 2A or lvl 3A is going to be sufficient while still maintaining a concealable profile. Also single plates carriers rigs can be easily transported in your get home backpack.

[Librarian]

Just ran across this one, The Everyday Armor T-Shirt 2.0 From Premier Armor - https://gatdaily.com/the-everyday-ar...premier-armor/

No experience with it, only read the article because of this thread here.

[Experimentalist]

Originally Posted by Librarian

Just ran across this one, The Everyday Armor T-Shirt 2.0 From Premier Armor - https://gatdaily.com/the-everyday-ar...premier-armor/

No experience with it, only read the article because of this thread here.

Thanks for this, *very* interesting. Similar to the concept Big Chudungus was working with using his T-shirts.

I went ahead and purchased one of the back-packs from Byrna, which should be delivered today. I'll report back with my initial experiences.