Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert Review

First Impressions of Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert

The Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert promises discreet ballistic protection for everyday carry. This insert, designed specifically for the Vertx Long Walk 28L backpack, offers Level IIIA protection in a lightweight and flexible package. Premier Body Armor claims that it’s constructed with the same materials used in their law enforcement vests.

As someone who values preparedness and personal safety, I’ve always been interested in incorporating discreet armor into my everyday gear. I needed a solution that wouldn’t scream “tactical” but would offer a significant level of protection in a potentially dangerous situation. I wanted something that could turn my everyday backpack into a shield.

Upon unboxing, the Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert felt surprisingly lightweight and flexible. The 500 Denier Cordura outer shell felt rugged and durable, promising longevity. It’s far less bulky than some of the steel plate options I’ve seen.

I considered other armor inserts, including models from AR500 Armor and Spartan Armor Systems. Those other options, however, were rigid steel plates, less suited for a backpack designed for everyday carry due to their weight and inflexibility. The Premier Body Armor insert seemed to strike a better balance between protection, comfort, and concealability.

My initial impression was positive; I was excited to integrate this into my Vertx pack and test its real-world usability. This insert gives me a sense of security without sacrificing the functionality of my everyday carry.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert to the Test

First Use Experience

I primarily tested the Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert during my daily commute and while hiking on local trails. I wanted to assess its comfort and practicality in real-world scenarios.

The insert performed surprisingly well in different conditions; it remained comfortable even during hot and humid days. It was also relatively discreet, not adding excessive bulk to my Vertx Long Walk 28L pack. It definitely adds weight, but not enough to be overly burdensome.

Integrating the insert into my backpack was straightforward and required no modifications. It easily slipped into the designated compartment. After a few hours of wearing it, I almost forgot it was there, save for the added weight.

The only initial concern was a slight stiffness; I wondered how that might impact comfort during longer periods of wear. It also raised a question about flexibility if I ever needed to deploy it as a shield.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the Cordura outer shell.

The insert has maintained its shape and structural integrity; there is no sagging or deformation despite daily use. Cleaning is also simple: a damp cloth easily wipes away any dirt or grime.

Compared to my previous experience with heavier steel plates, this insert offers a significant improvement in comfort and concealability. It’s a trade-off in terms of outright stopping power versus usability, but the Premier Body Armor insert is far more likely to be with me when I need it most.

Breaking Down the Features of Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert

Specifications

The Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert is designed to meet the NIJ ballistic standards for Level IIIA protection. It’s constructed from a para-aramid ballistic core and wrapped in a rugged 500 Denier Cordura outer shell.

• Manufacturer: Premier Body Armor
• Fabric/Material: 500 Denier Cordura
• Threat Level: Level IIIA
• Thickness: 0.22 inches
• Plate Dimension: 11 x 19 inches

These specifications translate to a lightweight, flexible insert capable of stopping common handgun threats. The thin profile (0.22 inches) minimizes bulk, while the Cordura shell ensures durability. The 11×19 inch dimension is specifically tailored to fit the Vertx Long Walk 28L backpack.

Performance & Functionality

The Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert performs its primary function of providing ballistic protection admirably. While I thankfully haven’t had to test it in a real-world shooting scenario, the Level IIIA rating provides peace of mind against common handgun threats.

The insert’s flexibility allows it to conform to the wearer’s back, enhancing comfort and concealability. Its lightweight design minimizes fatigue during extended periods of wear.

One potential weakness is its Level IIIA rating, which offers protection against handguns, but not rifle rounds. However, for everyday carry in urban environments, this level of protection is often considered sufficient. It’s a matter of risk assessment and choosing the right tool for the anticipated threats.

Design & Ergonomics

The Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert features a minimalist design focused on functionality. The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials and meticulous construction.

The insert is lightweight and comfortable, even during extended wear. There is a slight learning curve in terms of getting used to the added weight and stiffness in the backpack, but it becomes second nature over time.

Durability & Maintenance

The 500 Denier Cordura outer shell provides excellent abrasion resistance, ensuring the insert can withstand daily wear and tear. The ballistic core is designed to maintain its protective properties for years.

Maintenance is simple: wipe the surface with a damp cloth as needed. Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents, which could damage the ballistic material.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert is designed specifically for the Vertx Long Walk 28L backpack. It doesn’t require any additional accessories or modifications.

It’s important to note that this insert is not designed to be used with other backpacks or carriers without verifying compatibility. Using it in an incompatible system could compromise its protective capabilities.

Pros and Cons of Premier Body Armor Vertx Long Walk 28 L Level IIIA Insert