Backpack Size: 19.5” x 13.5” x 7.5”
Backpack Weight: 2.8lb. (without panels or plates)
Total Volume: 35 Liters or 2,160 Cubic Inches
Armor Options:
Level IIIA - 11” x 14” x 0.35" thick, 1.2lbs each
Level III - 10” x 12” x 0.8" thick, 3.5lbs each
Level III+ - 10” x 12” x 0.8" thick, 3.5lbs each
Level IV - 10” x 12” x 0.8" thick, 5.5lbs each
The ways in which you were safe yesterday are no longer the ways you’ll be safe today. By hiding armor within something that people are already used to carrying everywhere, we have turned the backpack into a personal reactionary tool to a life-threatening problem. Protection that goes wherever you go, ready for whatever comes your way. The most important thing you’ll ever put in your Leatherback Gear backpack today...is you.
The backpack is really nice. The best "ballistic" backpack I've tried & one of the best backpacks I've owned period. Keep in mind that this is first impressions. Time will truly test it but so far the backpack is great! Seems well made, smart design, love the dedicated armor compartments (lots of other "ballistic" backpacks lack this feature & its a gamechanger imo), the conversion to a front/back protective vest is terrific. Takes a little adjustment to dial it in to your preferences but it's really a genius design. Now, you're probably wondering "this guy seems to love this bag. Why only 3 stars?" To be fair, maybe 3 stars is harsh. Maybe it should be 4 stars but while Im typing this I'm still a bit annoyed that either I didn't notice the description change or I assumed (we know what that does) or whatever that case... I was thoroughly disappointed upon receiving my Level IV rated bag that had freaking hard plates in it! You may say "duh" but idk why I assumed they were flexible/soft Level IV panels similar to the ones I own by Safe Life Defense. Again, maybe 3 stars is harsh but I was super disappointed when I opened the bag & pulled those hard plates out. Again, I made the mistake of ASSUMING. So this review is to save anyone else the trouble. If you want an awesome backpack with soft/flexible lightweight armor panels stick with the Level III rating. I mean if there's a market for the hard (super heavy) plates then more power to Leatherback & those who want that in a backpack but I have already removed the plates & replaced them with some Safe Life FRAS panels I bought because they're much lighter & rated to stop rifle rounds (approx. Lv 3+ protection).
I love the bag very much however I should mention some critiques in hope you might have some future designs in mind. I bought the civilian bag because it was smaller than the tactical bag however the tactical bag seems much more sturdy in construction. In particular the side pouches are made from a soft posh material that fear will not hold up to my lifestyle the same goes for the shoulder strap pockets and the internal lining. these areas just get so beat up in the day to day to be made of such materials but we shall see I feel I must handle with super care. If you are a soccer mom or an upscale socialite then you are ok. if only they made a civilian bag this size with the same robust materials as the tactical. the main compartment is super tiny only 4" deep I would have loved a couple more inches back there I'm fine with the width and height of the bag. I am super pleased with everything else and I'm so relieved to have protection when walking the uneasy streets these days. Thank you guys for making these products.
So first off. I use a plate carrier at the gym with plates in them. Wearing that to the gym in my area is a little weird as it looks like a bulletproof vest because well it is. As for this item. I remove the armor when not traveling as I wear a vest to work but for the gym it is super inconspicuous on the walk there then when I get there, I deploy. I got a weighted plate up front and in the rear and while it is a little big I got used to it quick. For travel it’s great. I usually stick an armor plate in my off-body carry bag anyway but it only covers my back. For travel this can cover front and back plus holds all my work stuff and issued geared. Cool product with function. A little expensive but it’s my life. No price is too much and I’ve already gotten my money’s worth.
I bought the product to assess its suitability to be useful as a college student accessory / ‘satchel’ but also provide protection in the unlikely event of needing protection. My family will provide comments as to the suitability as a backpack; whilst I will explain the marvelous features of the product, with respect, I hope they do not need to explore its true potential :-). Get it?
I have not received any product yet. I place my order well over a week ago. I received a shipping email less than 2 days later, but the item still has not been shipped a week later. Reached out to customer service who was quick and polite with a response. I asked if my item had been shipped or if the tracking was off. They reached out to the warehouse for more information. It took over two days to recive information from the warehouse team. A shipping label had been created before the level III plates to go with my bag suddenly went out of stock. My order will be shipped when they get here. I understand things happen, I just would like to be kept up to date with my order if things change.