By: Rob Orgel, Emergency Response Tactical

There's something to be said about a car driving off the dealership lot with that new car smell, nothing on the floorboards, and nothing on the seats but possibilities. But does this fill our needs?

I feel that the brand-new car's appearance is a waste of space. I believe that a few pieces of equipment could be what makes our day awesome or miserable.

Let’s review some items I keep in my backpack that will live in my car.

Now of course this is limited to your creativity and your mission-specific needs. For a guy like me who is on the range over 300 days a year, this kit is tailored to my specific needs and my day-to-day experiences. 

The Backpack

First off let’s choose a good backpack. This particular backpack I am using can be found on the Spartan Armor Systems® website. What makes it special is that it allows me to put in NIJ Level IIIA body armor.

More than just my ballistic needs, it allows for tidy organization as well as the appearance of a backpack that doesn’t stand out too much against the black interior of my truck.

When selecting a backpack, I want it to blend into my car more than my body. It is not common that I wear this backpack as it is more common that it will stay in my car.

I am also a big fan of clandestine colors. This can mean blue, green, or tan. This will blend into my daily environment in the desert as well as on my back in public. I try to avoid bright colors that draw attention while sitting in my backseat or as I walk amongst a crowd.

Backpack Armor

Now that we have selected our backpack, let’s talk about its armor. As I mentioned earlier the Spartan Armor SystemS® Flex Fused Core™ Level IIIA Backpack Armor protection has impressive stopping power.

Earlier this year we shot a 50-action express Desert Eagle at almost point-blank range, The body armor completely stopped the bullet. Certainly, I’m not saying that the recipient wouldn’t have a bad day. He would still definitely be going to the hospital. Nevertheless, impressive ballistic protection.

What Goes in My Bulletproof Backpack?

In selecting what items need to be in my backpack, I apply it to my mission. An extension of my car that can rapidly be deployed.

Of course, you can always go big and have a fold-up pistol caliber carbine or carbine with extra magazines and medical equipment. Be cognizant of your state laws and be mindful of leaving a firearm in your vehicle unsecured.

For my personal needs, this is going to include: a flashlight, med kit, extra magazines, Leatherman, extra knife, extra eye protection, extra water, extra ball cap, permanent marker, pen, and set of gloves.

Considering that this backpack's designed to give me ballistic protection and extend my range and capabilities in the field, there are many more items you can add to the backpack or keep in the car. 

Again, these are just items that I see necessary for my needs. You’re only limited to your creativity and your day-to-day needs.

One thing to keep in mind is like your first camping trip the gear list is allowed to change. Always be tailoring and re-organizing for best efficiency. What items need to be rapidly assessed versus what items do you have plenty of time to get to?

To me, this also comes with a particular mindset. If I need my extra flashlight, a tourniquet, or an extra magazine, it will be urgent. Whereas my bottle of water or my Leatherman is likely to be a matter of convenience that I have time to access. 

Deployment of the Armored Backpack

This backpack can be worn traditionally until it’s needed. When needed it can be slung around the front of your body so that you may access your magazines and have your ballistic protection facing the enemy.

If the backpack doesn’t bring you enough ballistic protection with the Flexed Fused Core­™, remember that you can swap this out for a level III or level IV plate.

Or if you require front and back protection, consider the emergency response kit that is kept in a compact bag next to your backpack.

About the Author:

Rob joined the USMC in 2004 with a military occupational specialty of 0311 (Infantry Rifleman). Assigned to 3rd Bn 1st Marines, Rob participated in a deployment to Iraq (OIF-3) as a point man followed by an assignment as Team Leader for the 13th MEU Special Operations Capable to Iraq (OIF-6). In 2007, he joined 1st Marine Regiment and reenlisted to deploy to Afghanistan. InJanuary 2010, Rob was promoted to the rank of Sergeant & continued to serve 1st Marine Regiment for a year-long deployment in Afghanistan. On return from Afghanistan, Rob was assigned to School Of Infantry West to work as a Combat Instructor (CI) for the USMC where he trained thousands of Marines to gain the skills necessary to survive. Rob exited the USMC in 2014 & was immediately picked up by Securing our Country (SOC). As a private military contractor, Rob was responsible for training the specialty teams of operators at the American Embassy in Iraq. Shortly after leaving Contract in 2018, Rob became the Chief Instructor of GPS Defense Sniper School. Rob now gives 100% of his attention to Emergency Response Tactical training all levels over 320 days a year as his passion & full-time job.

You can read his full bio here.