The Compass Armor BPV-C01 is a concealable soft body armor vest rated to NIJ Level IIIA under NIJ 0101.06, also covering Level IIA and Level II threat parameters. Worn under normal clothing, it provides ballistic coverage across the front, back, and sides. Panels are constructed from UHMWPE (Armored™ fiber), Kevlar®, or Twaron® aramid fabric depending on configuration. Available in seven sizes ranging from S through 4XL, with unit weights starting at approximately 1.9 kg for size Small and scaling to 3.9 kg for size 4XL.

Who this is for

• VIPs and executives: sized and shaped to conceal cleanly under professional or casual clothing without printing through the outer layer
• Law enforcement and security professionals: seeking an all-day wearable panel system that covers front, back, and sides at handgun threat levels
• Civilians prioritizing discreet daily protection: available in seven sizes up to 4XL, making fit accessible across a wide range of body types

Threat coverage

The BPV-C01 is rated to NIJ 0101.06 at three successive threat levels: Level IIA, Level II, and Level IIIA. Level IIIA is the highest handgun-rated protection tier under that standard, covering high-velocity handgun rounds including .44 Magnum and 9mm FMJ. The vest does not stop rifle rounds. Rifle-caliber threats require a separate hard armor plate rated Level III or Level IV.

Testing against special threats beyond the NIJ 0101.06 matrix has also been performed. The ballistic panels are constructed from Armored™ UHMWPE fiber, Kevlar®, or Twaron® aramid fabric. Each material combination is designed to absorb and distribute energy from handgun projectiles across the panel surface before it can reach the wearer.

Concealability and comfort

The BPV-C01 is built specifically for under-clothing wear. The shell uses Cordura, cotton, or customer-specified fabric, with adjustable sides, shoulders, and upper straps secured by hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures. That adjustability lets the vest conform to the wearer's torso rather than forcing a single fixed geometry. Seven sizes — S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, and 4XL — cover a protection area ranging from 0.25 sq. m. at size S to 0.48 sq. m. at size 4XL, so the vest scales with the wearer's frame rather than leaving coverage gaps at the shoulders or sides.

Care and maintenance

The ballistic panels carry a five-year warranty covering the ballistic components. Follow the care instructions included with the vest; soft armor panels are not machine washable. The outer shell fabric can typically be spot-cleaned or hand-washed separately if it is removable. Retire the vest if the panels have sustained a ballistic impact, show signs of delamination, or have exceeded the warranty period.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The BPV-C01 is a self-contained concealable vest — the ballistic panels and outer shell ship together as a single unit. Fit is adjusted via the hook-and-loop closures at the sides, shoulders, and upper straps. Use the size chart and the height/weight purchasing data from prior customers to select the correct size. If you are between sizes or have an atypical torso geometry, contact us before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is NIJ Level IIIA and what does it stop?

NIJ Level IIIA is the highest handgun-rated protection tier under NIJ 0101.06. It is tested against .44 Magnum Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point and 9mm FMJ at specified velocities, and it also covers the lower Level IIA and Level II handgun threats. The BPV-C01 is rated to all three levels under that standard.

Will this vest stop rifle rounds?

No. Level IIIA soft armor is not designed or rated to stop rifle-caliber rounds. Rifle threats require a hard armor plate rated Level III or Level IV inserted into a compatible plate carrier.

How does this vest conceal under clothing?

The BPV-C01 is purpose-built for under-garment wear. The low-profile panel construction combined with hook-and-loop adjustability at the sides, shoulders, and upper straps allows the vest to sit flat against the torso. A properly fitted size will minimize printing through most business or casual outer layers.

How long is the shelf life and when should I replace the vest?

The ballistic panels carry a five-year warranty. Replace the vest if it sustains a ballistic hit, shows signs of panel delamination or physical damage, or reaches the end of the warranty period. Soft armor panels degrade over time even without impact, so do not continue using a vest beyond its warranted service life.

What sizes are available and how do I choose the right one?

Seven sizes are available: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, and 4XL. Protection area scales from 0.25 sq. m. at size S to 0.48 sq. m. at size 4XL. Reference the sizing guide on the product page, which includes height and weight data from prior purchasers. Contact us if you need help selecting a size.

Can this vest be shipped to my state?

This vest cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.