As a prepper, you will know that electronics are all around us now. Almost everything we use contains them and would be fried instantaneously in an EMP strike or similar electrical surge event.
One of the easiest, most effective, and affordable, ways to protect your key items is to use a Faraday bag or Faraday cage. I’m going to give you the lowdown on the best Faraday bags out there, and even how to construct a Faraday cage and how that stacks up against a purchased bag.
So this is everything you need to know about buying and using EMP-proof Faraday bags – including the criteria for spotting value for money, selecting them, testing them, and using them effectively.
To give you a snapshot upfront, these are the best three Faraday bags I’ll be fully reviewing later:
- Blackout Shield – Signal Blocking Faraday Privacy Combo
- Defender shield – Ultra Armor Faraday Duffel Bag
- The Survival Summit – NX3 Triple-Layer CYBER Fabric Faraday Bags 5pc Mega Kit
What Is An EMP & Why Do You Need To Be Ready
The Starfish Prime test was a high-altitude nuclear test conducted by the United States in 1962. It was part of series of tests called ‘Operation Dominic’. It remains the most notable (in fact only significant) demonstration of the power of an air burst nuclear weapon and the resulting EMP wave.
They detonated a 1.4-megaton nuclear bomb 250 miles above the Pacific Ocean – in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, in the middle of nowhere near a remote island (about 900 miles from Hawaii).
The explosion was visible across much of the Pacific, and it had significant effects on electronics and infrastructure:
- The detonation produced a powerful HEMP (high altitude EMP) that traveled over a large area, especially impacting Hawaii.
- The EMP knocked out streetlights, triggered home and business burglar alarms, and damaged/destroyed some telecommunications equipment.
- The explosion created an artificial radiation belt in the Earth’s magnetosphere that damaged several key satellites in low-Earth orbit.. This included three key early commercial communications satellites: Telstar 1, Ariel 1, and Traac.
From all that it was quickly understood that increasing modern technology was highly vulnerable to this sort of event, whether a nuclear event or some other natural or alien occurring event. It led to the beginnings of the hardening is of these systems.
All that was a problem before we even got to modern technology. Imagine this event happening now over an urban area – it’s exactly why you need to protect your key gadgets.
Even if you don’t subscribe to the SHTF, end of the world, hiding out in your compound in the woods, scenarios, something happening unexpectedly could knock out thousands of dollars of equipment that you can’t easily or quickly replace.
What Is A Faraday Bag?
You might be surprised to know that affordable Faraday bags can protect your valuable electronic devices from being fried in a full HEMP situation.
Electromagnetic pulse can be deflected very simply, and people often not aware of how affordably they can do that – even with homemade EMP protection bags and cages.
Faraday Bags have the following characteristics:
- An outer layer that is easy to handle and durable
- The first internal layer contains a conductive material (steel, aluminum, copper)
- The second internal layer is nonconductive so the device doesn’t touch the conductive material
So as you can see, they are complex in construction. But why bother making one that could fall apart or not work properly, when you can very affordably purchase a professionally made and tested product?
Faraday Bag Vs Faraday Cage
In all honesty, there’s very little between a Faraday bag and a Faraday cage.
These are the differences/similarities that you need to be aware of:
- Faraday cages tend to be larger
- Faraday cages tend to be home-made
- Faraday cages are usually for large objects like generators or vehicles
- Both bags and cages are structurally and conceptually identical
Really and honestly, you should just think about bags for small items and cages for large items.
However, some people create cages (which don’t have to be cages at all, they could be something like an insulated shipping container) to keep a range of items safe, rather than one or two small items.
What Happens To Electronic Devices During An EMP Event
Let’s be clear on what happens to electronic devices when an EMP strikes:
- They overload circuits through the electromagnetic energy surging. This destroys sensitive components like transistors and microchips instantaneously.
- Integrated circuits can also be susceptible and destroyed easily, as most operate at a very low voltage threshold.
- Disrupts communication systems because it also hits cell towers and satellites.
- Can also knock out the power grid rendering all technology not run by a generator inoperable.
It’s Not Just About EMP’s Knocking Out Your Tech
You don’t just need an EMP bag, for example Faraday bag for cell phones, because of an EMP though. It’s also about privacy and not being fed stuff you don’t want to be fed into your devices.
For example, a Faraday bag can store and protect a variety of things:
- Car digital key fob (meaning it can’t be hacked)
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Cellular data
- UHF
- RFID
So don’t just think about this as an end-of-the-world type thing, and in that situation where the SHTF is really hard when all electronics get knocked out and no electricity is coming back anyway, this is about far more than that.
This is also about other types of events that can knock out your devices, and also it’s about privacy in the modern world – not being tracked or having your device hacked or tampered with.
How To Choose An EMP Bag: What To Look For & What To Avoid
So you decided you wanted a Faraday bag. But what’s the best Faraday bag for your purposes?
These are the five criteria I used to buy my own equipment, and that I conduct reviews on the basis of.
- Value For Money
Although the best Faraday bag for your needs could be essential, it shouldn’t blow your budget. It is just a protective bag that needs to be well made so it’s robust.
- Effectiveness: It Has To Consistently Work
It’s pretty obvious that recommended EMP-proof bags should be highly effective. This doesn’t just mean initially; it means with ongoing use. It should be well constructed with seals that genuinely keep out an electromagnetic pulse.
- Size, Weight, And Practicality
You want to feel that something is worth the money. Well made, durable, and feeling of quality. But that size and weight must be practical, and it must be the right bag size and weight for the devices you want to protect.
- Durability
All good quality EMP-proof bags should last for years. The weight of the fabric, the seams, the actual conductive layer, and clasps and buckles should all be long-lasting. If it quickly develops even a minor tear in a seam then it could create a gap in the protective layer that would render it useless.
- Versatility: What Can It Protect?
Obviously, you’re looking to protect one major device with each bag. So it must fit that device perfectly. Versatility is also crucial. Extra pockets for phones or other smaller devices like batteries can be great. They can add bulk, so you have to know exactly what you want to protect your money.
Can You Get EMP Bags For Larger Electronic Equipment (Like Generators)
I know some people look for larger EMP bags for things like generators and other larger pieces of essential kit that need protecting.
Realistically, these are not cost-effective even if you can find them (and you will struggle).
Because they are specialist equipment, even laptop-sized EMP bags are quite expensive compared to non-shielded bags. For larger equipment, which will obviously mean you have the space to store it, you are far better looking at buying the things you need to create a Faraday cage.
How To Test That A Faraday Bag Really Works
It may surprise you to know that Faraday cages and bags have been around for a long time. The clue is in the name, but many people don’t make the connection. Faraday refers to Michael Faraday, a pioneer in electromagnetism and electrochemistry, born in 1791.
Michael died in 1867, and despite no formal schooling in the topic, became one of the early fathers of discovery.
He formulated the concept of electromagnetic fields, and as part of his research, he created pages to test the blocking of electromagnetic pulses. In one instance, an entire room was shielded.
So these protected areas, Faraday bags,s, and cages, have been around for about 180 years in some form, and testing that they work has been long established through his work and subsequent.
To test that the Faraday bag or cage you have works, you can do the following tests:
- Activate a car key fob from within a bag
- Test the Bluetooth device
- Test the Wi-Fi signal
- Test cellular data
- If possible test UHF
This is all pretty straightforward to do. As long as none of those signals are passed into, or out of, the bag then you know it’s working and will protect your precious equipment.
Top 3 Best & Affordable Faraday Bags
There are three great companies that I regularly use for my prepping purposes, and I’m happy to tell you about the best EMP Faraday bags they offer. I have several of these myself and have tested them myself using the exact methodology I’ve just revealed to you.
I’ve offered a range of options here, which reflects my own use of Faraday bags. I have a large duffel bag which is a catchall. They aren’t cheap, but it could be the only one you need.
I also have a very robust laptop bag that also has a pouch for my phone. It’s a single solution, but I do worry on the move about theft.
Then there are the flexible multi-bag kits. Not designed for a specific item, but so well-designed and in different sizes, that you’ll always have an option and can even place one inside the other.
So let’s go through the top 3 best affordable Faraday bags, with the top product that ticks all the boxes I’ve outlined above from each company.
- Blackout Shield – Signal Blocking Faraday Privacy Combo
If you’re looking for a great deal for a great price, then you should look no further than this fantastic EMP and privacy bag combo deal.
What you’re getting is not one, but three high-quality Faraday bags, with the following specifications:
- Black Imitation Leather – high quality look and robust
- Bag sized 6.5″ X 4.5″, 11″ X 9″, 16″ X 15″
- Interior Faraday Cage Pocket for Signal Blocking
- Exterior Pocket for Non Shielded Storage
- Approximately 71-84db shielding & anti-radiation, anti-degaussing, anti-signal
- Blackout Bag Blocks Cell Phone, RFID, GPS, WiFi, Key FOB signals
This is a great deal for anyone looking to protect multiple items with maximum flexibility.
Blackout Shield is a company who has built a superb reputation over the past few years, especially in these troubled and more enlightened times.
Unofficially, people in the military, law enforcement, executives, and especially people involved in activities requiring discretion and evasion from spying and interference, have found these bags invaluable as social media has shown.
Right now, that triple kit is just $129.99, with free shipping within the continental USA.
- Defender shield – Ultra Armor Faraday Duffel Bag
Another great company with a great reputation, their products deliver superb signal protection with durability and long lasting looks.
This is a premium product, so it does command a premium price. Don’t let the price deflect you though. It’s flexibility and overall size swamp more tailored options, so cheaper does also potentially mean less is defended and you have less flexibility than investing a little more in this single, sizeable solution.
Its size offers so much flexibility, in terms of what it can protect, that it is essential if you just want a single solution for multiple devices.
Here are the characteristics of this fantastic EMP bag:
- Shielding Technology blocks up to 99% of wireless Radio Frequency (RF) EMF radiation & the entire 5th-generation spectrum (300 Hz-90 GHz)
- 360° shielding interior with secure closure creates a signal-proof pouch
- Blocks all incoming and outgoing wireless EMF, EMR, and EMI transmissions from electronic devices, including RFID, NFC, Cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi, Radio, Bluetooth, EMP, and UTS (Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance)
- MIL-STD-461G certified to block Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attacks
- Water-resistant military-grade cordura nylon ripstop exterior
- Anti-theft technology helps secure data of trackable items like cell phones, credit cards and passports
- Anti-spying technology helps stop hacking and tracing to keep personal or confidential information private
- Protects from RF EMF radiation (300 Hz-90 GHz) emitted by cell phones and other small electronic devices to minimize health risks
- Additional large exterior pocket
As you can see from the spec list above, this is the real deal. This is a military grade product that is suitable for any situation or purpose.
Right now, the Ultra Armor Faraday Duffel Bag is available for just $349.99.
- The Survival Summit – NX3 Triple-Layer CYBER Fabric Faraday Bags 5pc Mega Kit
What you are getting here is five different sized Faraday bags, made with a triple layer system for durability and ensuring that electromagnetic pulses do not penetrate.
Each bag boasts three layers of CYBER NC (Nickel/Copper) fabric, that delivers a proven effectiveness of 85-90dB attenuation. It’s a product trusted by law enforcement for evidence security, it’s also essential if you are serious about data protection.
Here’s a snapshot of the characteristics of this EMP proof bag pack:
- Complete signal blocking (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 5G, GPS, cellular, RFID)
- Incredible build quality and durability
- Unique triple layer protection system
- 5 different sizes for any type of small electronic device
- Interior dimensions are 5” x 7”, 8″ x 10”, 12” x 18”, 16” x 20”, and 18” x 28”
So this five pouch kit will allow you to flexibly and completely protect all of your key devices, wherever you are, whenever you want.
Premium quality costs, but that’s not really the case with this product, which is retailing at $229. When you consider that’s for five high quality and very durable bags, it’s a steal.
Go Larger: How To Build A Faraday Cage
As you can see, when it comes to choosing the best Faraday bag then you are absolutely spoilt for choice, for a reasonable price from multiple companies. But if you want to protect larger items like vehicles, generators, portable solar packs, or anything else that can’t fit in a bag, then the only option is to build a Faraday cage.
Here’s the detailed instructions you need. This is exactly how I built my Faraday cage in my yard to protect my generator and a few other essential items I can’t fit in bags.
I’ll also note that I put the cage within a tent, right at the back of the yard out of sight. So it’s also protected from the weather.
Building a Faraday cage can be a straightforward project, depending on the level of protection you need. Below are step-by-step instructions for building a basic Faraday cage, suitable for protecting electronic devices from electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), radio frequency (RF) interference, or static discharges.
Faraday cage instructions:
To build a Faraday cage, start by gathering your materials:
- Conductive material like aluminum foil, fine copper mesh
- Insulating materials like cardboard, plastic, or foam to prevent the conductive layer from directly touching your electronics
- Tapes such as duct tape or electrical tape will be useful for securing the materials. If you’re grounding the cage, a grounding wire may also be required, although grounding isn’t essential for small or portable Faraday cages
- Aluminum tape to ensure seals and weak points are reinforced
- Wood or metal to create a frame to build on
It’s pretty straightforward to create the cage, following these instructions:
- Step one is to create frame. Wood is good, but metal is better. Get yourself a tent frame cheaply, or even better, some key clamp galvanised steel tube hand railings with relevant joints to put it together. Ideally, you should do this on top of the platform, made from a nonconductive material.
- You may want to secure the frame by attaching wooden or metal rods, or sheets, to create a proper box frame. However you do it, over the top of this you are going to put at least two layers of your conductive material.
- You’ll use aluminum tape to go around all the edges of your external layer, both externally and internally on the joints.
- Once you’ve created the outer layer, you will create the nonconductive in a layer. Attach it directly to the outer layer to ensure that no part of what you are storing can never touch the outer layer.
In all honesty, that’s pretty much it. It’s just a big frame that you put things underneath. Once it’s constructed though, you need to make sure there are no gaps around the bottom. You’ll have to make sure that the conductive layer tucks under and is taped in place to the base of the Faraday cage to ensure no gaps.
Finally, you’re going to test your Faraday cage. The ideal way to do this is to put a mobile phone inside it and then try and contact it.
If you can get inside the Faraday cage, use the phone to try and call out, use Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. If all of those things are blocked, then your Faraday cage is secured.
Conclusion: EMP Proof Bag Systems And Faraday Cages Are Not Expensive
If you made it to the end, then well done! Not the most exciting topic, but essential for your safety and security.
Whether you’re looking for a Faraday bag for your cell phone or general bag, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best choices again:
- Blackout Shield – Signal Blocking Faraday Privacy Combo
- Defender shield – Ultra Armor Faraday Duffel Bag
- The Survival Summit – NX3 Triple-Layer CYBER Fabric Faraday Bags 5pc Mega Kit