Hide Armor
Hide armor is made from the thick, tough hide of a large beast or multiple layers of boiled leather. This crude but effective medium armor is often worn by barbarian tribes, druids, and other warriors who live close to nature. While not as refined as metal armors, hide armor provides respectable protection and is often the best armor choice for druids who avoid metal armor. The armor is typically adorned with fur, bones, or tribal decorations.
At a Glance
Type
Armor
Cost
10 gp
Weight
12 lbs
Medium Armor
Mechanics
Armor Class: 12 + Dexterity modifier (maximum +2). Medium armor lets you add your Dexterity modifier, up to a maximum of +2, to your AC. You can don hide armor in 5 minutes and doff it in 1 minute. Donning with help reduces time by half. No Strength requirement. No disadvantage on Stealth checks.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Not realizing hide armor gives the same AC as chain shirt for only 10 gp (1/5 the cost)
Common Mistake
Forgetting the +2 maximum on Dexterity modifier
Common Mistake
Thinking hide armor is worse than studded leather for high-Dex characters (studded leather is light armor and adds full Dex)
Common Mistake
Not considering hide armor for druids who avoid metal (it's often their best option)
Common Mistake
Assuming hide armor is only for barbarians (it's the most cost-effective medium armor)
DM Tips
DM Tip
Hide armor is the most cost-effective medium armor at only 10 gp
DM Tip
Perfect for druids who avoid metal armor (check with your table's interpretation)
DM Tip
The 12 lb weight and low cost make it very accessible
DM Tip
Great for tribal NPCs, barbarians, and nature-themed enemies
DM Tip
Characters with 14 Dexterity get AC 14 from hide armor for only 10 gp (excellent value)
DM Tip
Consider describing the source of the hide for flavor (bear, dinosaur, giant boar)
DM Tip
Often overlooked but mathematically equivalent to chain shirt at 1/5 the cost
DM Tip
Thematically appropriate for wilderness campaigns and primitive cultures
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Hide Armor — D&D 5e Wikidot — SRD reference
- Hide Armor — D&D Beyond — Official reference