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Bag of Holding

A Bag of Holding is a magical sack that opens into a nondimensional space, allowing it to hold far more than its size would suggest. The bag itself weighs only 15 pounds regardless of its contents. This iconic magic item is one of the most useful utility items in D&D, solving many inventory management problems for adventuring parties.

At a Glance

Type
Wondrous Item
Rarity
Uncommon
Attunement
Not required

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MechanicsCommon MistakesDM TipsFAQSources

How It Works

This bag has an interior space considerably larger than its outside dimensions, roughly 2 feet in diameter at the mouth and 4 feet deep. The bag can hold up to 500 pounds, not exceeding a volume of 64 cubic feet. The bag weighs 15 pounds, regardless of its contents. Retrieving an item from the bag requires an action. If the bag is overloaded, pierced, or torn, it ruptures and is destroyed, and its contents are scattered in the Astral Plane. If the bag is turned inside out, its contents spill forth, unharmed, but the bag must be put right before it can be used again. Breathing creatures inside the bag can survive up to a number of minutes equal to 10 divided by the number of creatures (minimum 1 minute), after which they begin to suffocate. Placing a bag of holding inside an extradimensional space created by a Heward's Handy Haversack, Portable Hole, or similar item instantly destroys both items and opens a gate to the Astral Plane. The gate originates where the one item was placed inside the other. Any creature within 10 feet of the gate is sucked through it to a random location on the Astral Plane. The gate then closes. The gate is one-way only and can't be reopened.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Forgetting that retrieving an item requires an action (not a bonus action or free object interaction)
Common Mistake
Thinking you can breathe inside the bag indefinitely (you have 10 minutes alone, 5 minutes with another creature, etc.)
Common Mistake
Not tracking the 500-pound weight limit or 64 cubic feet volume limit
Common Mistake
Assuming the bag protects contents from all damage (it doesn't provide special protection)
Common Mistake
Putting a bag of holding inside another extradimensional space without realizing it destroys both and opens an Astral gate

DM Tips

DM Tip
Track encumbrance carefully before giving this item - it trivializes many resource decisions
DM Tip
The Astral Plane destruction can be a plot hook, not just a punishment
DM Tip
Consider how NPCs might use this for smuggling or hiding valuable items
DM Tip
A pierced bag makes for dramatic moments - plan what happens to important items scattered in the Astral Plane
DM Tip
The 10-minute suffocation timer can create tension in kidnapping or hiding scenarios
DM Tip
Price this around 500-4,000 gp depending on how much you want to boost party carrying capacity

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading