Inventory Slots

Inventory Storage Locations

Characters can store their items in two locations: on a belt or in a backpack. Each location can hold a different amount of items, called inventory slots. Each stored item takes up 1 inventory slot in a location unless that item can be bundled. Items currently being worn and carried, such as armor or weapon, do not count toward a character’s inventory slots.

Bundles
Most small and tiny items can be bundled in order to take up 1 inventory slot instead of multiple. Most items small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand could be bundled together.
The Dungeon Master has the final say about what items can be bundled and how many can fit in that bundle. The list below shows a few examples of items that could be bundled together. The number in parenthesis is how many can be bundled together at a time.
• Vials and Potions (3)
• Rations (10)
• Scrolls (3)
• Torches (3)
• Jewelry (5)
• Gemstones (10)
• Arrows (30)

On a Belt
A character’s belt has 5 inventory slots. A character does not need to be wearing a belt to be able to store their items here. Items stored in this location can be interpreted as being on a character’s back, in a holster or bandolier, strapped to their thigh, or held in similar locations on the body.
Items on a character's belt can be retrieved using an item interaction. Weapons, potions, scrolls, ammunition, and small pieces of adventuring gear should be stored in a belt slot.

In a Backpack
A character’s backpack has an amount of inventory slots equal to their Strength score. Characters can store more items than that amount in their backpack, but doing so will cause them to gain the over-encumbered condition.
Items in a backpack can be retrieved using a bonus action. Treasure, extra armor and weapons, and larger pieces of adventuring gear should be placed in a backpack.

Over-encumbered Condition
A creature gains the over-encumbered condition after wearing a backpack that exceeds their maximum amount of inventory slots for 1 hour. This condition is removed once the backpack is removed and the creature finishes a short rest. An over-encumbered creature suffers from the following:
• Its speed is reduced by half.
• Disadvantage on attack rolls.
• Disadvantage on concentration checks.
• Disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws.