A good game master should always have a variety of tools at his or her disposal. This usually means having a backpack full of helpful items that can be used during a Dungeons & Dragons or roleplaying session.
Are you looking for the best DnD or RPG game master bags? If the answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll go over some of the things I’ve found helpful for running D&D games and show you my favorite bags, totes, and backpacks for dungeon masters. There are many types of bags designed specifically for RPGs. Some are meant to look cool, while others are built for functionality. If you want something that helps you plan and run your campaign and also looks great, check out these fabulous game master bags below.
Why Game Masters Need a Good Bag
Dungeon & Dragons (or D&D) is a roleplaying video game created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson back in 1974. The game has become very popular over the years and has spawned several spinoffs such as Pathfinder, Starfinder, etc.
You don’t need any special equipment to run a D&D campaign. However, if you want to make things easier on yourself, there are some items that will help you out. For example, you could use an old phone book or a piece of paper with grid lines to keep track of where everyone is during combat.
However, many Game Masters use bags to keep track of what they are doing during play sessions (for example, to keep notes on NPCs or monsters they encounter during play) and use them to store things like dice, tokens, initiative trackers, dice trays, miniatures, maps, and more.
There are various types of bags available for GMs, depending on their preferences. Some of them include messenger bags, backpacks and rucksacks, and totes. So, let’s compare how each of these options fare in terms of dungeon-mastering.
How to Find Useful DnD Game Master Bags
If you’re a good game master, you will want to keep all your campaign assets organized and safe. That’s why a “bag of holding” can be such a great tool (the Bag of Holding is a fictional item from J.R.R Tolkien‘s Lord of the Rings series. It was created by Gandalf the Wizard to store magical artefacts! And… it has since become a symbol of power and control – sounds familiar? ;))
When you’re looking for the perfect game master or dungeon master bag, the first thing you must evaluate is what materials you will carry to your campaigns. These are some of the things you will need for a DnD session: Maps, miniatures, tokens, trackers, dice sets, manuals, condition cards, letters, and character sheets. But this is not, by any means, a restrictive list. It depends on the type of game you’re running and how many ‘accessories’ you want to add to the game.
It’s important to plan ahead when running a Dungeons & Dragons game so that everyone has what they need before play begins. So, plan ahead, and pick a bag that can carry all the stuff you require. Also, a quick tip: Don’t just buy a bag that fits the things you use in your DnD campaign now; also, think about what other items you might want to bring in the future – and make sure your new bag has enough space.
Notable Features of a Great Game Master Bag
A great game master bag should be able to hold all of your gaming accessories without being too bulky or heavy. It should also have enough room for everything you want to carry around with you while playing games. If you are looking for something that can fit all of this, then you might want to consider getting one of the bags I’ll show you below!
One thing to keep in mind is the material of your bag. Dark leather is a popular choice, but it’s not the only one. Also, you should consider whether you want adjustable shoulder straps and extra space for additional board games. A lot of game master bags also feature a removable sheet storage area and pockets for tabletop gaming accessories. So, to sum up, look for a DM bag that is:
- Durable and Spacious: Enough room for books, screens, miniatures, maps, and other essentials, with a sturdy build.
- Compartmentalized Storage: Multiple pockets and dividers to keep dice, pens, cards, and small items organized.
- Portable Dice Tray: An integrated or detachable dice tray for rolling on the go.
- Document Protection: Sleeves or folders to keep character sheets, maps, and handouts safe and flat.
- Comfortable Straps: Padded, adjustable straps for easy carrying.
- Quick-Access Pockets: Easy-to-reach sections for commonly used items like pens, dice, and rulebooks.
- Weatherproof Material: Protection from spills or rain, especially if gaming outdoors.
- Customizable Sections: Velcro or adjustable dividers to accommodate different game setups.
- Laptop or Tablet Pocket: A padded section for digital tools and PDFs.
My Top DnD Bags for Game Masters
I’ve been a gamer since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until the late 2000s that I started playing Dungeons & Dragons. It took me a few years to get into the hobby (I went through a few other games first, like Middle Eart, Vampire the Masquerade, and Werewolf), but once I did, I never looked back! I love role-playing games. So, without further ado, let me show you some of my favorite game master bags and explain why I think they are the perfect adventure companions for your DnD campaign.
Backpack Bag of Holding by Adventurer’s Forge
Styled after the iconic “Bag of Holding” from Dungeons & Dragons, this backpack has a fun, thematic design featuring a D20 die with a green “Bag of Holding” banner on a dark navy background.
- Six compartments, including a large main section, zip pockets, and bottle holders.
- Water- and tear-resistant oxford canvas for lasting use.
- Padded back panel and breathable straps for extra support.
- “Bag of Holding” design with D&D-inspired graphics, perfect for RPG fans.
Collector’s Edition Dragon Hide RPG Bag
This bag is roomy and well-organized, designed to fit your essentials like rulebooks, dice, miniatures, and notebooks without feeling overstuffed. The adjustable shoulder strap is padded for extra comfort, so carrying it around isn’t a chore, even when it’s fully loaded.
- Holds rulebooks, GM screens, dice, and miniatures with dedicated pockets for easy access.
- Padded dividers and water-resistant bottom keep your gear safe and secure.
- Adjustable, padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry, even when fully loaded.
- The understated design fits anywhere, perfect for game nights and beyond.
Game Master Duffle Bag for Roleplaying by Foxbite
This limited edition Game Master Bag by Foxbite is designed to elevate your roleplaying experience, especially for dedicated Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Measuring 10 x 10 x 13 inches, this bag offers a generous interior without being too bulky.
- A large bag with elastic straps and velcro design.
- Includes all sorts of pockets to store DnD accessories.
- Product dimensions: 10 x 10 x 13 inches.
- This is a limited edition game master bag. Grab it while you can!
Large Game Master Carrier Bag for DnD
- A ginormous game master bag for all your DnD accessories.
- Includes many pockets in different sizes.
- Interior dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 21 inches.
- Has a net to hold rolled battle maps.
Tabletop RPG Player’s Essentials Bag by Enhance
This crossbody-style messenger bag is a fantastic choice for any game master or DnD player, thanks to its thoughtful design and ample storage. The bag also includes handy straps designed for securely carrying a map.
- A medium-size bag for game masters and DnD players.
- Exterior dimensions: 17 inches diagonal.
- Book Storage: Fits four RPG books, binders, and character sheets.
- Has straps for carrying a map.
Tabletop RPG Adventurer’s Bag by Enhance
This bag is a standout choice for game masters and players alike, offering smart features that elevate it above the typical RPG bag. It has a thoughtfully designed loop for holding rolled-up battle maps and hex grids.
- Enough room for your dragon’s hoard of player or DM gear.
- Year Warranty with every purchase.
- Exterior dimensions: 14 x 12 x 7.5 inches.
- Book Storage: 4-8 RPG Books. 3 Exterior Pockets.
Game Master Bags Common Shipping and Return Policies
– Most companies will allow returns within 30 days of purchase.
– Some companies will charge a restocking fee if you return an item that was not defective.
– If you have questions about shipping policies, contact customer service before returning any items.
