Weight In the Fallout series , weight is measured based on just weight , there is no official measurement , and the total amount of weight the player character is carrying . Most items have a weight value , the total weight one carries is the total weight value of all items currently being carried , including those equipped . Carrying too much weight can affect a player ' s movement speed and movement abilities . Weight Relative to Limit . The amount of weight the player is carrying compared to the weight limit is shown on the Pip - Boy along the top of the display when on the items screen . The weight values show up as a fraction next to the Wg label , with the current total weight carried versus the weight limit coming after the / . In " Fallout 3 " and " " , the weight limit will not forcibly stop you carrying more if surpassed , rather it prompts constraints on the player ' s movement speed and physical capabilities . Being exactly at the weight limit will not affect player movement ; the player is only penalized for going over the limit . The Strength ability increases the players weight limit by 10 weight . per 1 strength gained and decreases by 10 weight . per 1 strength drop . The Vault Dweller , the Chosen One , the Warrior and their companions however , are unable to carry more than their weight limit , making inventory management an important skill as the game progresses . Once over the weight limit , the Lone Wanderer and the Courier will be unable use the fast travel feature , however , a perk was introduced in " Fallout : New Vegas " that allows the Courier to fast travel when over - encumbered . Being over the limit does not affect the players ability to sneak , engage in combat , or any other normal functionality , but does restrict movement speed to a slow walk and removes the player ' s ability to jump . In Fallout 4 , however , the player can jump while overencumbered without any special perks . Managing Weight . Most items have a weight value listed in their description . Because the effects of being over the limit are counterproductive , it is important to remain in control over your inventory . There are some steps the player can take to having a manageable and flexible inventory , they are as follows . Storage , Player Housing and Companions . Storage . For " Fallout " , " Fallout 2 " and " " players ; deciding to pick a memorable , easy to get to location on the world map is a typical means of storing unused items . " Fallout 2 " players can also use the Highwayman . For " Fallout 3 " and " Fallout : New Vegas " players , the previous principle still applies , although you must be wary as some locations revert to default condition with certain triggers , storage containers such as a lockers , boxes , or vending machines are very common and available to use for temporary storage until you get a long - term or permanent home . Player Housing . Player housing is any area or location with a usable bed . Most have storage facilities , basic or a variety ( although you technically only need one , as they have an infinite capacity , but having a variety allows the player to separate and organize as they see fit ) . In " Fallout 3 " and " Fallout : New Vegas " optional , but permanent player housing is provided . In " Fallout 3 " , My Megaton house and the Tenpenny Tower suite are available to the player as safe storage for items and telling companions to wait . In " Fallout : New Vegas " , there are 3 available in the Strip ' s casinos ( Lucky 38 presidential suite , the Tops presidential suite , and the Bon Vivant suite in the Ultra - Luxe ) . Another can be acquired in Novac . All but the Lucky 38 ' s housing have specific conditions , but all are optional . The only difference in " Fallout : New Vegas " is that companions will not wait indefinitely in permanent player housing , but can however be dismissed to the Lucky 38 if the player wishes . In both games there is apt and expandable storage facilities to use and purchase . Companions . Companions are the players ' close followers and defenders and are capable of carrying items the player offloads onto them . Their carry limits vary and they are set to not carry any more than specified . If a companion is killed , the items can be retrieved from their body . If they are dismissed , the player must re - hire them or kill them to reclaim their items . If a companion leaves permanently due to player actions , their inventory is automatically offloaded onto the player . Temporary companions that have been given items will have to be pickpocketed , reverse pickpocketed or killed . Planning , Accumulating and Dropping . Planning . Planning is advisable in certain ventures , for example ; entering Zion Canyon to start the " Honest Hearts quests " in " Fallout : New Vegas " requires the Courier to enter with 100 weight . or less of items . If you can anticipate what you may , or may not , need for specific ventures , it is advisable you plan accordingly . Accumulating . On your travels you will encounter a great variety of weapon s , consumable s , miscellaneous item s , clothing and armor and it is important to resist the urge to pick everything up . Consumable items such as food and drink are common across the wasteland , therefore there is only really a need to carry enough to regain health , acquire bonuses or hold back starvation or dehydration in Hardcore mode on " Fallout : New Vegas " . Weapons and clothing should be limited to that which the player feels they require or favor as they make up some of the heaviest items in the game . Additionally what appears to be a small weight , such as 0 . 5 for most explosives , will add up in high quantities . Miscellaneous items are picked up and carried around at the player ' s choice , but are often weightless , worthless or easily discarded . Unique items are one of a kind , therefore if you find them desirable pick them up as you find them or remember where they can be found . In Hardcore mode on " Fallout : New Vegas " , ammunition has a weight value , therefore it is important to keep an eye how much of your carry weight it is occupying and keeping it under control by storing it , using it or selling it . Dropping . On the Pip - Boy when an item is selected you have the option to drop it , effectively discarding it where you stand , it will be its physical representation on the ground and , in " Fallout 3 " , " Fallout : New Vegas " and " Fallout 4 " , able to be physically picked up and moved . Items dropped on the ground in the Capital Wasteland have a chance of being picked up by non - player characters while you ' re away , and companions dismissed to the Lucky 38 will pick up and occasionally consume food items and equip weapons even if they are stored in containers . Some items are worth very little yet have a lot of weight , such as fission batteries , or heavily damaged big guns or armor . Unless unique or planned to be repaired , they will provide relief and flexibility if dropped . Quest item s cannot be dropped or sold and can only be removed when it has fulfilled its use in the quest , whatever that may be . Up until " Fallout : New Vegas " , quest items could have a weight value . In " Fallout 4 " some quest items have weight again . If you plan on traveling by foot and not using fast travel , dropping an object and pressing ' Z ' on PC or clicking right thumbstick / analog stick down on the 360 / PS3 will allow you carry the object without it being in your inventory . While this allows you to move at full speed if you would otherwise be over the weight limit , it is limited to one item at a time and effectively prevents combat unless dropped again , it cannot be fast traveled with or enter buildings when not in your inventory and some items will not travel at the same speed as the player when being carried . Selling and repairing . By selling undesired items to traders you free up your weight limit and can effectively de - clutter your inventory . Traders will buy any item at a price determined by the player ' s barter skill . Merchants have limited funds to pay for the items you are selling , and some are not available at certain times of the day . Alternatively , using items in your inventory as a means to pay for more expensive items is a practical solution to lowering weight . The game rewards a high Repair skill . The higher the players repair skill the more useful multiple copies of repairable items are , for example , you may find yourself transitioning from 3 sets of raider painspike armor , worth an average of 20 caps each and weighing a total of 45 lbs . , to a single set of painspike worth 100 caps and weighing 15 lbs . Temporary and Permanent Boosts . Ant nectar , any alcohol , and Buffout all raise your Strength skill for a limited amount of time . You can use these drugs to temporarily increase the amount you can carry and maintain a fast rate of movement and retain the ability to jump . Fortunately , if you are under the effects of these drugs , you can still fast travel even if the effect would have worn off during normal travel of that distance . In that case , the effects will wear off once you reach your destination from fast travel mode . There are various types of armor that also boost your strength and increase carrying capacity , however the likes of power armor require special training to use . Permanent solutions and boosts include :