In D&D 4e, is a proficiency in leather and/or hide sufficient to wear studded leather? Or are these distinct base armor types? I am finding conflicting sources of information.
For some background, a Bard Tiefling wants to wear studded armor.
No, it is not sufficient.
A character using Studded Leather armor would need the feat Armor Proficiency: Studded Leather. Without that feat the character would take a -2 on all to hit rolls as well as to Reflex.
A prerequisite of that feat is Armor Proficiency: Hide Armor.