I think the people suggesting they might not have much stuff are really underestimating the extent to which packratting can be a problem. All my NPCs have loads of stuff most of the time. I mean, it may not be useful stuff... but its my stuff dammit!
Or just not hoarders. I usually throw potions and scrolls in the containers after filling everyone's quick use slots with the best/least situational. So scrolls and potions are a) just 2 inventory slots and b) usually used up during a fight in which party members may die. Not much to pick on that front. Wands are also used and switched out frequently, so even if I can't pick them up for some reason, I'm not losing much - at best a few charges. Wands are so common at some point, it's no big deal to lose one. Unless I'm on my way to a store to sell or am in an area where it is not possible to quickly sell (i.e. TotSc), most of my NPCs have at best 2 items in their inventory. Why carry around crap I don't use?
I feel that pain in Durlag's, with barely anything being "useless/worthless". My inventories are usually quite full when I get out, but I immediately head to Beregost and sell it all. And put all the quest items in Kagain's shop. I don't carry useless crap around, but I still hoard it.
Comments
I'll use it one day! or sell it! I need those potions of infravision just in case.
And BG didn't have, many NPCs...
I used to say live and let live...
You know you did you know you did you know you diiid...
But with all these mods, and the need to fit a Dorn in,
makes you give in and cry...
du du dooo
LIVE AND LET DIE!
*Anduin rocks out to Slash on guitar*
EDIT: Guns 'n' Roses cover much better...