I just did a test (per T2aV's comment) and I do believe it is related to Strength. Apparently scale mail armor weighs 41 lbs which is just outside the range someone with 10 STR can pick up... even though your weight limit is 100 lbs and you can still move without a speed penalty up to 200 lbs.
So it is likely the same weight cap they have in place for picking up barrels... but I just think it is ridiculous that you can't pick up as much as you can carry. I shouldn't have to have someone with 12 str to pickup scale mail loot to eventually sell. Laz and Shadowheart right now are the only NPC options that have 12+ str. So if you play as a dexterity based ranger with < 12 STR and pick up Wyll, Gale and Astarion as your companions... you are locked out of picking up any armor loot beyond leather armor. But... you can still buy it?
So, I think it is a bug. Users should be able to pick up any item that can be purchased at a vendor regardless of weight.
Last edited by Dheuster; 02/12/20 12:22 AM.
