Lets face it the various encumbrance rules are pretty inconsistent. I offer the following from my favourite (simplest) option in VS 59.
Characters can carry up to 1/2 their STR in items (count fraction). If wearing a Landing Suit or Battledress this increases to STR. In either Space or Fantasy we assume a pack/ efficient webbing which additionally carries all the other crap you don't want to worry about.
Item encumberance is as follows:
Heavy (unworn armor, a body) 2 Normal(most weapons , 20 bolts or arrows, Shield, PPC) 1 Light (pistol, dagger, grenade, spare clip) 0.25 Negligible (your boring gear, drugs) -
The allowance is already restrictive enough (especially without the benefit of powered suits) to assume that your 'ordinary gear ' can also be carried.
Worn armor doesn't count as it already brings its own penalties.