This article was kind of hard to read and parse because it is a list of Don't Do's rather than a list of Do's.
http://www.survivopedia.com/23-ways-to-compromise-a-backpacking-trip/Once you get over the need to reverse each "way", it makes good sense and I'm sure we've all done these things... Come on, be honest...
"I can carry a fifty pound pack, easy, and I'll add a water bottle to my belt. Oh and I can pack my cargo pants pockets with extra trail food...
I'VE never done this of course...