Reddit mentions of Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-it Starter Set, Black, One Size

A lot depends on the style you're looking for. I'll also say that security in a bag is a myth. There are things to discourage certain behavior, but ultimately a bag should never be seen as a secure container. (after all it can always be cut)

What I chose.

I traveled for about a month in Europe staying in hostels. Even though it was only a month I could have traveled for about a year (adding only a tablet) with the bag/things I brought.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack - $150 (Discontinued)

[Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

• $160 (New Version)](https://smile.amazon.com/Osprey-Farpoint-40-Travel-Backpack/dp/B014EBM3KA/)
  
  I love this bag but it might not be the single best option for you. It's low profile, turns into a duffle bag (more about that later) and although it doesn't look like a school backpack, it doesn't standout like this either.
  
  The reason I love that it turns into a duffle bag is because theres a semi hidden velcro pocket in the bottom where the cover rolls into. This is a great place to sew or velcro a small zippered wallet or bag to store extra money or valuables. It's not secure as much as its hidden. This won't help you if they steal the whole bag, but it will help you if they just ransack the place and steal from the open compartments.
  
  
  Other Options
  
  There are a ton of other options. I suggest watching the VagaBrothers Video - How to Choose the BEST Travel BACKPACK | Pros & Cons Minimalist Backpack Review and Travel Tips: Packing Hacks, Tips & Essentials
  
  
  The F Stop bags look great, but are pretty pricy. Depending on what lenses you're bringing (18-55mm kit lens VS 70-200mm VR f2.8) it may or may not be worth it for size and configurability. I personally bought a Sony a6000 and left my big DSLR at home. That was actually a really good choice for the type of trip I did, but if I was going for a year (like you are) I understand needing the big camera. You might want to get camera/lens inserts like this (but not necessarily that one, I just clicked on the first one I saw on amazon) to store and protect those other lenses.
  
  Hope that helps.
  
  
  The following is copy and pasted from an email I sent to family friends traveling abroad. It gives links and ideas for things that help when traveling minimally.
  
  
  
  
  ----------
  
  

• 2 Mini cologne bottles - Well worth it if you are doing carry on only, or if you like to bring more than one scent with you. Depending on how much you use I find that a bottle filled up lasts about 1.5-2 weeks if you are using 2-3 sprays a day. http://smile.amazon.com/MagnaKoys%C2%AE-Perfume-Cologne-Sprayers-Overcaps/dp/B00UKHLBEW
  
  
• World power adapter - http://smile.amazon.com/elago%C2%AE-Tripshell-TRAVEL-ADAPTER-Built/dp/B005AF0C2G Awesome adapter. A lot nicer than the 50 mini adapters you have to piece together like legos.
  
  
• Power strip - https://smile.amazon.com/Monster-MP-OTG400-BK-Outlets/dp/B000F9YN2M I never used this. I wouldn't get it unless you knew you needed it. They are good ways to make friends at airports though, as plugs are always in high demand and few people will say no to letting you free up a plug or two.
  
  
• Battery pack - (updated version) https://smile.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-20100-Capacity-Technology/dp/B00X5RV14Y/ OR https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00Z9QVE4Q While there are cheaper and smaller ones, this is the perfect size and capacity if you are bringing a couple or more devices. This will charge a phone many times over. It's especially handy if you want to leave it charging in the hotel then bring it with you during the day after it's charged.
  
  
• Compressed charcoal deodorizers - http://smile.amazon.com/Moso-Natural-Purifying-Deodorizer-Eliminator/dp/B0099K6OVQ Great to throw in shoes or bags that start to get smelly. Useful in hostels.
  
  
• Microfiber towel - http://smile.amazon.com/Sunland-Microfiber-Compact-Sports-Towels/dp/B00MGGYZVG Very useful for hostels as most will charge you to use towels
  
  
• Tripod - http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00D76RNLS/ paired with a phone mount (https://smile.amazon.com/AUKEY-Samsung-Smartphones-Adapter-Monopod/dp/B01LYN73TQ) this can be used to hold the phone on long flights. Really nice for watching movies on the plane or waiting for a train.
  
  
• Roll up 1L water bottles - http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BI9AM3C/ Great for airplanes (no longer need to buy water after TSA).
  
  
• I packed all of my clothes into cubes and a flat packer. http://smile.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Pack-It-Starter-Set/dp/B00F9S84D8
  
  
  ----
  
  Security:
  
  Since I was traveling alone, and in hostels, security was a slightly bigger deal for me. I carried my passport on my person or locked in my hostel (many had lockers or metal lock boxes).
  
  At all times I had a photo copy of my passport and everything in my wallet, some local currency, and a print out of all the embassies in the area. (Attached to this email.) I printed this double sided and had multiple copies with me.
  I told my mom, "At any time I want to be able to have everything stolen, but still have a way back home.” My credit card will do cash transfers internationally and also includes a continuous travel insurance package.
  
  I would highly suggest making three copies of your passport and all credit cards and other ID you are taking. One lives on your person when your passport is stored elsewhere (hotel, for example), one lives in your luggage (preferably hidden/tucked away), and one stays with a trusted friend or family member that will be in the States for the duration of your trip. If anything happens they will be able to assist with proving your identity to the State Department, thus speeding the process along. I suggest keeping some cash tucked in your passport (along with that embassy list), your copy of the passport in the luggage, and then the copy of the passport and embassy list in your wallet. At this point you have three possibilities of things to grab to prove your identity/pay for a cab/tell you where to go.
  
  While this may seem a little overboard, I find it doesn't take that long to set up and helps greatly should anything bad happen. Also consider registering with the State Department. This helps them track Americans abroad should anything happen, and also gives you alerts, should anything happen. https://step.state.gov/step/
  
  
  
  ----
  
  
  Tech Tips
  
  I also used a service called Line2 to give me a US phone number to call from and receive calls to while I was away. I have T-Mobile that gives me included unlimited international data. As long as I had a 4g signal, I also had a phone I could make and receive calls on. Google Voice and Skype would also do this. Do be aware of how much international data costs. Wifi is easy to find, but I suggest using a VPN on your phone or laptop for any web surfing. And even with the VPN I would not suggest logging into any financial (bank, etc) while abroad unless you are on a trusted wifi network (aka, friends).
  
  For maps you can download parts of Google Maps by searching the city and clicking “Download." This should work on Android and iOS versions of Google Maps.
  
  

Yes! I use packing cubes and a shirt folder which helps save space and is much easier for packing and unpacking!
cubes and folder

What is your budget? When you say traveling, do you mean international travel or more local weekend trips?

If he travels internationally, a fancy passport holder or some luggage tags are nice. You can also get him some packing cubes. Eagle Creek has nice ones and once you pack with them, it's hard to do without them. They sell them at Big 5 as well. Also, an overnight toiletry bag can be handy.

http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Travel-Pack--Starter/dp/B00F9S84D8/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1450722787&sr=1-2&nodeID=15744041&keywords=eagle+creek+packing+cubes