Travel Photography - Tenba Shootout Backpack

My boyfriend is an avid photographer and has fallen in love with the Tenba Shootout Backpack (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=552235&is=REG)in the medium size (if you are unfamiliar with this backpack, you can click on the link and view the video demo that highlights the features of the bag). I was thinking about getting it for him for Christmas.

The main reason he wants it is we are planning on taking a trip to the Pacific Northwest next year and he thought it would be a handy way to carry his camera, laptop, and tripod. It would double as his carrying case as we hike around looking for good shots and he also thought it would be a good way to transport his equipment onto the plane.

If his tripod is attached to the outside of the bag, will that be counted as one carry on item? Is there a better way of getting through security and carrying on that equipment, or is this bag the ideal solution?

Thanks for any input. I'm not as familiar with photography and just want to make sure that this is a good choice for what he's wanting to do.

Thanks!

Never check camera gear.

I often travel with Camera and lenses in carry on. I don't have a camera backpack. I've been using 2 methods to stow my camera stuff.

cheap small backpack
roller board


Regardless of the method, only the laptop needs to come out. Camera can stay in backpack or roller board.

My tripod is too long/tall/big to go carry on. I only bring my tripod when I plan to check luggage. In these instances, I use my largest roller bag. Tripod fits in that just fine. Since it is carbon graphite, it probably doesn't show up on XRAY. I've flown International and domestic 20 times and it hasn't been stolen (yet;-).