This Camera Backpack Is Made for the Trails: Moment Sequence 23L Review

The fit and layout are dialed for hikes and photo walks; it’s nearly perfect, but better rear access and rain protection would seal it.

7.9MomentScore

When Moment first announced their Fast and Light Collection, I was intrigued.

The idea of lightweight, outdoor-ready camera bags that don’t scream “camera gear” immediately caught my attention. I’ve been testing the Moment Fast and Light Backpack for a while now, and I have to say — it’s a refreshingly minimal yet capable pack that feels right at home on day hikes, photo walks, or even casual travel.

It’s not a “do-everything” camera bag, but that’s kind of the point. It strips away excess bulk and complexity in favor of straightforward usability, breathable comfort, and thoughtful design details that make it easy to live with.

Sequence 23L Camera Backpack - Desert

$230

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Fit & Comfort

What stood out first was the athletic-inspired fit. The 23L size lands in that easy middle ground — big enough to be useful, small enough to stay out of the way — and it feels naturally balanced for all-day wear. I’ve carried a full camera kit and I’ve used it as a simple daypack, and in both cases it moves with you instead of dragging you down.

The shoulder straps are soft and breathable, and the back panel vents well, so even warm days don’t turn into a sweat fest. The harness has a subtle running-vest vibe that hugs close without pinching, which makes long walks or quick scrambles feel pretty effortless. Looks-wise it’s straightforward and unfussy—nothing flashy or overly technical; just a clean, functional build that focuses on comfort and gets the job done where it counts.

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Top Compartment

This might be my favorite part of the pack. The wide dual-zip opening makes it easy to grab everyday stuff without digging through camera gear, so things like a tech pouch, snacks, or a light jacket are always right there. Inside, there’s a zippered stash pocket with a key leash that’s great for small bits — memory cards, earbuds, a wallet — so they don’t disappear to the bottom. The sleeve fits a 16-inch laptop if you’re commuting, or a hydration bladder if you’re heading out for the day.

There’s even a pass-through that routes a tube or cable to the outside and along the shoulder straps, which keeps water or power close while you move.

And the salmon pink lining actually helps; it brightens the space so you can spot tiny items fast, and it gives the bag a cleaner, more intentional feel.





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Main Compartment

The main compartment keeps that same simple, get-it-done vibe, but features Moment's standout pop-up panels with a built-in shelving system that your can Tetris your gear into, whether a mirrorless body with a couple lenses, a small drone, or strip it down for a travel or hiking loadout.

It's got the salmon pink lining making it easy to see what’s what when you’re moving fast or working in low light. Plus there's, two zippered pockets hold flatter bits like filters, caps, and cables so they don’t spill into the main space.

If there’s one change I’d love, it’s the way you get in. Since the compartment opens from the front, the back panel — the part that rests on you — hits the ground when you set it down. For an outdoor-focused pack, a rear-opening camera compartment would keep the harness cleaner and make muddy setups a lot less annoying.

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Exterior Design and Features

Externally, the bag keeps things streamlined but functional. You get dual large mesh water bottle pockets on both sides, and they’re impressively deep and stretchy—big enough for a tall bottle, tripod leg, or even a compact gimbal.

The bag also includes a removable waist belt, which is great for hiking or heavier loads, but can be taken off when you want to keep the profile clean and minimal.

However, one thing missing from the exterior that I really wish were there is a small quick-access pocket. Right now, you have to go into either the top or main compartment to reach smaller accessories, and having a dedicated external zip pocket (even a shallow one) would make a big difference in usability.

Moment mentioned that side top straps to secure tripods or other gear are coming in the final production version, which I think is an important update—it’s a natural feature to include on an outdoor camera bag like this.



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Straps and Carry System

The carry feels straight out of a running or hiking pack. Wide shoulder straps spread the load and stay comfy even when the bag is packed, and each one does real work: one has a stretchy mesh pocket that fits a phone, the other a small zip pocket for lip balm, an energy bar, or spare batteries. The magnetic sternum strap clicks together without a fuss and keeps everything stable.

Load lifter straps at the top pull the weight in closer, which helps the bag ride better on longer walks. They work well, though the tails run a bit long and tend to dangle. Shorter webbing or a neater way to manage the extra length would tidy things up.

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Suggestions and Future Improvements

While the Fast and Light Backpack is already pretty darn solid, there are a few areas that could make it even better:

Tripod Straps

Side straps for tripods or trekking poles feel essential here, and it’s good to hear they’re planned for the final release—they’ll round out the pack’s outdoor chops.

Flat Bottom

Right now the bag doesn’t stand up easily. A flatter, more structured base would make packing simpler and keep things clean when you set it down mid-shoot.

Optional Strap System

The wide, running-style straps are super comfortable, but not everyone will love them. Offering a traditional strap option would let people choose the feel they prefer.

Load Lifter Adjustment

The load lifters do their job, but the extra webbing runs long and dangles. Shorter tails or better strap management would tidy the carry.

Quick-Access Exterior Pocket

A small external zip pocket for sunglasses, cards, or a quick snack would save frequent dives into the main or top compartments.

Rear-Opening Main Compartment

Rear access would keep the harness clean when you set the bag down on dirt or wet ground and make grabbing camera gear faster in the field.

Waterproofing and Rain Protection

For an outdoor-focused pack, YKK waterproof zips and a rain cover should be standard. As of now, the backpacks lacks that.

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Final Thoughts

The Sequence 23L Backpack is comfortable, lightweight, and designed for creators who prefer minimal over fancy. It won’t wow you with luxury trims, but it nails the basics — and that’s the charm for a lot of people.

It’s the kind of pack that disappears on your back so you can focus on the hike or the shot, not your straps and zippers. That, to me, is the sign of a well-made outdoor camera bag.

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