Seven Best Golf Stand Bags For 2023
At Best Golf Carry Bags, we know folks who enjoy walking golf courses are not all the same. They do not have all of the same preferences in a golf stand / carry bag.
For example, some golfers want the lightest bag possible. Others must have a 14-way top. And still, others want their stand bag to be waterproof.
To guide golfers with particular expectations concerning the features of a golf stand / carry bag, we have compiled our listing of the seven best golf stand bags for 2023. Each listing highlights a particular type or feature in a stand / carry bag.
In all of our stand / carry bag reviews, we compare a bag’s features and specifications to the features and specifications in our 2023 Buyer’s Guide.
All the bags we recommend meet or are better than our preferred ranges. So, as you read our recommendations and reviews, you can be assured that the bags are high quality and highly rated.
Best Golf Stand Bag: All-Around
Sun Mountain 3.5 LS Stand Bag
We choose the Sun Mountain 3.5 LS Stand Bag as the best all-around golf stand bag for five reasons:
- The Sun Mountain 3.5 LS offers the best balance of weight and features for a full-service stand bag
- The bag is lightweight at 3.8 pounds
- The 3.5 LS offers all of the features of a top-quality, full-service stand bag, including the adjustable EZ Lite Dual Strap System, durable high-strength carbon legs, numerous pockets and attachment points, and stylish design and color combinations
- For 2023, Sun Mountain enlarged the 3.5 LS hip pad for greater comfort
- And the 3.5 LS has an added cart strap pass-through behind the full-length apparel pocket. This makes it possible to strap the bag onto a cart without blocking its pockets
The Specs and Features:
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Top: 9-inch diameter, 4-way top with full-length dividers
- Pockets: Nine with a full-length apparel pocket, a hydration pouch, and a water-resistant, velour-lined valuables pocket
- Colors: Eight
- MSRP: $269.99
Click Here To Check Out Amazon Prices and Ratings
Click here to read our full Sun Mountain 3.5 LS Stand Bag review.
Best Golf Stand Bag: Under $200
The Ram Golf FX Lightweight Golf Stand Bag
We choose the FX Lightweight as the best golf stand bag for under $200 for four reasons:
- The price point is excellent, especially for a 4.7-star rated stand bag. We have seen this model listed as low as $110
- It has a larger top than most less expensive bags, which makes it easier to get your clubs in and out
- We appreciate the nine color options. The vibrant colors range from Green/ White (pictured) to Red / White to Black / Blue. The bags look great
- And, we like the greater number of pockets at eight. Again, many less expensive bags skimp on features, so having eight pockets is a bonus
The Specs and Features:
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Top: 9-inch diameter, 5-way top with full-length dividers
- Pockets: Eight with a full-length clothing pocket, a bottle pocket, and a soft-lined valuables pocket
- Colors: Nine
- MSRP: $129.99
Click Here To Check Out Amazon Prices and Ratings
Click here for our full review of the best golf stand bags for under $200.
Best Golf Stand Bag: 14-Way
2023 Sun Mountain 4.5LS 14-Way Stand Bag
We choose the Sun Mountain 4.5 LS as the best 14-way golf stand bag for five reasons:
- The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS only weighs 5.2 pounds which is on the light side of full-featured, 14-way stand bags
- The top is 10.5 inches in diameter, giving a lot of space for the 14 openings, and thus can handle clubs with larger grips better than many of its competitors.
- The top also offers full-length dividers for each club which is a big plus
- Sun Mountain upgraded its straps for the 4.5 LS this year to the E-Z Lite Dual Strap System. This System allows a greater degree of dynamic adjustment as one strap can slide, balancing the bag as a golfer walks
- And Sun Mountain has made sure the 4.5 LS is both motorized and pull-cart friendly, with a cart strap pass-through and with a cart-friendly bottom
The Specs and Features:
- Weight: 5.2 pounds
- Top: 10.5-inch diameter, 14-way top with full-length dividers for each club
- Pockets: Nine with a full-length clothing pocket, a hydration pouch, and a water-resistant, velour-lined valuables pocket
- Colors: Nine
- MSRP: $269.99
Click Here To Check Out Amazon Prices and Ratings
Click here for our review of the best 14-way golf stand bags.
Best Golf Stand Bag: Light Weight
Callaway 2023 Hyperlite Zero Stand Bag
We choose the Callaway Hyperlite Zero Stand Bag as the best light golf stand bag for six reasons:
- The Hyperlite weighs only 3 pounds making it a true ultralight full-service stand bag
- Callaway innovated the top of the bag, replacing the padded mesh dividers with the slimmer rubberized version. This change increases the amount of useable space at the top of the bag
- The bag has seven pockets, giving good specialization and significant storage volume. Some lightweight bags have fewer pockets to conserve weight
- The Hyperlight has a collapsible (hinged) base that makes for a stable connection to the ground
- The Hyperlight has enlarged feet that minimize the likelihood of the bag’s legs sinking into damp ground
- The bag comes in a single-strap version
The Specs and Features:
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Top: 4-way top with full-length dividers
- Pockets: Seven with a full-length apparel pocket, a drink pocket, and a velour-lined valuables pocket with a waterproof zipper
- Colors: Twelve
- MSRP: $279.99
Click Here To Check Out Amazon Prices and Ratings
Click here for our full review of the best light golf stand bags.
Best Golf Stand Bag: Waterproof
Sun Mountain 2022 H2NO Lite Speed Stand Bag
We choose the Sun Mountain 2022 H2NO Light Speed Stand Bag as the best waterproof golf stand bag for five reasons:
- The Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Speed is a mid-sized, fully waterproof golf stand bag for obsessed golfers who golf in the mist and rain
- Sun Mountain has made a name for itself with its raingear. They brought their acquired knowledge to the H2NO Light Speed in terms of its high-quality waterproof fabric, taped seams, and water-resistant zippers
- The vertical zippers have rubber over-hangs at the top of the zipper to prevent leakage.
- The pockets include a full-length apparel pocket large enough for rain gear
- Given that we recommend the 2022 model, the price is much lower than current models while matching or bettering competitors in performance and features
The Specs and Features:
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Top: 8-inch diameter, 4-way top with full-length dividers
- Pockets: Six with a full-length apparel pocket, a large hydration sleeve, and a two-compartment, velour-lined valuables pocket
- Colors: Four
- MSRP: $222.99
Click Here To Check Out Amazon Prices and Ratings
Click here for our full review of the best waterproof golf stand bags.
Best Golf Stand Bag: Women’s
OGIO Women’s XIX Stand Bag 5
We choose the OGIO 2020 Women’s XIX Stand Bag 5 as the best women’s golf stand bag for five reasons:
- The XIX Stand Bag 5 was designed by women for women with the explicit goal of making a true women’s bag and not just a men’s bag colored pink.
- The hip pad has been specifically designed to fit a women’s body better
- The shoulder straps are also better designed for females and are more adjustable vertically and laterally than in any other bag we can recall
- Customer reviews rave about the number and variety of pockets
- Lastly, it is shorter than a typical men’s stand bag to accommodate shorter clubs better. The XIX Stand Bag 5 is 34 inches in length, which is 1 to 2 inches shorter than most men’s bags
The Specs and Features:
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Top: 9-inch diameter, 5-way top with full-length dividers
- Pockets: Six with a full-length apparel pocket, a zippered insulated cooler pocket, a quick access magnetic-closure accessories pocket, and a water-resistant, fleece-lined valuables pocket
- Colors: Originally four, currently limited availability
- MSRP: $249.99
Click Here To Check Out Amazon Prices and Ratings
Click here for our full review of the OGIO Women’s XIX Stand Bag 5.
2023 Best Sunday Golf Bag
The Ping Moonlite
We choose the Ping Moonlite Bag as the best Sunday Golf Bag for four reasons:
- Ping quality is consistently high even in a 2.5-pound Sunday Bag
- We like that the Moonlite has the attributes of a traditional Sunday bag in that it has no internal structure and no stand
- The belly of the bag is water-resistant so that moisture can’t seep in as the bag lies on the ground
- The Moonlite’s padded, dual shoulder strap system has straps that stand straight up when the bag is lying on the ground for easier pickup
The Specs and Features:
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Top: 4-way top
- Pockets: Five with a large apparel pocket, a zippered water bottle pocket, and a stretchable mesh range-finder pocket
- Colors: four
- MSRP: $175
Click Here To Check Out PING’s Prices
Click here to read our full review of the best Sunday Golf Bags.
What are the primary factors to consider in shopping for the best golf stand bag?
This section is an abbreviated summary of our 2023 Buyers Guide. The primary factors to consider are:
Golf Carry Bag Weight
Full-service carry bags can range from 2+ to 7+ pounds.
Our preference: We look for golf carry bags that range between 3 and 5 pounds. We utilize manufacturer weights throughout this website.
Getting Clubs In and Out of the Bag
In looking at golf carry bag specs, there will always be questions about the number of openings and dividers and the top dimensions.
Our preference: We prefer bags with openings between 9 – 10 inches in diameter with 4 – 7 top sections and at least three full-length dividers.
Ease of Carrying the Bag
In thinking about the ease of carrying the bag for 18 holes, the first and most important consideration is the shoulder straps’ quality, comfort, and adjustability and whether they provide optimal balance and weight distribution.
Our preference: We prefer bags with two shoulder straps and/or a harness configuration. These provide the best weight distribution for walking 18 holes.
Also, we would hesitate to purchase a bag without a top, spine, and bottom handles for easy lifting and movement.
Storage/Pockets
In recent years there has been staggering growth in the number and specialization of pockets. The range is as few as three pockets to upwards of twelve. In addition to the pockets, there are all manner of attachment options for towels, umbrellas, balls, pencils, and tees, as well as Velcro patches to secure your glove.
Our preference: We believe between 7 – 9 pockets is “Just Right.”
Stability of the Bag
The modern full-function golf carry bag has a stand that levers away from the bag to enable a tripod stance. Judging stability comes down to the width of the legs, the solidness of the connection of the bag’s bottom to the ground, and the angle of the bag when the legs are extended.
Our preference: There are too many variables to define exact angles and lengths, but our preference is for a significant diagonal angle with a wide stance of the legs and for the feet to be designed to prevent slippage or sinking into the ground.
Extras
Although the other factors are the most important for the average golfer, there are always added benefits and features that will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and from model to model. A few of these “extras” to look for include: style and colors, cart friendliness, and rain hoods, among others.
Value
Value is subjective. It weighs the bag’s price with your perception of its features, benefits, and shortcomings. Golf carry bags can range in the suggested manufacturer’s retail price from $50 to over $400.
Our preference: We prefer to purchase a high-quality, easy-to-carry, feature-rich, durable golf carry bag with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) between $150 – $240.
If you like The Best Golf Carry Bags, check out our sister sites:
- The Best Golf Training Aids for golfers looking to improve their on-course performance.
- The Aggressive Fade if you are looking for the perfect golf-related gift.
