Single Strap Golf Stand Bag — Searching for a Blue Unicorn
A few years back, we were asked to recommend the best single-strap golf stand bag.
The person who asked didn’t like the hassle of the four-point, backpack-style strap systems that have become the industry’s standard. He felt a single strap style was significantly easier to put on and take off.
At the time, we thought the request would be straightforward, although we couldn’t quickly recall any current high-quality models with the single strap configuration.
To make a short story shorter, when we first began researching this topic, we failed to come up with a quick recommendation for this person who was eager to purchase. So, in this post, we chronicle our pursuit of a “blue unicorn” – a high-quality, single-strap golf stand bag.
We recommend the Callaway 2021 Hyperlite Zero Single Strap Stand Bag for those who cannot handle suspense.
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Single Strap Golf Stand Bag Features
In conducting this search, we have a few requirements regarding the features and specifications of the perfect golf stand bag. We are looking for a true carry/stand bag that a recreational golfer wants to use regularly.
There are plenty of staff or caddie bags out there that are single-strap models. However, staff bags tend to be heavy and are not made for the recreational golfer.
So, we turned to our Buyer’s Guide to solidify our requirements for this unique single-strap bag. The factors that we care most about in comparing golf carry/stand bags are:
Golf Carry Bag Weight: We look for bags that range between 3 and 5 pounds based on manufacturer weights. In the case of a single-strap golf stand bag, we would look even lighter than our standard recommendation. With one strap, the bag cannot spread weight; thus, lighter is a big bonus.
Getting Clubs In and Out of the Bag: We prefer bags with openings between 9 – 10 inches in diameter with 4 – 7 top sections and at least three full-length dividers. We would not have a different expectation for a single-strap golf stand bag for this feature.
Ease of Carrying the Bag: For this recommendation, we are looking for bags that are offered with a single strap configuration and have top, spine, and bottom handles. Although it is a bit of a double count, the bag’s weight significantly impacts how easy it is to carry.
Storage/Pockets: We believe 7 – 9 pockets are “Just Right.” At a minimum, the bag should have a velour valuables pocket, a full-length apparel pocket, an easy-to-reach cold drink pocket, and a towel ring.
Stability of the Bag: The bag must have a sturdy, reliable stand mechanism with a bag bottom and leg ends that promote stability.
Extras: We prefer bags that come in multiple color combinations, have a rain hood, are cart-friendly, and offer other unique features.
Value: We look for bags that are high quality, easy to carry, feature-rich, durable, and have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) between $150 and $230. When shopping for ourselves, we search for bargains on Amazon.com to purchase our preferred bag at 10 – 20% off full retail.
When we first wrote this post, we claimed that high-quality, single-strap golf stand bags were as rare as a blue unicorn. We searched extensively throughout the electronic golf marketplace and discovered that although more common than the mythical beast, there were few options.
Some manufacturers have increased their single-strap offerings in the few years since then. Mostly, these options are not exclusively single-strap bags (except for some full-featured caddie or staff bags).
Instead, some manufacturers offer dual-strap bags in single-strap configurations. To be candid, the bags are not fully optimized for a single strap.
After looking at many bags, we found one option that stood out.
Our Top Choice Single Strap Golf Stand Bag:
The Callaway Hyperlite Zero Single Strap Stand Bag
The Callaway Hyperlite Zero Single Strap Stand Bag is our clear favorite. It matches the closest to our preferred features as described above. The specs on the Hyperlite Zero are as follows:
Golf Carry Bag Weight: The 2021 Hyperlite Zero weighs less than 3 lbs. Less weight is a much better carry for a one-strap bag.
Getting Clubs In and Out of the Bag: The bag has a 4-way top with full-length dividers, which is within our preferred specs.
Ease of Carrying the Bag: The single-strap system has upgraded strap padding for a comfortable carry. The bag also comes with a large hip pad for further comfort. Lastly, the bag has both a spine handle and an integrated top handle.
Storage/Pockets: The Hyperlite Zero comes with seven pockets, including:
- Full-length apparel pocket
- Water-resistant velour-lined valuables pocket
- Individual cell phone sleeve
- Insulated drink pocket
- Accessory pockets
Also, the bag has a towel loop, umbrella catch, and cinch.
Stability of the Bag: The bag comes with durable, lightweight carbon fiber legs and enlarged “feet.”
Extras: At the time of writing, Callaway’s Hyperlite Zero offers nine color combinations, although not all are available in the market at all times.
A small extra (that we like) is that the zipper loops for the bag are oversized.
Value: The bag has an MSRP of $249.99. The high price is primarily due to the very low weight of this high-quality bag. We have seen some color combinations priced as low as $179 on Amazon.
Click Here to Buy the Callaway Hyperlite Zero Single Strap Stand Bag
Editor’s Note: Prices vary significantly by color combination
If you like The Best Golf Carry Bags, check out our sister sites:
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- The Aggressive Fade if you are looking for the perfect golf-related gift.