2020 Stand Bag Buyer’s Guide
What would you change about your current golf bag? Do you wish it had a bigger insulated pocket, a rangefinder pouch, or space for a larger water bottle? Is there enough storage for all of your stuff, or do you find you’re paying a weight penalty for more bag than you need? Let us help you find the perfect bag.
It goes saying that not all stand bags are created equal. While most understand the lines between staff, cart, and stand bags, it’s important to understand that a tremendous amount of variety exists within each category. As with anything else, it’s important to consider which stand bag features are most important to you and narrow your focus accordingly.
Today, more than ever, bag companies aren’t just designing, they’re engineering golf bags, and that means that there’s a good chance that your next bag will be significantly better than the one you bought just a few years ago. Whether you’re looking to buy a new stand bag today, are looking for some buying advice, or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right stand bag to fit your needs.
Stitch SL2 - Best Caddie Bag
For golfers who appreciate the timeless appeal of an over the shoulder, single strap caddie bag, The Stitch's SL2 has you covered. It's compact, stylish design will speak to the minimalist, while golfers seeking modern convenience will appreciate Stitch's innovative approach which allows you to switch between single and dual-strap carry options. Their Touring Fabric, is a proprietary material that has the strength of leather, but is more durable, lightweight, water resistant and less expensive.
Best Stand Bag of 2020 – What to Look For
Storage
When it comes to storage, more is often better – provided it’s usable. In that respect, good storage design is often more about the layout of the pockets than the number. What good is a pocket if it’s difficult to access or is rendered useless because you put something in a different pocket?
The best stand bags for 2020 have well-designed pockets that don’t overlap one another or reduce the functional space offered by an adjacent pocket. If the pockets are laid out intelligently, each pocket can function to its full capacity without limitation, giving you more room for your stuff.
Water bottle pockets should be easily accessible and large enough to accommodate as much water as you need. When it comes to insulated pockets, bigger is typically better, especially if you’re a frequent snacker. Well-designed GPS pockets offer magnetic closures, allow for easy accessibility without the need to clip anything to the bag.
Golfers looking to maximize storage should consider the Ogio Convoy SE.
Dividers
As with pockets, more isn’t always better. While 14-way dividers allow you to put everything in its place, they often prove frustrating in stand bag designs. In this category, 4 to 6-way dividers typically prove more functional. Keep in mind that every divider eats up precious space (and weight) in your bag, and as the count increase, the likelihood of clubs snagging as you pull them out of the bag increases. A well-designed top keeps your clubs separated, and prevents snagging, while still providing good organization.
We find the dividers offered by Ping Hoofer and Sun Mountain 3.5 LS to be exceptionally functional.
PING Hoofer Craz-E Lite - The Best Walking Bag
For the most avid walkers and the Hundred Hole Hike crowd, it doesn't get any better than the PING Hoofer Craz-E Lite. Weighing in at 3lbs, the Craz-E Lite forgoes many of the bells and whistles (storage) of larger and heavier bags in favor of saving every ounce of weight possible. That's not to say it's a bare-bones designs. Despite its ultra-lightweight structure, there's still enough space to hold your essentials.
Comfort
While it sounds obvious enough, don’t forget that comfort is a huge part of carrying. While there are aftermarket systems available to improve comfort, the best stand bags for 2020 have reinforced shoulder straps and extra padding to help support your lower back and keep you feeling good over 18 holes…maybe even 36.
The Ping Hoofer Craz-E Lite and the Stitch SL2 are the most comfortable bags for walkers
Weight
Weight is a critical consideration for the walking golfer. While a single pound might not sound like much, the extra mass can dramatically affect fatigue levels throughout a round. A little extra weight can mean the difference between finishing strong or leaking oil on the back 9.
For those who push or ride, weight should be less of a concern. When the bag is rarely on your back, the massive storage, additional features, and more versatile tops found in hybrid bags.
Cart users looking to take advantage of feature-rich bags should consider the Ping Hoofer and the Ping Hoofer 14
EXPERT TIP - You Don't Need 14 Dividers
While it's tempting to choose a 14 or 15-way top to give each club its own special place, the best stand bags of 2020 feature 4 to 6 dividers.
Stand Leg Stability
The materials, opening system, and frame of a stand bag’s legs are a critical part of what makes for a great stand bag. Once your bag is fully packed with equipment, the stand needs to be sturdy and durable. The best stand bags for 2020 easily open to the proper standing position, close just as easily, and remain closed while on your back.
The most stable leg systems we tested were found on the Ping models and the Titleist Hybrid 14.
The Best Stand Bag For 2020 - Features
| Product | Weight | Dividers | Pockets | Colors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 7 | 14 | 10 | 7 |
 | Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid 14.0 Check Price | 5.6 | 14 | 7 | 7 |
 | Callaway Hyper Lite Zero Check Price | 3.4 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
 | Callway Fairway 14 Check Price | 5.6 | 14 | 8 | 8 |
 | Cleveland Stand Bag Check Price | 5.5 | 14 | 8 | 4 |
 | Cobra Ultradry Check Price | 5.7 | 14 | 5 | 1 |
 | Datrek Go Lite Hybrid Check Price | 5.8 | 14 | 6 | 8 |
 | Inesis Light Check Price | 4.7 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
 | Izzo ultra lite Check Price | 3.7 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
 | Nike Air Hybrid Check Price | 6.4 | 14 | 11 | 2 |
 | Nike Air Sport Check Price | 5.5 | 6 | 9 | 2 |
 | Nike Sport Lite Check Price | 4.3 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
 | Ogio Convoy SE Check Price | 6.3 | 14 | 11 | 7 |
 | Ogio Fuse Check Price | 4.7 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
 | Ping Hoofer Check Price | 5.3 | 5 | 11 | 7 |
 | Ping Hoofer 14 Check Price | 5.4 | 14 | 11 | 5 |
 | Ping Hoofer Craz-E lite Check Price | 3 | 4 | 7 | 3 |
 | Ping Hoofer Lite Check Price | 5 | 4 | 7 | 10 |
 | Srixon Z Check Price | 5.2 | 4 | 7 | 6 |
 | Stitch SL2 Check Price | 5.4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
 | Sun Mountain 3.5 LS Check Price | 3.6 | 4 | 7 | 9 |
 | Titleist Hybrid 14 Check Price | 6.8 | 14 | 8 | 11 |
 | Titleist player 4 Check Price | 4.7 | 4 | 6 | 15 |
 | Titleist Players 4 carbon Check Price | 3.7 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
 | Tour Edge EXS Xtreme Check Price | 4.5 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
 | Vice Golf Force Check Price | 5.5 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
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EXPERT TIP - Stand Stability
The most important part of a stand bag is the stand. Without a durable and dependable stand, a stand bag loses its purpose. Reinforced stands like those found on the PING Hoofer provide the best stability and durability.
More Tips
- Do you carry a GPS or rangefinder? Bags like the PING Hoofer and Hoofer light offer a thoughtfully placed magnetic pocket for easy access.
- If you walk or push more often than you ride, consider a hybrid bag. They offer more storage space, and their 14 or 15-way tops are more functional on push or riding carts.
- Conversely, if your stand bag is almost always on your back, fatigue can be an issue. Consider forgoing all but the minimum storage space necessary in favor of a lighter and often more comfortable bag.
- Nylon is lighter but tends to retain more dirt. For those looking to save weight and keep things looking fresh, Stitch bags are made made from leather and easy to clean.
- Don’t just count pockets. Always consider the quality and functionality of the storage space. Look for pockets that are easily accessible, and can hold everything you need them to hold.
- If you frequently play courses with limited or no water stations, you may want to choose from bags offering large cooler pockets, like the Bag Boy Chiller, for multiple water bottles.
- While waterproof bags are good in rainy conditions, their pockets often require two hands to open and close.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect Stand Bag to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Stand Bags are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating stand bags include Storage, Walkability, Weight, Features, and Style.
The Best Stand Bag for 2020 - Results
| Product | Storage | Style | Walkability | Weight | Features | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ping Hoofer Check Price | 4th | 1st | 3rd | 11th | 1st | 95 |
| Ping Hoofer Lite Check Price | 12th | 5th | 3rd | 11th | 2nd | 93 |
| Ping Hoofer 14 Check Price | 4th | 1st | 3rd | 11th | 3rd | 92.5 |
| Cobra Ultradry Check Price | 4th | 9th | 9th | 11th | 4th | 90 |
| Sun Mountain 3.5 LS Check Price | 4th | 10th | 11th | 1st | 8th | 90 |
| Titleist Hybrid 14 Check Price | 9th | 1st | 18th | 11th | 4th | 89 |
| Titleist player 4 Check Price | 21th | 5th | 3rd | 11th | 10th | 88 |
| Srixon Z Check Price | 12th | 10th | 11th | 11th | 6th | 87.5 |
| Stitch SL2 Check Price | 26th | 1st | 2nd | 11th | 6th | 87 |
| Ping Hoofer Craz-E lite Check Price | 24th | 12th | 1st | 1st | 13th | 86.5 |
| Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid 14.0 Check Price | 9th | 14th | 9th | 11th | 11th | 86 |
| Ogio Convoy SE Check Price | 1st | 12th | 22nd | 25th | 8th | 86 |
| Cleveland Stand Bag Check Price | 2nd | 15th | 18th | 11th | 11th | 85 |
| Vice force Check Price | 18th | 5th | 11th | 11th | 14th | 85 |
| Titleist Players 4 Carbon Check Price | 22nd | 5th | 3rd | 1st | 21st | 82.5 |
| Ogio Fuse Check Price | 9th | 15th | 18th | 5th | 16th | 82 |
| BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 4th | 15th | 26th | 11th | 15th | 81 |
| Callaway Hyper Lite Zero Check Price | 12th | 15th | 18th | 1st | 23rd | 80 |
| Datrek Go Lite Hybrid Check Price | 2nd | 20th | 18th | 11th | 23rd | 79 |
| Nike Air Sport Check Price | 16th | 22nd | 11th | 11th | 18th | 79 |
| Inesis Check Price | 18th | 24th | 17th | 5th | 20th | 78 |
| Nike Air Hybrid Check Price | 18th | 20th | 11th | 25th | 18th | 78 |
| Callway Fairway 14 Check Price | 22nd | 15th | 25th | 11th | 17th | 76.5 |
| Tour Edge EXS Xtreme Check Price | 12th | 24th | 11th | 5th | 25th | 76.5 |
| Nike Sport Lite Check Price | 24th | 26th | 3rd | 5th | 24th | 75 |
| Izzo ultra lite Check Price | 16th | 22nd | 2nd | 5th | 26th | 73 |
EXPERT TIP - You Don't Need 14 Dividers
While it's tempting to choose a 14 or 15-way top to give each club its own special place, the best stand bags of 2020 feature 4 to 6 dividers.
Best Stand Bags of 2020 – FAQ
Q: How much should I spend on a bag?
A: Well-designed, fully-featured bag generally start at $150, with the majority of the best stand bags for 2020 falling in the $250 range. Golfers who play just a few times a year may be able to find a suitable offering for a bit less.
Q: Do I need an insulated pocket?
A: Although most stand bags today come with insulated pockets, bigger is normally better. For instance, those who play 18 holes may want to consider a bag with a large cooler pocket. Golfers who only play 9 holes at a time can typically get away with a smaller insulated pocket.
Q: How much does the strap system matter?
A: During testing, we found straps that have a self-balancing system tend to move with the motion of walking. Finding a strap system that works for you is critical. The seemingly smallest details matter. Look for straps with ample reinforced padding. Curved strap designs are generally more comfortable. If you love the bag, but hate the straps, aftermarket systems like those from Walk 18 golf can dramatically improve comfort, though, they will add to the cost of your bag.
Q: Does the top matter?
A: The short answer is yes. If you carry all the time, a 4 or 5-way top is almost certainly the way to go. Having fewer dividers makes getting clubs in and out of the bag easy. Bags with 14 to 15-way tops are more prone to snagging and are much better suited to the push cart mafia and riders. Also, keep in mind that bags with 4-way tops are, on average, 2lbs lighter than those with 14-way tops
Q: Can I use my stand bag on a cart or push cart?
A: The short answer is yes. Some bags, like Ping that offer a cart strap pass-through which helps retain the full functionality of every pocket. Stand Bags that are used on push carts tend to slide around during a round. If your push cart offers a stand lock-in design, opting for a stand bag shouldn’t be an issue at all.
Jeff Houglum
2 years agoGood review. I also prefer the Ping Hoofer to the Hoofer 14, and the Titleist Hybrid 14 is a noticeable step up from their previous 14 way top.
I would say that I would have liked to see more Sun Mountain offerings. Specifically the 2.5LS and 4.5LS 14 Way. Both are very competitive in their ends of the spectrum. The 2.5 can hang with a Titleist Carbon or Ping Craz-E Lite in the lightweight spectrum, and I believe the 14 way 4.5 is about as perfect as a “cart bag you can take to the range or walk if you have to” bag.
I do get there are a lot of sub variable such as walkability and such, but I think it would be helpful to include a couple of these market leaders/competitors in the sub categories to strengthen the competition.
All in all, keep it up though. I know you can’t please everyone all the time.
gunmetal
2 years agoPing Bags have always been the gold standard in my opinion UNTIL 2019. They removed the velcro strap used to secure the legs when mounted on a push cart. After a few rounds the legs started actuating because of the downward force due to undulations and bumps on the course, making the bag unusable for push cart use.
Highly annoying and as far as I can tell, they are the only manufacturer to omit this.
Jim
2 years agoI bought the Ping Hoofer Lite last week. It’s fantastic. Thanks for the recommendation MGS.
MyGolfSpy
2 years ago?
Chris B
2 years agoWhere is the magnetic pocket on the Hoofer Lite? I can’t find it.
Derek
2 years agoJim, do your clubs get caught in the Hoofer Lite? I have standard sized grips and the regular Hoofer I just bought is 100% unusable. Really wanted to love this bag too as I think it’s the best looking of the light bunch
Jay
2 years agoQuestion. I have last year’s Wilson Staff EXO stand bag.. the features that led me to purchase it are very similar to the features on many of the top listed bags. Surprisingly big but weighs 5.1 pounds, can stand straight up and down on a flat surface. The stand system looks very similar to the Hoofer, and the dividers and grab bar systems are similar to other bags….. right down to the zipper pocket angles on another co.’s bag.
So is there one manufacturer that puts together bags for the various equipment companies?
( I bought new clubs this past 8 months and wanted a bright red bag that I could see from a mile away. Just in case somebody wanted to swipe them.)
.
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Barry
2 years agoI’ve only had 4 golf bags since I’ve been playing the past 22 years or so and 2 of them were Ping Hoofers. I’d like to get a new bag, but mine is in great shape and I just can’t justify the purchase. I will say, these Ping bags do look good. I’ve always liked how the bottom sat flush to the ground. I don’t know why, but it just looked good to me.
Wilson Player
2 years agoPing14 is a nice bag, but I would not rate it that high.
Clubs snag badly when it is standing and you need to lift by the top handle to get them down.
My problems are craftmanship.
When you left form the top handle it often pulls the top bar out that connects the top to bottom. real pain to get back in place..
The lower club holes are too small for clubs. You have to force them in.
Good luck if you use a midsized grip. I can lift the bag off the ground slightly when I take those end clubs out.
No ring for towels, just a fabric loop to hook to.
Jake
2 years agoNot super important, but it might affect the overall scores. In the walkability section, the ranks are offset by one rank. There are 2 bags ranked 2nd, so the bags that are ranked 3rd should be ranked 4th. This trend continues through the ranks.
Martin
2 years agoJust purchase the Ping Hoofer and i like the futures and weight of the bag
Chip
2 years agoI walk 100+ rounds/year with my Bag Boy Quad Navigator Cart. I want to buy a stand bag for convenience when practicing at the range or short game area without my cart. Does anyone have a suggestion for a stand bag or hybrid bag that will best fit on my quad navigator without twisting and leaning like my current bag does?
Mike D
2 years agoNit-picky comment, but I think the Hoofer image that you’re using is actually a Hoofer14 (based on the color scheme).
And why no G/FORE or Vessel bag reviews? They are more expensive than most, but wouldn’t be the most expensive option on this list. I’m curious how those hold up against the best options here. I currently have a Hoofer14 from a couple years ago — unfortunately, it’s from the year they shrunk the clothing pocket, so I’m looking to upgrade but I’m torn between the new Hoofer14 and the G/FORE Transporter II (I’m told it’s restocking in July, and it looks like it’s actually made by Vessel).
Sam C
2 years agoI play 120 plus rounds of golf a year, walk over half of those. The club snag with the Hoofer bag had gotten me for years. Yes why use a bag that snags clubs. The comfort and storage of the Hoofer were worth the hassle. 6 months ago I am playing with my usual group, club gets snagged and I get pissed. Buddy walks over lifts my bag up, so the legs aren’t deployed and the snag is gone. If you put your clubs in and take them out before deploying the legs its way easier. No more snags. Of course the guy who showed me how to use my carry bag isn’t a walker…
Dave S
2 years agoNo Taylormade bags? Some of their new ones are great!
mackdaddy9
2 years agoI like the idea of a hybrid bag. When I need one I will look at the hybrid winner. Thanks Harry
THOMAS
2 years agoMy prerequisites:
4 dividers, Large top opening 9+ inches, few pockets
sits on cart, could care less about water proof, rains in quit, quality well made
Green Mountain most closest manufacture. Do not want to see the name displayed as I do not believe in free advertising
Jim
2 years agoTried the Ping Hoofer bag and found the quality to be first class, much like any Ping product. However the club snag, due to the Hoofer design and the narrower top, is unbelievable. Ended up going with the Sun Mountain 4.5 14 way. Club snag is reduced, although still present. Can’t believe Ping has stuck with the Hoofer design for so long as clearly any review you read states the club snag makes the bag unusable.
Steven
2 years agoI look for weight, full length dividers and durability for a carry bag. I tend to lean towards what I call independent companies not a name of equipment that I don’t own or play.
Tom
2 years agoI have an older version of the hoofer. I think 2017 possibly? But the club tangle is awful. To the point I wouldn’t recommend it. Do the new hoofers still have this issue? Is this part of the testing? I like everything else about the bag but not being able to pull a club out or put back in with out an issue is just obnoxious.
Blake
2 years agoBueller? Bueller?
Tim
2 years agoI had a great bag, 6 way dividers for 18 years til it broke recently. Looked at nearly every bag in this test and ended up with a Sun Mountain 4.5-14 way divider. It’s under 5 lbs and is pretty stable. The straps aren’t the greatest and it could use 1 more pocket, but there are always trade offs. Tried the Ping bags and didn’t like any of them really.
Blake Williamson
2 years agoLast year it was mentioned that the Ping Hoofer allows one to take the shell off and machine wash it to clean. I have not been able to find this information anywhere else. Is this feature still available? Would it be possible for MyGolfSpy to make a video showing this unique feature?
Bryce
2 years agoMygolfspy should check out MNML Golf’s new bag. Don’t miss the little guys if they have a better mousetrap. They at least deserve an honorable mention for innovation.
MyGolfSpy
2 years agoAlready ahead of you: https://mygolfspy.com/59-awards/
Geoff
2 years agoI was hoping to finally see Mizuno included in the comparison. Maybe next year…
JC
2 years agoJust one Sun Mountain bag? That’s a shame.
They make absolutely the best bags. Titleist bags are Sun Mountain as are other club branded offerings.
I have the 14 slot Titleist (SM) from a couple years ago. Amazing quality.
Dom
2 years agoLoved the Ping Hoofer (decent weight and well balanced) but after dealing with club tangle for a few rounds I had to sell it. It is not fun pulling clubs in and out of the bag as soon as you fill the side pocket with anything. I went with the Burton ULT and will not look back. It’s 3.5 lbs, has space for everything, and is the most well balanced bag I have ever carried. The only positive the Hoofer has over it is the magnetic pocket and maybe durability (I’ve only used the ULT for half a year). I’m surprised since it won MGS’s Best Sunday Bag it didn’t tranlate over to this list.
I also still love my waterproof Sun Mountain H2No SuperLite. It’s less than 5 lbs, is also well balanced, and has plenty of space for everything.
I’m still shocked that the Nike Hyperadapt bag from a few years back has not been re-introduced as a concept. Still my favorite design, they just needed to better design the back pad.
chemclub
2 years agoThe key with all hoofers (and I have only ever used hoofers) is that you only put 3 clubs in each slot and the rest of the clubs go into the big mouth bottom slot. I have never had club binding issues when I use that system. Putter in the top slot works best for me FWIW.
Dom
2 years agoI definitely used the same system and still, bag tangle all the time. I do have some build up and Pure Pro grips, so maybe that’s the reason why. Either way, not a problem on my Burton ULT now.
Gregory Rowland
2 years agodid you have any testing about left handed carry versus right handed?
Tom Jorjorian
2 years agoI’m also interested and in need of a left handed stand bag. Right now only Sun Mtn makes one and only in black. And you can forget about finding one in stores. One occasionally shows up on eBay. Available on Amazon too but at full retail price.
Deon du Plessis
2 years agoWill have to agree. I bought the Hoofer the first week it was out. It is definitely the best Hoofer bag PING has made in the last 15 years. Great materials, great build quality, great features
Jordan
2 years agoAh, the annual which Hoofer is best list. Never disappoints. In all honesty, the fact that the Hoofer has that strap that keeps the legs in tight when carrying is the only thing you need to look for in a stand bag. All others are inferior.
Dr Strangelove
2 years agoIt’s odd that the 1st rated bag in weight (SunMountain 3.5LS) is 11th rated in walkability!
Harry Nodwell
2 years agoWeight is taken into account in walkability but that is not the only factor. Does anything dig into your back when walking? Do the straps contour the body? or do they run parallel to the body? Do the legs stick out and continue to hit your legs when walking? These are just some measurements that we test when ranking walkability.
DONALD J BINOTTO
2 years agonot a surprise. i own the sunmountain bag and it is not balanced well and the double strap system continues to tangle and have issues.