2021 Travel Bag Buyer’s Guide
How wonderful does a golf getaway sound? Pretty darned good after all the travel restrictions necessitated by COVID-19!
With that in mind and to make your golf trip worry-free (the travel part, anyhow), we tested the Best Travel Bags in 2021.
Rule No. 1: Don’t cheap out on a golf travel bag. You invested thousands of your hard-earned dollars into the gear you are putting into it so it makes sense to ensure your investment is protected.
Although travel bags come in all shapes and sizes, the hard-case versions are becoming obsolete. They tend to break into pieces when dropped. After testing both kinds over the years, I recommend a durable soft-case travel bag.
Whether you’re looking to buy a travel bag today, 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 one for you.
Winner: Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series
If you want the best travel bag money can buy, go for the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series. It may be one of the heavier travel bags on the market but the four wheels and durable material compensate for the weight of it. Its wheel system allows you to pull it with your pinky finger. It’s that effortless. The Tour Series also has good padding in the right spots, ensuring your bag and clubs are protected. Throw in a one-year warranty and you have the winner of the 2021 Most Wanted Travel Bag Test.
- 1st in durability
- 13th in packing
- 1st in maneuverability
- 3rd in protection
- 7th in storage
BEST CLUB PROTECTOR TRAVEL BAG - Ogio Mutant
The Ogio Mutant's number one priority is your clubs. It has an abundance of protection keeping your clubs cuddled throughout its journey. The Mutant also has room for extra storage for your extra items. Strong, durable material adds an extra layer of support.
Features That Matter
Maneuverability
Versatile wheels are the way to go. Some have just two. Others have six. No matter how many wheels the design has, it is imperative they work with ease because travel is stressful enough.
The travel bags that made getting A to B that much easier were the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series. Others that performed well also were BagBoy Freestyle and the Tour Trek TC-Flex.
Protection
Keeping your golf clubs protected is the primary function of a travel bag. The top part of the bag has the most padding to keep your clubs snug. Rightfully so. But the rest of your bag needs a little love as well.
Ogio, PING and Sun Mountain ensure your clubs are tucked up safe and sound for the journey.
Durability
There is a multitude of options. Some are more durable than others. Different materials provide different levels of protection but it’s a misconception that hard outer shells are always more durable and offer better protection. Hard shells tend to crack more easily while materials that are semi-rigid and spring back to their original shape tend to be more durable than bags that have loose material.
What’s the point of having an item that only lasts a season? The best travel bags that will stand the test of time are Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series, ClubGlove Last Bag XL Pro Tour and Srixon Travel Cover.
EXPERT TIP - Lock Your Travel Bag
If you travel often, make sure you have a padlock that is TSA-approved so they don't have to break into your travel bag.
BEST TRAVEL BAGS 2021 - FEATURES
| Product | Colors | Wheels | Material | Pockets | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Amazon Basics Soft Sided Travel Bag Check Price | 4 | 2 | 1800D Polyester | 5 | 8.29 lb |
 | Bag Boy Freestyle Check Price | 3 | 6 | 600D Polyester | 1 | 10.3 lb |
 | Bag Boy T-10 Check Price | 4 | 2 | 600D Polyester | 2 | 9.6 lb |
 | Bag Boy T-750 Check Price | 4 | 2 | 600D Nylon | 1 | 7.4 lb |
 | Bag Boy T2000 Check Price | 5 | 2 | 168D Nylon | 4 | 9 lb |
 | Champkey Professional Golf Travel Bag Check Price | 1 | 2 | 1200D Polyester | 6 | 6.4 lb |
 | Club Glove Last Bag XL Pro Tour Check Price | 16 | 2 | 1600D Ballistic Nylon | 2 | 11.2 lb |
| Club Glove Medium Collegiate Check Price | 18 | 2 | 1600D Ballistic Nylon | 2 | 8 lb |
 | Inesis Travel Cover Check Price | 1 | 2 | Polyester Cathlonic | 0 | 6.6 lb |
 | Izzo High Roller Check Price | 1 | 6 | 168D Nylon | 1 | 12.8 lb |
 | Ogio Mutant Travel Bag Check Price | 3 | 3 | 168D Polyester | 2 | 8.2 lb |
 | Outdoor Master Golf Club Check Price | 2 | 2 | 900D Oxford | 2 | 8 lb |
 | Ping Rolling Travel Cover Check Price | 1 | 4 | 1200D Polyester | 1 | 8.9 lb |
 | Srixon Travel Cover Check Price | 1 | 2 | 168D Ballistic Nylon | 3 | 7.4 lb |
 | Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series Check Price | 2 | 4 | Vinyl | 2 | 13.2 lb |
 | Titleist Players Travel Cover Check Price | 1 | 2 | 1200D Polyester | 5 | 8.5 lb |
 | Tour Trek TC-Flex Check Price | 1 | 6 | 900D Polester | 1 | 10 lb |
 | Tour Trek TC-Pro Check Price | 6 | 2 | 600D Polyester | 3 | 6.6 lb |
BEST ROLLING TRAVEL BAG - Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series
The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series makes getting A to B a breeze. It's extremely easy to maneuver and somehow makes 40 pounds feel like five thanks to its unique wheel system. In addition, the material of the bag is extremely durable, so it can withstand any and all travel perils including being tossed around at baggage claim.
More Tips
- Not every bag offers the same quality of protection. The best travel bags of 2021 keep your clubs safe against the worst the airlines have to offer.
- Many of the best travel bags of 2021 have side or front pockets to stow extra items rather than cramming them in your suitcase. As long as weight doesn’t become an issue, additional pockets can save space and money. But beware some airlines charge an additional fee for overweight items. Check that out before you arrive at check-in.
- Golfers who want a leisurely stroll in and out of the airport should consider travel bags with four or six wheels as they typically require minimal effort to roll and control. Sun Mountain Club Glider and Tour Trek TC-Flex are good examples of bags with more friendly wheel designs.
- If you travel often, durability is a significant consideration. Material that is thin and baggy won’t last as long as thicker and more rigid materials.
- Wrap extra material—a towel, perhaps—between your clubs before closing the bag. This will protect them from rubbing against each other and hopefully avoid breakage.
- Stand bag legs can be damaged from time to time. Again, try to cushion them when packing your travel bag.
EXPERT TIP - Weight
Keep an eye on the weight while packing for your trip. Travel bags that already weigh a lot will hinder your ability to cram extra items into your travel bag. Going over on weight can prove expensive depending on the airline.
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How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect travel bag to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no display unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Travel bags are tested head to head with rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating travel bags include Durability, Packing, Maneuverability, Protection, and Storage
BEST TRAVEL BAGS 2021 - RESULTS
| Product | Durability | Packing | Maneuverability | Protection | Storage | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series Check Price | 1st | 13th | 1st | 3rd | 7th | 92.5 |
| Ping Rolling Travel Cover Check Price | 5th | 17th | 3rd | 2nd | 4th | 91.5 |
| Izzo High Roller Check Price | 8th | 10th | 3rd | 3rd | 3rd | 91 |
| Ogio Mutant Travel Bag Check Price | 7th | 4th | 5th | 1st | 7th | 91 |
| Tour Trek TC-Flex Check Price | 8th | 17th | 2nd | 6th | 1st | 90.5 |
| Bag Boy Freestyle Check Price | 11th | 4th | 5th | 9th | 1st | 90 |
| Amazon Basics Soft Sided Travel Bag Check Price | 5th | 2nd | 10th | 9th | 7th | 89.5 |
| Club Glove Last Bag XL Pro Tour Check Price | 1st | 2nd | 10th | 9th | 17th | 89.5 |
| Club Glove Medium Collegiate Check Price | 4th | 13th | 8th | 6th | 7th | 89 |
| Srixon Travel Cover Check Price | 1st | 4th | 10th | 14th | 7th | 89 |
| Tour Trek TC-Pro Check Price | 8th | 10th | 8th | 6th | 7th | 87.5 |
| Bag Boy T-750 Check Price | 17th | 13th | 10th | 3rd | 6th | 86.5 |
| Titleist Players Travel Cover Check Price | 11th | 4th | 10th | 9th | 13th | 86.5 |
| Bag Boy T2000 Check Price | 11th | 9th | 5th | 16th | 13th | 85 |
| Inesis Travel Cover Check Price | 11th | 4th | 10th | 15th | 13th | 85 |
| Outdoor Master Golf Club Check Price | 11th | 13th | 10th | 9th | 13th | 85 |
| Champkey Professional Golf Travel Bag Check Price | 18th | 1st | 10th | 18th | 4th | 83 |
| Bag Boy T-10 Check Price | 11th | 10th | 18th | 17th | 17th | 81.5 |
The Best Travel Bags of 2021 – FAQ
Q: How necessary are wheels?
A: Completely. Every airport is different and you don’t want to be the guy lugging your clubs on your back from terminal A to E. Save yourself and let the wheels do the work.
Q: Why can’t I find many hard-shell travel bags anymore?
A: Simply put: the hard shell is dead—at least it should be. More rigid designs are more prone to impact damage, cracking and, ultimately, total structural failure. Softer, semi-rigid materials absorb blows better and will often do a better job protecting your clubs.
Q: Will every golf bag fit in every travel bag?
A: That varies from company to company. Some companies, like Club Glove, offer multiple sizes of travel bags for virtually any size of golf bag. Other manufacturers take a one-size-fits-all approach. While your stand bag will likely fit in any travel bag, if you’re a staff bag kind of guy, you’ll want to take extra care in making sure your travel bag can handle your golf bag.
Jeff
5 days agoHow does the SUN MOUNTAIN CLUBGLIDER TOUR SERIES compare to the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Journey and Sun Mountain Clubglider Meridian Travel Cover?
Tony
3 months agoExcept for my trip to Pebble Beach in 2018, I never take my gamers on when flying. I have a travel set of clubs, that if the break or are lost I am no out of thousands of dollars in clubs and fitting fees. I used a Club Glove bag for years until I gave a old travel set of clubs to my son and the Club Glove.. I am leaning towards a Sun Mountain Glider, but still will look at a Club Glove, based on its durability and options available colors.
Jackie
3 months agoI know for sure that Delta airlines will take no responsibility for your clubs unless they are in a hard case. Kind of makes all of these sub standard.
Tony
3 months agoDon’t fly Delta then.
Peter
3 months agoI think almost every airline has that rule. United and AA do for sure.
Steve
3 months agoAppreciate seeing how others pack there clubs inside the travel bags. But I can’t help but feel it’s mostly useless. At my airport I can watch the TSA employees take every club out of the bag to wipe down each grip as they test for gunpowder or other traces of explosives. Then put them back in whatever order they recall and the towel or bubble wrap ends up where there’s space….usually stuffed in on the zipper side. Have had any clubs break yet, which attribute to my removing the driver head and my club glove travel bag.
Jalan
3 months agoI’ll be honest, I think some of the features offered are unnecessary expense, if you know how to pack a bag properly. Things I do to protect my clubs: I remove the adjustable heads on my driver and fw’s. They go inside the head covers, which go in pockets. Shafts go back in bag, tip down. Irons are closely bunched by length, towels are wrapped around the hosel’s and over the heads. They’re positioned in the center dividers of the bag, two per slot. Put your putter in the middle of the bag, wrap the head in a towel. Add a Callaway Stiff Arm and you’re pretty well set. You just want a travel bag with somewhat firm sides and padding in the head area, with good wheels for rolling.
Charles
3 months agoThe Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series will always win this category. Their bags are simply awesome. I pile other stuff on top of it to roll around, it makes moving through airports so easy.
You’re worried about damage? Me too. First, get a rider on your home insurance to cover the cost of new clubs in case they are damaged or lost. Mine cost me over 5k to buy. Also, realize that airlines don’t want your stuff broken either, it’s a pain in the ass for them.
If you can you should take the heads off your clubs. My driver and 3 wood come apart easily. Put socks over the threaded ends and put them back in the bag. Put the heads between the clothes in your suitcase. Irons, wedges, and putters can take a lot of stress they would be very hard to break. Use a Stiff Arm golf bag support or something like it. Buy covers for your irons and wedges they are cheap. Wrap your clubs with a towel or two weaving it in and out of each club.
I have a Sun Mountain bag and I’ve taken it to Scotland and Hawaii. with no issues.
Pete
3 months agoSo I get the point that “the hard shell is dead” but you need to be careful with airline policies. Most airlines will only reimburse for club damage if your club are in a hard sided bag. United for example says, “You must properly encase all items in a suitable container. The golf bag must be covered or enclosed in a heavy, rigid carrying case. We’re not liable for damage to golf equipment that’s not contained in a hard-sided case.” For that simple reason I stick with the Samsonite hard sided bag.
Terry
3 months agoSimilar to Pete, I have experienced other airlines where only hard shell cases didn’t require a waiver. With $2,500-$3,000 in golf gear, I pack them well (using headcovers to avoid irons and wedges banging one another and a Stiff-Arm or equivalent to avoid damage to the driver from a sudden stop). Storing the empty case and fitting it into rental cars can be a challenge, but it still beats the hassle of broken clubs when planning to play golf while traveling…
Kansas King
3 months agoWhen it comes to flying with clubs, I live by the motto that if you can’t afford to replace a broken club, you probably shouldn’t be flying with your clubs. I understand that nobody wants to get to a destination to play golf and find a custom fit club broke, especially if it’s for a competitive event but there will always be a balance between risk and convenience.
I drive a full size car and tried two different sizes of SKB cases and neither fit in the car unless they were wedged in the back seat. I loved the idea of the SKB case protecting my clubs but I couldn’t imagine a bigger PITA than getting to a destination just to find they won’t fit in a rental car. The rental car you get is also a risk that can be out of your control. You may reserve a Suburban but find out when you get their there are only a few Nissan Sentras in a take it or leave it situation. The only good solution was that SKB used to make a split hardshell that could slide into itself and cut the size down by half with the clubs out of it but last I looked it wasn’t on their website anymore.