Golf Bags

MGS Tested: TRAVEL BAGS OF 2020

BY MyGolfSpy
Jul 28th 2020
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2020 TRAVEL BAG BUYER’S GUIDE

How wonderful does a golf getaway sound?

It’s almost rude to tempt you during a global pandemic. But one day… one day… we’ll be globetrotters again.

And when that time comes, you’ll need to know how to protect your clubs from potential hazards at the airport because, in this particular scenario, a mask and hand sanitizer just won’t be enough to keep your clubs safe and sound.

The golf travel bag has changed from the hard case to a material that absorbs the blows from those careless baggage handlers while protecting your clubs. Although protection is the main priority of a travel bag, ease of travel should also be considered. We all know some airports make you walk miles before dropping off your travel bag so an effective wheel system is a must.

We put the best travel bags of 2020 to the test to ensure you receive the best advice possible when purchasing a new unit. So study up and dream of better days ahead!

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 bag.

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

Sun Mountain ClubGlider golf bag travel bag

BEST PACKING - Club Glove Last Bag XL Pro Tour

Save on airline tickets, put your family in the Club Glove Last Bag XL Pro Tour. Just kidding. But if it were allowed (or safe, obviously) there's enough room. In addition, the kids would be cozy because it's made of durable material designed to take a few blows.

FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU

Maneuverability

Golf travel bags have followed luggage trends. Versatile wheels are the way to go. Some have just two while others have six. No matter how many wheels the design has, it is imperative that the wheels work with ease because travel is stressful enough. No need to add poorly designed wheels to the mix.

Protection

Ultimately, keeping your golf clubs protected at all times is the primary function of a travel bag. The top part of the bag has the most padding to keep your clubs snug and rightfully so. But the rest of your bag needs a little love and protection as well. Note that some travel bags are equipped with more substantial padding than others.

Durability

There are a multitude of options but 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.

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.

The Best Travel Bag 2020 - Features

Product	Colors	Wheels	Material	Pockets
Bag Boy Freestyle Check Price	3	6	600D Polyester	1
Bag Boy T-10 Check Price	4	2	600D Polyester	2
Bag Boy T2000 Check Price	5	2	168D Nylon	4
Bag Boy T-750 Check Price	4	2	600D Nylon	1
Club Glove Last Bag XL Pro Tour Check Price	16	2	1600D Ballistic Nylon	2
Inesis Travel Cover Check Price	1	2	Polyester Cathlonic	0
Izzo High Roller Check Price	1	6	168D Nylon	1
Ogio Mutant Travel Bag Check Price	3	3	168D Polyester	2
Ping Rolling Travel Cover Check Price	1	4	1200D Polyester	1
Srixon Travel Cover Check Price	1	2	1680 Ballistic Nylon	3
Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series Check Price	2	4	Vinyl	2
Titleist Players Travel Cover Check Price	1	2	1200D Polyester	5
Tour Trek TC-Flex Check Price	1	6	900D Polester	1
Tour Trek TC-Pro Check Price	10	2	600D Polyester	3

BEST PROTECTION - Ogio Mutant

Aliens know a thing or two about air travel, right? So it makes sense that a bag called the Mutant would know how to protect its passengers. It has extra padding around the club heads and ample storage for extra items. Strong, durable material adds an extra layer of support.

More Tips

Not every bag offers the same quality of protection. The best travel bags of 2020 keep your clubs safe against the worst the airlines have to offer.
Many of the best travel bags of 2020 have side or front pockets that allow extra items to be stowed rather than cramming them in your suitcase. As long as weight doesn’t become an issue, additional pockets can save space and money.
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.
Put extra material between your clubs before closing the bag. This will protect them from rubbing against each other too much and hopefully avoid breakage.
Stand bag legs can be damaged from time to time. Ensure you put something soft underneath to soften the impact when being thrown around.

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.

The Best Travel Bag 2020 - Results

Product	Durability	Packing	Maneuverability	Protection	Storage	Total
Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series Check Price	1st	11th	1st	3rd	6th	92.5
Ping Rolling Travel Cover Check Price	4th	13th	3rd	2nd	4th	91.5
Izzo High Roller Check Price	6th	8th	3rd	3rd	3rd	91
Ogio Mutant Travel Bag Check Price	5th	2nd	5th	1st	6th	91
Tour Trek TC-Flex Check Price	6th	13th	2nd	6th	1st	90.5
Bag Boy Freestyle Check Price	9th	2nd	5th	8th	1st	90
Club Glove Last Bag XL Pro Tour Check Price	1st	1st	9th	8th	13th	89.5
Srixon Travel Cover Check Price	3rd	2nd	9th	11th	6th	88.5
Tour Trek TC-Pro Check Price	6th	8th	9th	6th	6th	87.5
Bag Boy T-750 Check Price	14th	11th	9th	3rd	5th	86.5
Titleist Players Travel Cover Check Price	9th	2nd	9th	8th	10th	86.5
Bag Boy T2000 Check Price	9th	7th	5th	13th	10th	85
Inesis Travel Cover Check Price	9th	2nd	9th	12th	10th	85
Bag Boy T-10 Check Price	9th	8th	14th	14th	13th	81.5

BEST MANEUVERABILITY - Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series

Sometimes even rolling suitcases get heavy if you've got far enough to go. The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series eradicates this issue. It's extremely easy to maneuver and somehow makes 40 pounds feel like five. 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.

The Best Travel Bags of 2020 – FAQ

Q: How necessary are wheels on a golf travel bag?

A: Completely. Keep in mind that 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. There’s little truth behind the myth that a hard case provides the best protection. While some view the hard case as impenetrable, 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 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.

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comments

Join The Discussion

Jim

4 years ago

My Club Glove bag, with stiff arm, is the best and protects my clubs terrifically and still looks new. Hard to believe CG isn’t in the top ranks. With all the extras you can get from CG, including the train reaction and j-hook, you golf clubs and luggage area breaze to wheel through any airport. I guess making sure you at least put a stiff arm in any of the other bags will help though.

Andy

Hard shell cases a far from dead, have the Samsonite for four years, never let me down on quite a few trips overseas with connecting flights and therefore a lot loading / unloading. Also the number of reviews at Amazon show that there is a market for hard shell cases.

Steve (the real one, pithy and insufferable)

Quick note. The Number of wheels for the Mutant is incorrect in the table. Shows “3”, should be “6”. Just a typo.

Thanks for the review. I have used a Club Glove for years but I can see one of the four/six wheel bags in my future. Also, please include empty weight next time.

“Take the heads off the Driver/Fairway clubs.” Shoot, why didn’t I think of that. Thanks to all for that tip.

Izzo High Roller Black Travel Bag 12.8 lb.

MUTANT TRAVEL BAG 8.2 lb.

Ping Rolling Travel Bag 6.0 lb.

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour 13.2lb.

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Journey 10.7 lb.

TourTrek TC-Flex 10.0 lb.

TourTrek TC PRO 6.6 lb.

Bag Boy Freestyle 10.3 lb.

Bag Boy Golf T-10 9.6 lb.

Bag Boy T-2000 9.0 lb.

Bag Boy T-750 7.4 lb.

Club Glove Last Bag XL Pro Tour 12.0 lb.

INESIS TRAVEL COVER 3.0 kg (6.6 lb.)

SRIXON TRAVEL COVER 7.4 lb.

TITLEIST PLAYERS TRAVEL COVER *Ship wt.* 10.4 lb.

Just look up the weights yourself Steve – Stuck inside anyway!

Izzo High Roller Black Travel Bag 12.8 lb.
MUTANT TRAVEL BAG 8.2 lb.
Ping Rolling Travel Bag 6.0 lb.
Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour 13.2lb.
Sun Mountain ClubGlider Journey 10.7 lb.
TourTrek TC-Flex 10.0 lb.
TourTrek TC PRO 6.6 lb.
Bag Boy Freestyle 10.3 lb.
Bag Boy Golf T-10 9.6 lb.
Bag Boy T-2000 9.0 lb.
Bag Boy T-750 7.4 lb.
Club Glove Last Bag XL Pro Tour 12.0 lb.
INESIS TRAVEL COVER 3.0 kg (6.6 lb.)
SRIXON TRAVEL COVER 7.4 lb.
TITLEIST PLAYERS TRAVEL COVER *Ship wt.* 10.4 lb.

Here we go with the weights from the seller/product web site. The Titleist is probably a rebranded Bag Boy – I only found a shipping wt.

Lakeside Steve

You are the BEST!
I’ve always enjoyed our 1st generation Club Glider, and judging from the data you kindly provided it looks like we’d only save about 4-5 lbs by switching to perhaps the Ping Rolling Cover. Maybe when the airlines finally do our Club Glider in we’ll consider the switch, but until then, nah!

Genny Wright

Tips for the traveler:

If your (regular) golf bag does not have 14-way dividers, put your irons in upside down. This shifts most of the weight down low towards the wheels and makes rolling the travel bag around the airport *much* easier. Maybe not as easy as a ClubGlider, but a huge improvement. Pack as much weight down towards the wheels as possible.

Take off any removable heads and put those shafts in tip-first. Put the heads in your carry on.

A broomstick or other solid wood stick is as good as a stiff-arm – protect the ends with an old tennis ball. It’ll never bend or collapse..

Use towels or extra clothes to pad any exposed bits.

Jay

Hands down, the Club Glider is unparalleled in it’s ease of travel. I have traveled untold miles with my clubs, and before the days of wheeled travel bags, I dragged and lugged, then came the wheeled bags, but they tore my shoulder out while standing in long check in lines, walking through the parking lots,, hotels, or while waiting for shuttles. And every time you put the bag down on the ground you were adding that much more floor gunk on your bag and straining to lift it back up to pull it a few feet more in the check in lines, just to drop it again….repeatedly. When I saw the Club Glider on the Golf Channel when it was first being pitched, I couldn’t wait until it hit the market. Yes, it was expensive, certainly more expensive than my Club Glove Pro Tour, but it has been an absolute pleasure to travel with my clubs again. It wheels so readily through every parking lot, hotel, street, sidewalk, and airport. I never have to bend down to lift it, my arms and shoulders aren’t strained waiting in lines, and all I need to do is give it a little nudge to move it forward. The bag is smooth and silent, with sealed bearing wheels. It’s easy to maneuver and can swivel and turn with minimal effort

Yes, agreed, take the heads off the driver, fairway woods and even hybrids, wrap the heads up and tuck them in somewhere safe, inside their headcovers and even in shoes.. Take that expensive putter out of it’s little exposed cubby hole and put it in the center of the bag. Use the iron covers, and enclose it all in the rain hood. Wrap that with your rain gear and towel. Use the extended stiffening device to protect the top of the clubs too. I bring TSA approved locks and keep my bag locked always, including when they’re at the hotel – even the best hotels have their share of thefts – and golf gear is not only expensive, but sometimes hard to replace while on the road.

I was in a nearby golf shop and a woman was asking about the best travel bag. I could tell the young salesman really didn’t know his products. He gave her a cursory review of the products. When he finally walked away, I stepped over and told her to seriously consider the Club Glider. She took a double take at the price, but I was able to convince her that it was well worth the extra amount. She trusted my advice and bought it. Months later, I ran into her at the golf course. I didn’t remember her, but she remembered me. She came over and thanked me for recommending the Club Glider, it was a marvel. She also said her husband was so completely envious about her new bag that he ended up buying one as soon as they returned home.

I’m yet to have any problems with this bag. The material is durable, including the straps, buckles, grips, zippers and handles. And, btw, my brother in law is a kite border, and he uses one of these for his gear when he travels, He saw mine and said it was perfect for his travel needs.

Brad

Hey Jay. Good info here. I am leaning toward the Clubglider Meridian, but my only hold up is storage for when it is not in use. Does it fold down pretty easily? I have been unable to find any Youtube videos or reviews that include this info.

Tom the Golf Nut

I went with SKB hardshell only because the airlines would only cover damage if the clubs were in a hard case. Within the first 5 trips the hardshell case was damaged to the poi t the airline paid me to replace the case. No damage to clubs thank goodness. First time they ripped the wheels off. Then the locking straps ( recessed ). So being a DIY guy I fixed it both times then used the money to purchase a Last Bag XL. Not a problem since. I did look at the Club Glider but was concerned about the folding g legs getting damaged by the airport baggage systems.

RI_Redneck

I fly with my clubs on average 25 times a year. I have seen hard cases crushed flat. I have had my bag & clubs run over by a truck on the tarmac. I use soft cases because of the reasons mentioned above. No, the airline will not cover damage to your clubs if not in a hard case, so YOU have to take precautions to protect them. I originally was purchasing ClubGlove (great case!), but after the first two, I decided to go for something with a less premium price. Simple truth is, ANY soft case is only good for about 30 trips and it’s done. I don’t care what you pay for it. The belts will eat them up and they will have to be replaced. I look for anything that is the thicker fabric, I get a 2″ twin bed foam pad and cut to fit inside, I have a Bag Boy BackBone (adjustable stiff arm) That is the best protection from end impacts. I also remove all wood clubheads and put them in my bag pockets in their head covers. I haven’t had a club broken in over 10 yrs and only slight bag damage (knock on wood!). As for wheels, they should be mandatory and recessed.

Jonathan

My standard Club Glove with a stiff arm is still going strong after 14 years. It’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made in golf. I’ve never had a problem with it. As to wrapping the heads with a towel, I use neoprene iron covers to keep my irons from clanking together during travel. It works great. (and no, I don’t use them on the course)

SCOTTYD

ClubGlove is #1 in my book. Still looks brand new after many golf trips. Glad I bought it in black since it shows no markings from airline bumps and bruises. Folds easily into a small bundle for storage. High quality construction with reinforced stitching, braces, handles and zippers. TIP: Buy the ClubGlove Stiff Arm for extra protection and tie a bright colored bag tag for easy identification at baggage claim. ClubGlove truly is the last travel bag you will buy.

U.B

I have owned two travel bags with two wheels and found them to be very hard on my arms and shoulders. I purchased the Ping Roller five years a go and never looked back. It has four wheels on the bottom, which makes it easy to maneuver when standing up right, as well a side bar with wheels making pulling even easier.
My wife hates travelling with me because golf clubs come on every trip.
Thank You Ping!

5 stars to the SM ClubGlider especially when used with the Bag Boy Backbone (easily the best of the stiff arm devices). With any soft sided case these backbone/stiff arm supports are virtually mandatory, and should be included with all the bags.
My wife and I have travelled extensively with just one (original model) ClubGlider. With all driver and FW heads removed and packed separately, and when we each drop 1 or 2 clubs out of our sets both sets fit in my Ping Pioneer cart bag. All golf balls, rangefinders, etc go in our carry ons.. Total weight of the ClubGlider itself, the Ping Pioneer cart bag, one ‘sunday’ bag, two 12 -13 club sets and a couple of pairs of golf shoes each is just around 50 lbs.. PERFECT!

Which brings me to my only criticism of this excellent but predictable review, and that is, why not list their weights? The ClubGlider is absolutely fantastic in terms of maneuverability but even empty it weighs a similar amount to some hard cases. I’d give serious consideration to a different bag if it functions decently but offers more weight capacity.
Oh, and a huge shoutout to Sun Mountain’s customer service. After baggage handlers managed to bend the axle on one of its main “in line skate” rear wheels, they sent me replacement parts promptly and very reasonably. This is a huge part of the reason I’ve been and remain a loyal SM customer.

Bob T

Unfortunately, none of these bags adhere to the mandate that most airlines have for a hard sided case. A friend loaded his soft case with new TaylorMades last year for a buddies golf trip, only to have Delta break the driver and 3 wood plus damage his 5 wood. It looked like something ran over the bag., Delta refused to pay as they stipulate a hard case to provide for any claims of damage. It was a hard lesson. I have two older molded cases that I use and have never had an issue in the 15 years I have had them.

Claude Brist

I’ve had the Sun Mountain ClubGlider for about 10 years. This followed a number of soft side and hard shell models. Nothing comes close to the ClubGlider! Moving all of our luggage through an airport has been a challenge as my wife has hip and shoulder issues. The ClubGlider can be pushed with one finger and “glides“ with ease. I haven’t found packing it to be an issue. Don’t waste your money on the rest, buy the best.

Dave Tutelman

You explained why the hard case is unnecessary. The reason it’s dead is a little different. It’s a TRAVEL case, meaning you are going somewhere with it. OK, what do you do with it when you get there? You can’t leave it in your rental car, because it takes up too much space. You can’t keep it in an airport locker for the same reason. That’s why it’s dead.

Harry Nodwell

Technology has evolved and more and more companies have stopped making them. We have tested many hard cases throughout the years and we have found that a good majority or them break on impact especially if it’s on a corner of something firm. A soft, but durable material can provide more protection than a hard case and absorb impacts substantially better.

Steve C

Hard to believe the Club Glove Last Bag came in 7th. I love mine and can’t imagine anything that much better. How were the points computed?

Have you tried the Sun Mountain ClubGlider? You will see the difference when you compare the two

Dr Tee

can’t believe the Clubglove XL isn’t in your top 5. There’s a reason it’s the #1 most wanted–coupled with a “stiff arm” to protect the tops of the clubs this travel bag is bulletproof. I’ve had mine and travelled with it all over the world for > 15 years. Still looks like new, immense capacity for extra clothes and shoes.

Charles W Keller

I’ve taken my Sun Mountain ClubGlider to Scotland, England, Hawaii, Carmel by the Sea, and it’s never failed me. It’s such a workhorse I pile other luggage on top of it to glide through the airport. Take the head off your driver, put covers on all your clubs, get one of those Bag Boy Backbone things to keep it all stiff and you’re good to go.

Kansas King

You can’t really go wrong with any travel bag assuming your using one of those Club Glove stiff arms or similar. I bought a $50 nylon travel bag with good padding around the top of the bag a number of years ago and have had no issues on planes. I agree that the winning bag with the better roller design is a benefit assuming it doesn’t add too much bulk. For those considering buying hard-shell cases to travel with, DON’T! It’s all fun and games until you try and put it in a car and realize they don’t fit. Keep in mind that your bag will probably need to fit into a rental car.

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Driver Ping G30	Hybrids PXG 0317
3/4 IRON PXG 0311XF	5-GW Srixon Z 565
SW PXG 0317	LW PXG 0311
Putter EVNROLL

Golf Bags

MGS Tested: TRAVEL BAGS OF 2020

2020 TRAVEL BAG BUYER’S GUIDE

How We Test

Our Metrics

BEST PACKING - Club Glove Last Bag XL Pro Tour

FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU

Maneuverability

Protection

Durability

EXPERT TIP - Lock Your Travel Bag

The Best Travel Bag 2020 - Features

BEST PROTECTION - Ogio Mutant

More Tips

EXPERT TIP - Weight

GET FIT FOR YOUR GAME WITH TRUEGOLFFIT™

The Best Travel Bag 2020 - Results

BEST MANEUVERABILITY - Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series

The Best Travel Bags of 2020 – FAQ

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comments

Jim

Andy

Steve (the real one, pithy and insufferable)

Steve (the real one, pithy and insufferable)

Lakeside Steve

Genny Wright

Jay

Brad

Tom the Golf Nut

RI_Redneck

Jonathan

SCOTTYD

U.B

Lakeside Steve

Bob T

Claude Brist

Dave Tutelman

Harry Nodwell

Steve C

Harry Nodwell

Dr Tee

Charles W Keller

Kansas King

Leave A Reply

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