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 | |
Callaway 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 |
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.
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
4 years ago
Good 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.