2020 Cart Bag Buyer’s Guide
How would you improve your cart bag? More storage, easier access to important pockets, new features or perhaps a total reimagination of the golf bag?
Among the best cart bags for 2020, you’ll find some of all of the above and then some. This season’s offerings feature subtle upgrades to steady performers, significant improvements to under-performers of the past and some features that are, shall we say, unique. With the variety of bags on the market, we’re confident there’s absolutely something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to buy a cart bag today, looking for some buying advice or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, we’re here to help.






Best Waterproof Bag - Cobra UltraDry
If you frequently play in wet conditions, the Cobra UltraDry may be your best bet. Like most waterproof bags, its zippers tend to be little harder to open and the orientation of the pockets emphasizes keeping water out over ease of access. Still many will find that a little inconvenience is worth it for a bag that's 100% waterproof.
Cart Bag Features That Matter
Storage
While the quantity of storage is an obvious consideration, for many golfers, more isn’t always better. While the best cart bags for 2020 feature ample storage, it’s important to consider your individual needs. If you don’t carry training aids, an abundance of miscellaneous stuff or play in a climate where rain is seldom a factor, you may be able to forgo some storage space in favor of weight savings or other features. Golfers who find themselves frequently challenged by the elements will not only need space for a rain suit, waterproof hat and rain gloves, but you should also consider a lined isolation pocket that allows you to keep the wet gear away from the rest of your bag.
Water-bottle pockets should be easily accessible and large enough to accommodate as much water as you need. With insulated pockets, bigger is almost always better, especially if you’re a constant snacker.
Magnetic closures have become the standard for GPS pockets. They provide easier access to your device while eliminating the need to clip one more thing to your bag.
For those looking for the absolute maximum functional storage a cart bag can offer, there’s no better option than the Ping DLX. It’s a larger bag best suited for riding carts, however. Push-cart users and other golfers looking for plenty of storage with less bulk should consider the Ogio Convoy SE.

Nevr Looz - Club Security For Life
If you're put off by the sound of your clubs clanking around, Nevr Looz has the solution. The unique design features a system of clips that hold each of your clubs snugly in place (even when the bag is upside down). While you will have to sacrifice some storage and accessibility, the Nevr Looz does offer a large ball pocket, along with two putter wells.
Dividers
Typically, cart bags offer between 14 and 16 individual slots. Some bags offer multiple dedicated putter wells. While few of us keep two putters in the bag, the extra spot can provide alternative storage for your driver or perhaps a ball retriever.
The best cart bags for 2020 feature tightly pulled individual liners. These designs pose fewer problems than partial or loose liners, which are more prone to snagging. While many divider configurations look similar, some make it much easier to pull clubs in and out of the bag.
If club organization and snag-free access to your gear are your primary concerns, the Ping Pioneer and the Titleist 15 are the best of the best.
Cart Strap Pass-Through
For frequent riders and many push-cart users, the cart strap pass-through is a necessity. Assuming a competent bag design, a pass-through channel helps ensure full access to all your pockets when the bag is on a cart. Bags without pass-throughs force the straps to hug the pockets, which invariably limits access, rendering some pockets almost entirely inaccessible.
PING bags, most notably the Pioneer, feature a flawless implementation of a strap pass-through. The Srixon Z85 is also excellent in this regard.

The Transrover - All In One
If you're looking for the ultimate in convenience, the Transrover might be for you. A push cart and bag in one, Transrover offers enough storage for essential items along with a cooler pocket cleverly placed between its two sets of individual club compartments.
The Best Cart Bag For 2020 - Features
Product | Weight | Dividers | Pockets | Zipper Pockets | Cart Strap Passthrough | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 6.5 | 14 | 12 | 10 | YES |
![]() | Big Max Aqua Sport 2 Check Price | 6.4 | 15 | 7 | 7 | NO |
![]() | Callaway Org 14 Check Price | 6.2 | 14 | 13 | 9 | YES |
![]() | Cleveland CG Check Price | 5.2 | 14 | 8 | 8 | NO |
![]() | Cobra Ultradry Cart Check Price | 5.9 | 15 | 7 | 7 | YES |
![]() | Datrek DG Lite II Check Price | 5.3 | 15 | 7 | 7 | YES |
![]() | Datrek Lite Rider Pro Check Price | 6 | 15 | 7 | 7 | YES |
![]() | BagBoy Shield Check Price | 6.2 | 14 | 10 | 8 | NO |
![]() | Datrek Transit Check Price | 7.6 | 14 | 8 | 8 | NO |
![]() | Inesis Check Price | 6.6 | 15 | 8 | 6 | NO |
![]() | Izzo Ultra Lite Check Price | 3.7 | 14 | 6 | 6 | NO |
![]() | Nevr Looz Check Price | 8.9 | 15 | 14 | 9 | YES |
![]() | Ogio Convoy SE Check Price | 6.7 | 14 | 15 | 11 | YES |
![]() | Ping DLX Check Price | 8 | 15 | 9 | 8 | YES |
![]() | Ping Pioneer Check Price | 6.9 | 15 | 14 | 11 | YES |
![]() | Ping Traverse Check Price | 6.2 | 14 | 11 | 9 | YES |
![]() | Srixon Z85 Check Price | 6.3 | 14 | 10 | 9 | YES |
![]() | Sun Mountain C130 Check Price | 7.6 | 14 | 13 | 9 | YES |
![]() | Titleist 15 Check Price | 7.3 | 15 | 11 | 9 | YES |
![]() | Tour Edge EXS Xtreme Check Price | 5.5 | 15 | 10 | 9 | NO |
![]() | Transrover Check Price | 22.3 | 14 | 13 | 13 | YES |
![]() | XXIO Lightweight Check Price | 6.3 | 4 | 7 | 7 | NO |
![]() | XXIO Transport Check Price | 9.9 | 5 | 8 | 8 | NO |
EXPERT TIP - Zippered Access to the Bottom of the Bag
About half of the bags we tested offer a zipper that provides access to the bottom of the bag. If you sometimes accidentally drop stuff between your dividers or if you have sensors attached to your grips, it's an especially useful feature.
More Tips
- Don’t just count pockets. Consider the quality and functionality of the storage space. A pocket with limited accessibility has next-to-no value. Look for pockets that are easily accessible and can hold everything you need them to hold.
- Do you carry a GPS or rangefinder? While many will choose to keep it in the cart with them, the best cart bags of 2020 have a thoughtfully placed magnetic pocket to provide easy access to your preferred electronic distance-measuring device.
- If you have an oversize putter grip, a separate putter well is beneficial. Be sure the bag you choose can accommodate the diameter of your putter grip.
- If you frequently play courses with limited or no water stations, consider a bag with dual water bottle pouches or larger insulated pockets.
- While waterproof bags can help, if your bag gets wet over the course of a round, wipe it down, empty it completely and put it in a warm place. Allow it to fully dry before using it.
- A bag’s color will fade. To help retain its original color longer, keep it out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
The Best Cart Bags 2020 - Results
Product | Storage | Style | Weight | Features | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Ping Pioneer Check Price | 2nd | 1st | 6th | 2nd | 95 |
![]() | Ping DLX Check Price | 3rd | 2nd | 20th | 1st | 93.5 |
![]() | Ping Traverse Check Price | 7th | 3rd | 6th | 3rd | 92 |
![]() | Srixon Z85 Check Price | 4th | 5th | 6th | 4th | 91 |
![]() | Ogio Convoy SE Check Price | 1st | 11th | 6th | 6th | 90.5 |
![]() | Titleist 15 Check Price | 4th | 3rd | 17th | 6th | 90.5 |
![]() | Sun Mountain C130 Check Price | 4th | 5th | 17th | 6th | 89.5 |
![]() | Callaway Org 14 Check Price | 7th | 8th | 6th | 12th | 87.5 |
![]() | XXIO Lightweight Check Price | 11th | 5th | 6th | 9th | 86.5 |
![]() | Cleveland CG Check Price | 18th | 14th | 2nd | 9th | 84.5 |
![]() | Tour Edge EXS Xtreme Check Price | 18th | 14th | 2nd | 12th | 84 |
![]() | BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 11th | 14th | 6th | 14th | 82.5 |
![]() | Cobra Ultradry Cart Check Price | 11th | 8th | 2nd | 17th | 82.5 |
![]() | Datrek DG Lite II Check Price | 9th | 14th | 2nd | 17th | 82.5 |
![]() | XXIO Transport Check Price | 15th | 8th | 22nd | 14th | 81 |
![]() | Transrover Check Price | 22nd | 11th | 23rd | 5th | 80 |
![]() | Datrek Lite Rider Pro Check Price | 10th | 19th | 6th | 19th | 79.5 |
![]() | Datrek Transit Check Price | 15th | 18th | 17th | 16th | 79.5 |
![]() | Nevr Looz Check Price | 21st | 21st | 20th | 9th | 79.5 |
![]() | Big Max Aqua Sport 2 Check Price | 18th | 11th | 6th | 21st | 78.5 |
![]() | Inesis Check Price | 14th | 21st | 6th | 19th | 78 |
![]() | BagBoy Shield Check Price | 15th | 19th | 6th | 21st | 77.5 |
![]() | Izzo Ultra Lite Check Price | 23rd | 21st | 1st | 23rd | 73 |
Best Cart Bags of 2020 – FAQ
Q: How much should I spend on a bag?
A: While there’s no definitive answer, we’ve found well-designed, fully featured cart bags for avid golfers generally start at $159.99, with the majority of our top choices being in the $250-$300 range. The cost of some bags within the category approaches $450. Golfers who play just a few times a year may be able to find a suitable offering for less.
Q: Do I need an insulated pocket?
A: You may be able to get by without an insulated pocket. However, if you’re on the course for the full 18 and travel with a selection of snacks, an insulated pocket is essential. In general, when it comes to insulated pockets, bigger is better.






Q: Should I buy a bag from one of the big equipment brands?
A: While it’s true that the top performers in our tests often come from names you know, many equipment OEMs source their bags from third parties like Sun Mountain and Vessel. However, rarely do these white-label offerings match the performance of the top bags in the supplier’s own lineup.
Q: Does the cart strap pass-through matter?
A: The short answer is yes. Cart strap pass-throughs ensure access to key storage spaces within the bag (assuming the bag is otherwise well designed).
Q: Do dividers really matter on a cart bag?
A: Dividers are one of the most important features. Dividers that don’t have much space between each slot will cause snagging when taking your clubs out. Spaced-out dividers allow for easy extraction of your clubs.
Alf.S
3 weeks agoBeing in the UK cart bags usually mean we use them on electric trolleys. The 2 features which I always find important are having a key on the bottom that fits in with most common trolleys and stops them twisting. But the most infuriating issue I find is the umbrella holder. In a lot of cart bags are at the back which means when you put them on a trolley they snag on the holding brackets. I have an i-cart bag which the umbrella point holder is right on the bottom bracket, once you take it out you can’t put it back unless you release the bag and remount.
Max Johnson
5 months agoGreta unbiased data as always. One thing Id like to ask for next years ratings: Can you add in some of the more inexpensive options that you can find online at sites like Amazon, Overstock, etc? $200 is just never going to happen for me and a bag, and I suspect Im not alone
They have bags from companies I have heard of (Hot-Z, Ram) and companies Ive never heard of (Eagole, ProSimmon) that seem to have many of the features of the rest of these bags at a sub $125 price point. They all come with reviews, but as we all know, user reviews are not always to be believed, and its be nice to see some trustworthy, nbiased opinionation. I mean, if you can.
Also, I’ve always been a “swim against the stream” kind of guy, but Ive recently found myself thinking about tryig to go back to a 4 or 5 way divider. I have a Datrek right now (that I paid a decent chunk for about 5 or 6 years ago) and it has 14 way full length dividers and it seems like theyre more trouble than any of my older bags ever were. I dunno. The probability of me being in the minority is always pretty high
Chad
7 months agoThe only bag I would own is the Titleist 15 Cart bag. The rest look like my kids’ backpacks. Looks alone…Titleist all the way!
Jeremy R
9 months agoPlease consider standing stability when reviewing cart bags. Although not a primary function of the bag as it belongs in a cart; nearly everyone has to take their bags our of the car. The most frustrating thing about any bag for me is this standing stability. I’m nearly happy with my ORG14, but the thing has toppled over more times than I can count and I don’t feel like leaning metal clubs against my car to keep them from falling over. I was seriously considering the Ping Pioneer based on this Buyer’s Guide, but after reading the reviews on Ping’s website, this was a major complaint of that bag. Maybe it’s silly to want this from a cart bag, but it’s a major annoyance for me getting ready to go out.
Tyler
9 months agoHow did the Cobra Ultralight, which took 2nd last year, not make it into the test this year?
anakanis
9 months agocan anyone tell me if the ping pioneer has a zipper on the bottom of the bag like to get things out in case you drop something inside the bag itself
Nick
9 months agoIt has a zip in the long pocket so you can get into the bottom of the bag to retrieve anything that fell in
Nick
9 months agoCan you do an adjunct/alternative test for a push/electric trolley bags? The Pioneer is an amazing bag but is a little narrow for a trolley.
John
9 months ago2nd that request!
P.J.
9 months agoSo many people buy bags to match their clubs – but I’ve had a version of Ping Pioneer for the last 8 years or so – not a single Ping club in the bag.
Can’t say enough about how great these bags are! One bonus feature that I love is the key ring holder inside one of the side pockets. No looking for keys after your round! Genius!!
George
9 months agoI was like you a couple years ago….never owned a Ping club but love my Pioneer. Then I found that they put the same thoughtful, not gimmicky, design into their clubs. Now, 11 of my 14 clubs are Ping….and each purchase was made with a full fitting in a brand-agnostic manner. Even their gloves are great! I guess you could call me an accidental Ping fanboy.
THOMAS
9 months agoMGS 2020 – Ping, Ping and more Ping ?
TheBrad
9 months agoSo what?
Whitey
5 months agoWhat
MIGregb
9 months agoI have a 6 year old Sun Mountain C130 that I still love. I can’t imagine how much nicer/better the other bags are for the C130 to be ranked only 7th! Good article, as usual.
Larry Hill
9 months agoExcellent as always
LABillyboy
9 months agoI’d love to see the insulated pocket as a statistic… how many 12 oz. cans will it hold? I had a Callaway bag that would hold 12+. and ice…
slograd97
9 months agoI love my ALPHA CONVOY 514 RTC BAG. Its great for both riding or with a push cart., and because it has legs, I can take the bag to the dricing range without having to lean it against something laying it on the ground. Also, I like that the carry strap is on the front of the bag instead of the back, and the strap can be stowed away during play so it doesn’t get in the way during play.
Thinh T.
9 months agoStroked to be on this list. It’s a good sign when MGS tells you they like your product but don’t know where to put you because they don’t have a category for you.
shortside
9 months agoBag Boy Defender paired with the Bag Boy Quad XL push cart. Bit of an investment yes. Plenty of storage and NO straps to deal with. Probably the only golf equipment I own that won’t be changed……..At least until I take the deep dive into a powered hand cart.
Ryan Blair
9 months agoOK – now we have:
Stand bags reviewed – Check
Cart Bags reviewed – Check
Pull Cart bags – ?????
Can we look sat the best bags for pull carts???
Vandal_DO
9 months agoThis is a test that I would also be interested in. I really like my current setup from Sun Mountain but I’m always interested in some data.
Harry Nodwell
9 months agoWe have thought about this test before. Every bag is different and so is every cart. To match every cart on the market with every bag would take a while. Once we have more time and space to conduct this test, we will consider bring this test to life.
Kloppo
9 months agoI think Sun Mountain have their bags optimized for their push carts, they click in or something. Anyone know any more about this?
Vandal_DO
9 months agoKloppo, Sun Mountain have the Sync bag that is designed for push cart use but it doesn’t click in. The base is shaped to sit on the cart flush. I’ve been rolling it on a Speed Cart GT for 2 seasons now and it’s the perfect set up. I had the Access bag and OG Speed Cart before that.
Rene
9 months agoMost bags fit no problem on push carts. My 2017 Ping DLX fits on a Clicgear 3.0. Clicgear makes a bag booster as an add to give more clearance to the front wheel if needed.
Kevin Ryan
9 months agoInteresting. I have the pioneer by Ping and the Bagboy Chiller. The Pioneer is a fantastic bag no doubt. There is however a difference between a great bag for a riding cart and a great bag for a pushcart. I tend to use a pushcart since I prefer to walk. I switched from the Pioneer to the Chiller because I have a bagboy triswivel cart. The Toplock feature solves one of the most frustrating things about a pushcart. That is the gradual turning of the bag throughout the round. The Toplock allows the bag to stay locked in place preventing rotation.
If I were riding the Pioneer would be my choice as I love the magnetic easy open pocket and the Laser rangefinder picket. The chiller can hold 6 beers though if you are into that!
shortside
9 months agoCan’t agree more on the Toplock. Straps and clasps eventually fail. Only a question of when. A great innovation IMHO.
Kevin Ryan
9 months agoTrue that. My outfit will be complete when I add the e-wheels V2 to my bagboy triswivel. It’s on order but hasn’t arrived yet. They say June.
Glynn
9 months agoFully agree. I was lucky to find that there some manufacturers like Bennington make Euro Spec Bags which basically means they turn the top 180 degrees. This makes them ideal for going on a buggy.
Tom D.
9 months agoTop-Lok is top notch, the only way to fly. In addition to Bagboy, Datrek bags also have this feature. Love my Datrek on my Bagboy quad. The other great feature of the Bagboy carts is the beverage holder — my Yeti fits perfectly.