2021 Stand Bag Buyer’s Guide
Are you in the market for a new stand bag? Or just want to add another to your collection? If so, we have you covered with the Best Stand Bags of 2021!
This has been our most comprehensive stand bag test to date. It was comprised of 39 different models from 24 OEMs, ensuring you get the best advice possible based on our review of the majority of the stand bags on the market.
The stand bag category has expanded from the traditional slim design to hybrid and ultra-slim categories, making your buying decision even tougher.
That’s where we come in. We have identified which bag is best in each category to suit your personal preference.
Keep reading to find out what to look for when purchasing a new stand bag.
PXG Hybrid - Best Storage Stand Bag 2021
The PXG Hybrid has a tour look about it. Its cross between stand and cart makes it appealing but its storage is where it shines. You can throw the kitchen sink in there and still have room for more items. Its leather exterior makes it easy to wipe down on those rainy summer days.
The Best Stand Bags of 2021 – What to Look For
Storage
When it comes to storage, more is often better—provided it’s usable. 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 of 2021 have well-designed pockets that don’t intrude on one another. 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. Bags like the PING Hoofer and Hoofer 14 have water bottle holders that remain upright whether on your back or standing up, avoiding leakage. When it comes to insulated pockets, bigger is typically better, especially if you’re a frequent snacker.
Golfers looking to maximize storage should consider the PXG Hybrid.
Titleist Hybrid 14 - Best Hybrid Bag 2021
For those who want to carry one day and ride the next, the Titleist Hybrid 14 has you covered. Its large front and expandable side pockets allows you to pack your essentials including a beverage or two. Its reenforced stand will stand the test of time and saving you some money in the process.
Dividers
As with pockets, more dividers aren’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, four- to six-way dividers typically prove more functional. Keep in mind that every divider eats up precious space (and adds weight) and, as the count increases, so does the likelihood of clubs snagging as you pull them out. A well-designed top keeps your clubs separated and prevents snagging while still providing good organization.
We find the dividers offered by the PING Hoofer and the TaylorMade FlexTech to be exceptionally functional.
Comfort
While it sounds obvious enough, comfort is a huge part of carrying. The best stand bags of 2021 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 Maxfli Air are among the most comfortable bags for walkers.
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 3.3lbs, 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.
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 nine.
For those who push or ride, weight should be less of a concern. If the bag is rarely on your back, go for the increased storage, additional features and more versatile tops found in hybrid bags.
Cart users looking for a cross between stand and cart bags should consider the Titleist 14 and PXG Hybrid.
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 the legs are a critical part of what makes a great stand bag. Once your bag is fully packed with equipment, the stand needs to be sturdy and durable. The best stand bags of 2021 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 on the PING models and the Vessel Player III DXR.
THE BEST STAND BAGS 2021 - FEATURES
| Product | Weight | Dividers | Pockets | Colors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 7 | 14 | 8 | 5 |
 | Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Check Price | 5.2 | 14 | 7 | 7 |
 | Callaway Hyper Lite Zero Check Price | 3.4 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
 | Cleveland Stand Check Price | 5.8 | 14 | 8 | 4 |
 | Cobra UltraDry Pro Check Price | 4.12 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
 | Cobra Ultralight Check Price | 5.1 | 5 | 8 | 6 |
 | Datrek Go Lite Hybrid Check Price | 5.14 | 14 | 6 | 8 |
 | Inesis Light Check Price | 4.14 | 5 | 6 | 1 |
 | Inesis WaterProof Check Price | 5.11 | 14 | 5 | 1 |
 | Izzo Lite II Check Price | 5.11 | 6 | 8 | 1 |
 | Maxfli Air Check Price | 2.14 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
 | Maxfli Honors + 14 Way Check Price | 6.3 | 14 | 11 | 27 |
 | Mizuno K1-L0 Check Price | 2.15 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
 | Mizuno Tour 6 Check Price | 7.7 | 6 | 8 | 2 |
 | Motocaddy Hydroflex Check Price | 5.13 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
 | Nike Air Hybrid Check Price | 6.7 | 14 | 10 | 1 |
 | Nike Air Sport Check Price | 5.11 | 6 | 9 | 1 |
 | Nike Sport Lite Check Price | 4.7 | 5 | 6 | 1 |
 | Ogio Fuse Check Price | 4.7 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
 | PING Hoofer Check Price | 5.8 | 5 | 11 | 7 |
 | PING Hoofer 14 Check Price | 5.14 | 14 | 11 | 5 |
 | PING Hoofer Craz E Lite Check Price | 3.3 | 4 | 7 | 3 |
 | PING Hoofer Lite Check Price | 5.1 | 4 | 7 | 10 |
 | PING L8 Check Price | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
 | PXG Fairway Camo Check Price | 5.1 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
 | PXG Hybrid Check Price | 9.2 | 6 | 12 | 2 |
 | Sitich SL2 Check Price | 5.4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
 | Srixon Z Stand Check Price | 5.3 | 4 | 7 | 6 |
 | Sun Mountain 2.5+ Check Price | 3.2 | 4 | 6 | 9 |
 | Sun Mountain C-130 Check Price | 7.4 | 14 | 9 | 4 |
 | TaylorMade FlexTech Check Price | 5.6 | 5 | 8 | 2 |
 | TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover Check Price | 5.15 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
 | Taylormade FlexTech Lite Check Price | 5 | 4 | 7 | 4 |
 | Titleist Hybrid 14 Check Price | 6.12 | 14 | 9 | 6 |
 | Titleist Players 4 Carbon Check Price | 4.11 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
 | Vessel Player III DXR Check Price | 6.7 | 6 | 10 | 5 |
 | Wilson Staff EXO Check Price | 5.5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
 | XXIO Premium Check Price | 8.3 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
 | Zero Friction ZF Check Price | 5.3 | 6 | 7 | 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 Vessel Player III DXR offer an easily accessible magnetic pocket.
- While waterproof bags are good in rainy conditions, their pockets often require two hands to open and close.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 bag.
- Nylon is lighter but tends to retain grime. Stitch bags are made made from leather and easy to clean.
- Don’t just count pockets. 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.
- Tired of losing the your bag’s rain hood? Look at the PING Hoofer family with its integrated rain hood.
THE BEST STAND BAGS 2021 - RESULTS
| Product | Storage | Style | Weight | Walkability | Features | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PING Hoofer Check Price | 5th | 5th | 11th | 7th | 1st | 94.5 |
| Vessel Player III DXR Check Price | 9th | 5th | 25th | 5th | 2nd | 93 |
 | PING Hoofer Lite Check Price | 12th | 10th | 11th | 7th | 2nd | 92.5 |
| PING Hoofer 14 Check Price | 5th | 5th | 25th | 7th | 4th | 91 |
| PXG Fairway Camo Check Price | 9th | 1st | 11th | 23rd | 7th | 89.5 |
| TaylorMade FlexTech Check Price | 23rd | 12th | 11th | 5th | 7th | 88.5 |
| Taylormade FlexTech Lite Check Price | 23rd | 12th | 11th | 2nd | 13th | 88 |
| Titleist Hybrid 14 Check Price | 5th | 1st | 35th | 29th | 6th | 88 |
| Cobra Ultralight Check Price | 23rd | 12th | 11th | 14th | 7th | 87.5 |
| Srixon Z Stand Check Price | 12th | 12th | 11th | 18th | 11th | 87.5 |
| TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover Check Price | 17th | 12th | 25th | 18th | 4th | 87.5 |
| Titleist Players 4 Carbon Check Price | 30th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 15th | 87.5 |
| Sitich SL2 Check Price | 38th | 1st | 11th | 2nd | 11th | 87 |
| Motocaddy Hydroflex Check Price | 12th | 12th | 25th | 14th | 13th | 86.5 |
| PING Hoofer Craz E Lite Check Price | 35th | 21st | 3rd | 1st | 18th | 86 |
| PXG Hybrid Check Price | 1st | 1st | 40th | 35th | 7th | 86 |
| Sun Mountain 2.5+ Check Price | 30th | 10th | 3rd | 7th | 23rd | 86 |
| Cleveland Stand Check Price | 2nd | 24th | 11th | 29th | 15th | 85 |
| Cobra UltraDry Pro Check Price | 17th | 12th | 6th | 14th | 26th | 85 |
| Wilson Staff EXO Check Price | 17th | 24th | 11th | 23rd | 15th | 83.5 |
| Mizuno K1-L0 Check Price | 38th | 24th | 1st | 7th | 23rd | 82 |
| Ogio Fuse Check Price | 9th | 24th | 6th | 29th | 31st | 82 |
| Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Check Price | 23rd | 21st | 11th | 23rd | 31st | 81 |
| Inesis Light Check Price | 23rd | 35th | 6th | 23rd | 26th | 81 |
| PING L8 Check Price | 35th | 12th | 11th | 35th | 18th | 81 |
| Inesis WaterProof Check Price | 17th | 35th | 25th | 23rd | 21st | 80.5 |
| Maxfli Air Check Price | 38th | 24th | 1st | 2nd | 34th | 80.5 |
| Mizuno Tour 6 Check Price | 35th | 5th | 35th | 23rd | 21st | 80.5 |
| Sun Mountain C-130 Check Price | 2nd | 12th | 35th | 38th | 31st | 80 |
| Callaway Hyper Lite Zero Check Price | 12th | 24th | 3rd | 29th | 40th | 79.5 |
| Nike Sport Lite Check Price | 23rd | 35th | 6th | 7th | 37th | 79.5 |
| BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 5th | 24th | 35th | 40th | 23rd | 79 |
| Maxfli Honors + 14 Way Check Price | 32nd | 24th | 25th | 14th | 31st | 79 |
| Datrek Go Lite Hybrid Check Price | 2nd | 23rd | 25th | 29th | 37th | 78.5 |
| Izzo Lite II Check Price | 17th | 40th | 25th | 29th | 26th | 78.5 |
| Nike Air Hybrid Check Price | 23rd | 23rd | 25th | 14th | 34th | 78 |
| Nike Air Sport Check Price | 17th | 35th | 25th | 14th | 34th | 78 |
| XXIO Premium Check Price | 32nd | 23rd | 39th | 14th | 29th | 77.5 |
| Zero Friction ZF Check Price | 12th | 35th | 11th | 38th | 37th | 76 |
EXPERT TIP - You Don't Need 14 Way 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 2021 feature 4 to 6 dividers.
The Best Stand Bags of 2021 – FAQ
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 nine holes at a time can typically get away with a smaller insulated pocket.
Q: Can I use my stand bag on a cart or push cart?
A: The short answer is yes. Some bags, like PING, 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.
Q: How much does the strap system matter?
A: 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 Walk18Golf can dramatically improve comfort but add to the cost of your bag.
Q: Does the top matter?
A: Definitely. If you carry all the time, a four- or five-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- or 15-way tops are more prone to snagging and are much better suited to the push cart mafia and riders. Keep in mind that bags with four-way tops are, on average, two pounds lighter than those with 14-way tops.
Q: How much should I spend on a bag?
A: A well-designed, fully featured bag generally starts at $150 with the majority of the best stand bags for 2021 around the $250 range. Golfers who play just a few times a year may be able to find a suitable offering for a bit less.
Laban
1 week agoDoes the vessel come in a 14 way also? Or do they have a new one coming out? Also wondering if why in the Q&A section you said clubs are more prone to snagging with 14 way tops? Were the 14 way dividers not full length? I had last years Ping Hoofer in the 5 way top and I kept having trouble with the clubs going in all the way as they would snag
WyBob
2 weeks agoHarry: any chance you could update the Best Stand Bag to include the new Ogio Woode 8 Hybrid bag? The previous Woode club organizer was the best system I have found for someone who walks, pushes, and rides. Thanks in advance. Cheers…
Ryan O'Keefe
2 weeks agoJust had a look at this bag.. I like the dividers! Just wish the individual dividers were along the top.
Having them on the side isn’t going to stop the heads of the irons bumping into the graphite wood shafts constantly.
WYBob
2 weeks agoI have an older version of the Woode organizer bag called Black Ops- it has multiple ridges in the 4 iron and putter slots to help prevent chatter and the iron heads hitting the graphite shafts of the woods. The 4 dividers for wood slots are also higher than the 3 iron slots and the putter slot to further prevent the irons from striking the wood shafts. The new Woode system has even more pronounced ridges in the iron slots to hold the iron in place to prevent clubs from banging around. I have forged irons and they have received no chatter damage in the 2 years I have used the bag. Same for any marks on the shafts of the woods. Just FYI…
Giles
2 weeks agoAre there any stand bags with putter wells or perhaps good ways of retaining a mallet putter. A major frustration I have is how a mallet putter rests in my golf bag covering up a slot and getting in the way of slots when putting other clubs back in the bag
James
2 weeks agoI put mine with my driver & 3W. I also don’t use a cover for my putter to save space. Not ideal but it’s not a high priced model so I live with it.
Ryan
2 weeks agoPing is the best bag by far, but the 2021 model is the 2020 model with the addition of a USA bag, I need a new ping bag but because all the colors I like come in the hoofer 14, i guess I will have to wait for 2022. Pretty disappointed with Ping this year trying to pull a fast one on the consumer. Please tell me if im missing something
No one
2 weeks agoRyan, you’re not wrong. The designs tend to change very little. They just add colour-ways. It’s not just Ping; most/all manufacturers change little with the features of their bags each year. No question it’s no fun when the colour you want doesn’t show up, but that’s why there’s always “black”. 🙂
Tyler
2 weeks agoIt makes total sense to base a stand bag on 18 hole carry-ability, the stand system, etc.. but one thing I’d love to see more of is an assessment on how standbags do while being used with carts. In my anecdotal experience, everyone I know uses stand bags, but ride in carts 95% of the time. I tried going to a cart bag but hated it when it would fall over on the range with a small gust of wind or an uneven lie. I guess I should be looking into the ‘hybrid’ sector but stand bags have the dominant availability and practicality. Love the content and thanks to the team for the great analysis
DA
2 weeks agoI’m with you, but I want a cart bag with legs on it. So when I’m in a practice area, the bag doesn’t tip over. The only time I will carry the bag is to and from the parking lot, so I don’t care about the legs and the strap being on the same side.
The legs don’t even have to pop out automatically.
Every time I post this, somebody posts, “get a hybrid bag”. But with hybrid bags, the shorter clubs are stored on the legs side of the bag and the woods on the front side. So if the hybrid bag is mounted on a riding or push cart, then the taller clubs are in the front and the shorter are in the back., which doesn’t work. Also, hybrid bags don’t have the same number of pockets in the front of bag as cart bags, let alone a magnetic pocket. 99% of these hybrid bags have the useless big handle at the top of bag, where they could put more pockets.
Louisville Golf sells a wooden “bag stand”, especially a cross brace that one can lean a bag on, I’m thinking about getting one of those.
Mat
2 weeks agoWhat I’d like to see is a “cart” bag that has a small “receiver” / half-inch “cup” built into the plastic top rim. Something that would allow your two alignment rods to hold your bag steady at the range.
Your other option is to put an alignment rod through your umbrella holder, into the ground. That should do the trick. Unfortunately, the point of alignment rods is to be available at the range, but sometimes, it’s a choice…
nic
2 weeks agoIt worries me that I have the exact bag pictured aa the best stand bag of 2021, down to the colorway….
Love it so far..
TomInSC
2 weeks agoDoes ANYONE make a bag to be carried by lefties? Sun Mtn used to but don’t know if they still do. Before them Datrek made one.
Lefty
2 weeks agoYep sun Mtn still does a lefty.. 3.5 in black. Only model, only color, only company….that’s not custom build$$$
FLsouthpaw
2 weeks agoI think you missed out, not adding the Jones line to your analysis. I have the Trouper, and feel like it is a solid option to compare this group of bags. Wonder what the inclusion criteria was.
Harry Nodwell
2 weeks agoWe invited Jones Golf to participate but they declined.
Kevin
2 weeks agoI’m surprised that club tangle isn’t mentioned in your review of the Ping Hoofer. I purchased last years model based on your review and stopped using it because the tangle issue was so bad. Did Ping change to full length dividers in 2021, or make any improvements? In the forums many others have the same complaint, so I don’t think that it’s just me.
Dom
2 weeks agoI agree. As soon as you pack something significant into the side pockets of the Hoofer, the club tangle was awful. I resold mine after a few rounds. MGS’s old Sunday bag recommendation, the Burton ULT has been a worthy successor. It’s lighter, doesn’t have any tangle, and works well on my ClicGear.
Brian McMullen
2 weeks agoI bought one based on last year’s review as well… the tangle problem is real!
Jesse Perez
2 weeks agoSeriously! The tangle drives me insane! I also bought the 2020 hoofer based on the recommendation from last years review. It’s a wonderful bag otherwise. I wonder if the 14 is any better on the tangle. I’m thinking about trying out the Ogio Woode stand bag. My previous bag was an old Ogio and I loved the way the openings organized my clubs.
Brian McMullen
2 weeks agoMine is a 14… so no…
Bucky CC
2 weeks agoWish there was a category for how these bags work with push carts. While the TaylorMade Flextech Crossover was only slight above average in the weight and walkability rankings it’s been nearly perfect for me on my push cart the last 2 years.
Great review as always though!
Brian McMullen
2 weeks agoAgree… my Hoofer is OK, but without the stand-bag adapter on my ClicGear, it won’t stay straight.
Justin Clevett
2 weeks agoSame here. I have decent cart and stand bags but would love to get some more details on beat bags for clic/rovic. Would be good recco to match up best bags with best carts.
Cam
2 weeks agoThis is the one thing I’ll break from MGS on and hopefully this comment is valuable to someone. 14 way dividers have saved me numerous times from leaving a club on a hole. I’ll go to my bag see a spot where the club is missing and then sprint to the previous hole. It will snag if you pull the club and walk away all in one motion but this hasn’t been an issue for me with my Titleist 14 way.
Adam
2 weeks agoI know it was a tight race fit 1st, but I gotta say I think the Vessel bag should’ve been higher than 5th for style or the hoofer should’ve been lower. I’ve had both within the last year and get far more compliments on the vessel bag than I did with the hoofer. Not even close in my opinion.
Steve
2 weeks agoThanks for this thorough assessment. I am in the market for a bag that can double as a cart and carry bag. The new Vessel seems to fill the bill, but the price point makes me balk as well as its frequent backorder status – which means my golfing brethren are not balking like me, lol. I have read that Titleist has a Hybrid 5 bag that is supposed to be a good “hybrid” for walkers and riders without resorting to a 14 divider bag, but its availability and inclusion on their website has been lacking. Regardless, thx for the write up.
Harry Nodwell
2 weeks agoHi Steve,
You are right. A hybrid bag is the bag you are looking for. However, like you said, hybrid bags are predominately 14 way bags. You can find some 5-6 way hybrid bags but sometimes they’re hard to come by.
Cliff
2 weeks agoTitleist has a 2021 hybrid 14 and 5 bag so you can choose either top. I chose 5 because it’s 2 pounds lighter. You have to search their 2021 catalog or probably call customer service to see where ot find it.
Ryan
2 weeks agoI just got the Titleist Hybrid 5 bag, and so far I like it. Worth checking out, for sure.
Steve
2 weeks agoThanks for the quick responses, guys. Appreciate it. This bag may fill the bill at a more reasonable price point.
Mark Bau
2 weeks agoI have a 4 month old Titleist Hybrid 5 stand bag and could not recommend it. When carrying it by the single shoulder strap the lags dangle down and end up getting wrapped around my legs. When I use the full harness the same thing sometimes happens depending on how loose or tight the should strap is and the arrangement of the clubs in the bag. Neither the retailer or Titleist seemed interested in rectifying the problem as they say there is nothing wrong with it. I’m definitely in the market for a stand bag whose legs don’t dangle down and get caught in my legs so your review is of great interest to me.
MN Nice
2 weeks agoI upgraded from the Sun Mountain 14-Way 4.5 LS stand bag to the Vessel Player III and it’s absolute luxury! The bag is so much nicer in every way, totally high quality. And the stand functionality is superb. The Sun Mountain constantly fell off my Clicgear push cart with the wonky leg stand piece that stuck out. This sits nice and flush. And looks amazing.
Jim
2 weeks agoI have the SM 4.5 14 way and simply use a spare golf towel on the top bracket of my Clicgear push cart to help hold the back in place. Works pretty well with only minor turning of the bag during the round. The towel allows the SM leg set up to sit more securely in the cart.
Joe
2 weeks agoClicgear has a thing called CLICGEAR BAG COZY that works well with stand bags. Keeps your bag from moving all over the place with a push cart. Works good