2022 Stand Bag Buyer’s Guide
Golfers who like to walk need a stand bag. A couple of reasons: weight and the fact it stands up on its own. You might sacrifice a little storage compared to a cart bag but who needs to pack the kitchen sink?
This year, we tested 38 different bags from 21 different OEMs, ensuring we provide the best possible advice for you. 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.
Winner – Vessel Player III DXR
The Best Stand Bags of 2022 – 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 2022 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. The Vessel Player III DXR also has two water bottle holders that expand in use and collapse when not in use for a sleek look. 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 Titleist Hybrid 14.
BEST HYBRID STAND BAG - Titleist Hybrid 14
The Titleist Hybrid 14 is crowned the best hybrid bag of 2022. If you want to carry everything and then some, this bag has you covered. It also has a wide divider system that allows the clubs to be inserted and taken out without snagging.
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 Vessel Player III DXR and the Titleist Hybrid 14 to be exceptionally functional.
Comfort
While it sounds obvious enough, comfort is a huge part of carrying. The best stand bags of 2022 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 Srixon Nimbus Ultra Light are among 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 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. The lightest bag in the test was the Mizuno K1-L0 at 3.1 pounds.
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 2022 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.
BEST WALKING STAND BAG - Srixon Ultra Light
If you're looking for the easiest bag to carry, look no further than the Srixon Nimbus Ultra Light. Weighing in at 3.3 lbs it is one of the lightest bags on your bag to the extent you don't know it's on your back. Trust me you won't be disappointed.
BEST STAND BAGS OF 2022 - FEATURES
Product | Weight | Dividers | Pockets | Colors | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 7.0 lb | 14 | 6 | 5 | |
BIG MAX Dri Lite Hybrid Tour Check Price | 6.2 lb | 14 | 7 | 7 | |
Big Max Dri Lite 7 Check Price | 4.1 lb | 4 | 4 | 8 | |
Bridgestone Premium Stand Bag Check Price | 6.4 lb | 14 | 6 | 1 | |
Bridgestone Waterproof Stand Bag Check Price | 5.0 lb | 4 | 5 | 1 | |
Callaway Fairway + Check Price | 5.1 lb | 4 | 6 | 14 | |
Callaway Fairway C Check Price | 4.8 lb | 4 | 6 | 14 | |
Cobra Ultralight Pro Stand Bag Check Price | 5.1 lb | 4 | 7 | 4 | |
Cobra Ultralight Pro+ Stand Bag Check Price | 5.7 lb | 5 | 9 | 4 | |
Datrek Carry Lite Check Price | 4.7 lb | 4 | 6 | 6 | |
Datrek Go Lite Hybrid Check Price | 5.9 lb | 14 | 6 | 8 | |
Jones Classic Stand Bag Check Price | 5.3 lb | 3 | 8 | 4 | |
Mizuno BR-D4 Check Price | 6.0 lb | 6 | 11 | 4 | |
Mizuno BR-DX Check Price | 6.6 lb | 14 | 12 | 4 | |
Mizuno BR-D3 Check Price | 4.5 lb | 4 | 8 | 5 | |
Mizuno K1-L0 Check Price | 3.1 lb | 4 | 5 | 4 | |
Motocaddy Hydro Flex Check Price | 5.8 lb | 5 | 5 | 3 | |
Nike Air Hybrid 2 GB Check Price | 6.3 lb | 14 | 8 | 1 | |
Nike Air Sport 2 GB Check Price | 5.3 lb | 4 | 6 | 1 | |
PING Hoofer Check Price | 5.4 lb | 5 | 7 | 8 | |
PING Hoofer 14 Check Price | 5.6 lb | 14 | 6 | 6 | |
PING craz-e-lite Check Price | 3.2 lb | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
PING Hoofer Lite Check Price | 5.1 lb | 5 | 5 | 18 | |
Srixon Ultra Light Check Price | 3.3 lb | 6 | 5 | 3 | |
Stitch SL2 Check Price | 5.5 lb | 4 | 4 | 3 | |
Sun Mountain 2.5+ Check Price | 3.2 lb | 4 | 6 | 9 | |
Taylormade FlexTech Check Price | 5.2 lb | 5 | 9 | 12 | |
Taylormade FlexTech Crossover Check Price | 5.9 lb | 14 | 10 | 11 | |
Taylormade FlexTech Lite Check Price | 4.7 lb | 4 | 7 | 13 | |
Titleist Hybrid 14 Check Price | 6.7 lb | 14 | 9 | 11 | |
Titleist Player 4 Check Price | 4.5 lb | 4 | 7 | 16 | |
Tour Edge Xtreme Stand 7.0 Check Price | 4.9 lb | 7 | 11 | 4 | |
Tour Edge Xtreme Stand 5.0 Check Price | 4.5 lb | 6 | 8 | 4 | |
Vessel Player III DXR Check Price | 6.6 lb | 6 | 10 | 5 | |
Vessel VLS DXR Check Price | 4.7 lb | 4 | 6 | 1 | |
Zero Friction Stand Bag Check Price | 5.2 lb | 6 | 7 | 5 |
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. The Callaway Fairway + has LowRider Technology to help eliminate bag twisting.
- Those golfers who get to play on courses that require a caddie should consider using Stitch, PING Craz-E-Lite, Srixon Nimbus Ultra Light, Mizuno K1-L0 or the Sun Mountain 2.5+.
- 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 with Touring Fabric, a proprietary material that has the strength of leather but is more durable, lightweight, water resistant and easier 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.
- Tired of losing your bag’s rain hood? Look at the PING Hoofer family with its integrated rain hood.
BEST STAND BAGS OF 2022 - RESULTS
Product | Storage | Dividers | Walkability | Weight | Features | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vessel Player III DXR Check Price | 4th | 1st | 3rd | 33rd | 3rd | 93 | |
PING Hoofer Check Price | 4th | 16th | 10th | 14th | 1st | 92 | |
Cobra Ultralight Pro Check Price | 4th | 4th | 17th | 14th | 3rd | 91.5 | |
Titleist Hybrid 14 Check Price | 1st | 2nd | 20th | 33rd | 9th | 90.5 | |
Vessel VLS DXR Check Price | 13th | 13th | 3rd | 8th | 14th | 90 | |
PING Hoofer 14 Check Price | 8th | 31st | 10th | 24th | 1st | 89.5 | |
Mizuno BR-D4 Check Price | 2nd | 24th | 14th | 29th | 3rd | 89 | |
PING Hoofer Lite Check Price | 13th | 16th | 10th | 14th | 11th | 88.5 | |
Cobra Ultralight Pro+ Check Price | 9th | 5th | 28th | 24th | 3rd | 88 | |
Taylormade FlexTech Check Price | 26th | 5th | 9th | 14th | 11th | 88 | |
Mizuno BR-DX Check Price | 2nd | 31st | 14th | 33rd | 3rd | 87.5 | |
Mizuno BR-D3 Check Price | 18th | 16th | 3rd | 8th | 22nd | 87.5 | |
Taylormade FlexTech Crossover Check Price | 20th | 5th | 17th | 24th | 3rd | 87.5 | |
Taylormade FlexTech Lite Check Price | 26th | 5th | 3rd | 8th | 25th | 87 | |
Sun Mountain 2.5+ Check Price | 28th | 5th | 10th | 1st | 27th | 86.5 | |
Callaway Fairway + Check Price | 20th | 2nd | 28th | 14th | 14th | 86 | |
PING craz-e-lite Check Price | 28th | 16th | 1st | 1st | 29th | 86 | |
Motocaddy Hydro Flex Check Price | 16th | 16th | 20th | 24th | 14th | 85.5 | |
Nike Air Hybrid 2 GB Check Price | 9th | 13th | 31st | 29th | 11th | 85.5 | |
Srixon Ultra Light Check Price | 28th | 31st | 1st | 1st | 25th | 85.5 | |
Titleist Player 4 Check Price | 20th | 5th | 26th | 5th | 22nd | 85.5 | |
BIG Max Dri Lite Hybrid Tour Check Price | 4th | 5th | 35th | 29th | 33rd | 85 | |
Big Max Dri Lite 7 Check Price | 16th | 16th | 14th | 5th | 29th | 85 | |
Datrek Carry Lite Check Price | 20th | 16th | 20th | 8th | 21st | 85 | |
Nike Air Sport 2 GB Check Price | 13th | 16th | 32nd | 14th | 14th | 85 | |
Callaway Fairway C Check Price | 20th | 5th | 28th | 8th | 22nd | 84.5 | |
Mizuno K1-L0 Check Price | 28th | 16th | 3rd | 1st | 33rd | 84.5 | |
Stitch SL2 Check Price | 34th | 31st | 3rd | 14th | 14th | 83.5 | |
Bridgestone Premium Stand Bag Check Price | 18th | 36th | 17th | 29th | 9th | 83 | |
Datrek Go Lite Hybrid Check Price | 9th | 16th | 20th | 24th | 14th | 82.5 | |
Tour Edge Xtreme Stand 5.0 Check Price | 28th | 13th | 20th | 5th | 29th | 82.5 | |
BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 9th | 24th | 34th | 36th | 14th | 81.5 | |
Tour Edge Xtreme Stand 7.0 Check Price | 20th | 16th | 26th | 8th | 33rd | 81 | |
Bridgestone Waterproof Stand Bag Check Price | 28th | 27th | 20th | 14th | 33rd | 79.5 | |
Zero Friction Stand Bag Check Price | 34th | 24th | 33rd | 14th | 29th | 76 | |
Jones Classic Stand Bag Check Price | 34th | 31st | 35th | 14th | 27th | 75 |
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 2022 feature 4 to 6 dividers.
The Best Stand Bags of 2022 – 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: What is a “hybrid” golf bag?
A: A hybrid golf bag is a cross between a cart bag and a stand bag. The hybrid has more storage for those who need it and ride a cart for the majority of their rounds. They tend to be bigger with wider dividers as well.
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. If your push cart offers a stand lock-in design, opting for a stand bag shouldn’t be an issue at all. It should also be noted that the Callaway Fairway+ Lowrider Technology allows the bag to sit flush with the push cart without the stand system hitting the top part of the cart and causing twisting of the bag.
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: What is a “Sunday” bag?
A: What sets a Sunday golf bag apart from a traditional stand bag is its portability, lightweight feel and ease of use. It is a carry option without any unnecessary bells and whistles. The Sunday bag has traditionally been a pencil-looking bag without a stand. However, in recent years, Sunday bags have begun to evolve into thin bags with minimal storage but with a stand.
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 2022 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.
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Mike Kearney
6 months agoWhat’s the use of showing a “Check Price” link to the Srixon Ulta-Light bag when there’s no price shown on the link?
KJ
6 months agoWorth mentioning that here in Australia at least, Vessel bags are prohibitively expensive. $990 for the model here that won, $300 for a Ping Hoofer.
I’d like to use one. I like the under-branded style. But man, $1000? Nah.
Brent
10 months agoDid you test the Cobra Pro or the Pro+? Not clear from your review
Brian Fedotin
10 months agoMy seven year old irons are kind of beat up. Our pro says they’re banged up by my carry bags which has four dividers. I just ordered a new set of irons, and don’t want to get them scuffed up. Would a 14-divider bag make a difference? Thanks.
KM
6 months agoYour pro needs to stick to running events and folding shirts.
James D
10 months agoI carry half the time and use a push-cart the other. I have a Sun Mountain H2No bag that is outstanding for walking, but because of the mechanism at the base to activate the legs, it is a nightmare to use on my buggy. It would be great to get a feel for how well the carry bag can be used on buggies for when you feel like it.
DougEB
11 months agoAll three Nike bags, Hybrid, Sport and Sport Lite have dedicated putter wells. Why others don’t is beyond me. It’s a great feature considering that you use your putter on every hole. Not having to deal with a putter cover is a wonderful convenience.
PG
11 months agoI just purchased the Datrek Hybrid for my son, We like the way it just clips into a Bagboy cart. We also like how light it is. Only drawback is the lack of bottle holder
Erick
11 months agoI really wish there was a quality/durability component to your ratings but I understand destructive testing or a long term usage study would probably be expensive. Not sure if you guys resell your equipment after it gets reviewed or not but that would be a huge assurance for me to buy something you’ve reviewed if there was a durability sort of component.
Do zippers work with ease? do the full length sleeves tear at the seems after a while? Does the stitching hold up? Etc
Scott Kalina
11 months agoVessel bags are outstanding, more expensive, but worth the money, you’ll use it for many years., You can also customize them and put your name on the ball pocket.
Mike Irwin
12 months agoI bought an Izzo Ultra lite stand bag listed as 3.2 Lbs.last Sep. from Amazon for $77 del. ($94 now) as a replacement for a Sun Mtn true Sunday bag-no stays or legs and only two pockets. When riding I used to switch clubs to a larger Nike Stand bag.
The Izzo holds 14 clubs with jumbo and Super Stroke putter grips. It has dual straps, four dividers, four pockets and a rain hood. As noted above, it works best to pull clubs from a vertical position on this size bag. I have played 17 rounds with the bag, about half carrying and half power cart with no issues so far. A water bottle pocket would be nice but I put a 20oz bottle in the lower pocket next to the balls. It carries well but too soon to comment on durability.
Kylemo
12 months agoSo glad to see the Stitch bags towards the bottom of the list! They have the absolute worst quality and are not cheaply priced! To make it even worse, their customer service is a joke. I’ve foolishly spent thousands on luggage, apparel, countless Stitch products, but when their bag falls apart, you’d think they’d stand behind it for a loyal customer, right? Nope. I’ll never purchase another one of their items again and will do my best to shout from the mountain tops of the terrible quality and pathetic service that they offer.
Shank Aaron
12 months agoHate to break it to everyone, but not one of the club pockets in the Vessel P3 DXR (or regular P3 for that matter) are “fully enclosed”. They both have individual liners for each pocket, yes, BUT those liners stop about halfway down the bag. The Datrek and Sun Mountain bags are fully enclosed, or fully divided meaning each pocket liner goes all the way down to the bottom of the bag. I have both, and both have been purchased within the last 4 months and every time I go to pull a club it gets snagged on other clubs.
Ncduffer
12 months agoLove my Crazelite and the small Velcro patch for the glove location is perfect..
Matt Gallo
12 months agoPING has always made the best golf bags to me. Have a Titleist bag now and it’s falling apart after just 1 full year. Time for a new Hoofer it seems!
Steve B
12 months agoHave never had a Ping bag but concur re: the Titleist, I had one of their stand bags 10 years ago and the bottom literally fell out after about 2 years of use. Also had an Ogio and a Sun Mountain and both have been great.
Erick
11 months agoDo you think it’s possible they could have improved the quality of their bags over the last 10 years?
George
12 months ago$395 Vessel heavy bag.
Ping bags color fades (look cheap)
Inesis about $100 fantastic.
Jay
12 months agoWhat’s the difference between the Vessel stand bags apart from colours and one comes in 14 or 6 dividers
Dave V
12 months agoI bought a Ping Hoofer last year. It has a lot of nice features, but the “dividers snag from time to time” comment is an understatement. If you put stuff in the pockets, it collapses the area for the clubs and getting clubs in and out of the bag is a struggle often enough that it will ruin your mood. I stopped using the Hoofer after a few rounds.
Steve (the real one, pithy and insufferable)
12 months agoA tip for not just Ping but other stand bags. Hold the bag upright [straight up] and select your club; then tilt the bag over to extend the legs. Helps a lot to prevent club snags. Makes a top handle important and ease of leg deployment a top priority.
Dave V
12 months agoTrue that. But even that doesn’t help sometimes and I have standard size grips. Oh, and it happens putting the clubs back in the bag too. I have 4 bags right now. The difference between the Ping and the others is that I might snag a club a couple times a round with the others, but it will happen with this bag on every hole. I like Ping. All of my woods and hybrids are Ping. With the bag, I looked like a walking Ping ad. But if you shell out $250 for a brand new bag, you don’t expect to have issues with the primary function of the bag.
Michael Williams
11 months agoCompletely agree. I hate my ping hoofer. Clubs snag to the point that I have to take out 3 to pull one. Never again. I should have stuck with sun mountain
TJgolf
12 months agoDoes any one make a left-handed stand bag anymore?
Years ago Datrek made one (and only one, and only in black). Recently, Sun Mountain made a left-handed model but I haven’t been able to identify the model.
Chris
11 months agoSun Mountain 3.5 has one in BLACK color only. It used to be their 4.5 or 5.5 model, but only 3.5 now. Also REALLY hard to find honestly. Might be all bags, or just this specific model.
Jay
12 months agoI think you should review the Sun Mountain 3.5. I own a ~2 year old Ping Hoofer and just purchased a Sun Mountain 3.5 a few months ago. I really think the Sun Mountain is a better bag than the Hoofer. It has a few more useful pockets, and the layout of the top dividers is better, with the uppermost divider being wider allowing for better access to the longer clubs.
PineValley
12 months agoI have the hybrid at 6.3 lbs and the Tempest 4 Lite at 4.5lbs
Love them both
James Shepard
12 months agoWould have liked to see more information about the material the bags were made of. Light weight bags usually have very thin material that wears out fast. Having a bag with light but strong material will save having to buy a new one every year.
JC
12 months agoCobra Ultralight Pro and Pro+ look to be new for this year and not a lot of info available on them yet. Can you tell me if either of these have removable carry straps? Also, the weight listed here for the Cobra bags is more that what the few websites say (pro at ~4lbs and pro plus at 5 lbs). can you confirm weight on those? thanks for the great writeup as always!
Dr Tee
12 months agoLet’s face it–a stand bag has stands, because it is meant to be carried, but realistically we all know that often it will have to ride on a push cart or motorized cart. Nevertheless, when you do carry, unless you are Iron Man material, only one thing matters–weight. That means only about 4 bags in the collection qualify being under 3.3 lbs. To achieve this, maxing out storage becomes irrelevant–you want a clothing pocket, a bottle pocket, a ball pocket, and a valuables pocket and that’s about it. IMO the Sun Mtn 2.5+ fills the bill best. Frankly, if you can find one, the “non+” original 2.5 (I have one) actually weighed only 2.5 lbs, not 3.3 like the plus, but was of flimsier and thinner, hence lighter, material. Also, if you travel and use caddies, bags with rapidly exchangeable strap systems (single vs double) like the Titleist Players 4 series are useful–caddies looping double like a single strap and unless you want your double strap tied into knots or readjusted hopelessly, this is a useful feature.
Joshua
12 months agoRegarding BOTH Vessel bags, how is the price not listed among “cons”? These bags are $100-$150 more than any of the others listed here.
MyGolfSpy
12 months agoPrice is all relative. What is expensive to one isn’t to another. Scoring that is based on the individual and has nothing to do with performance.
Karl
12 months agoCurious how you define “walkability”? The other metrics seem pretty easy to measure, but in my head, walkability and weight should be pretty closely correlated, but your top overall bag is one of the heaviest, but 3rd best for walkability?
Bill M
12 months agoalso curious about this, since the lightweight Titleist Players did not score well for walkability, but has 3 lightweight options in the catalog (standard, plus, and carbon). I am assuming it comes down the comfort of the carrying system, weight distribution, and the kickstand. IDK
Garrett
12 months agoIf you are looking for the best of the best, look no further than Vessel. Their products are the highest quality, super-well thought out, and look terrific. I’m glad MGS got the include them in the rankings this year – Anyone familiar with Vessel already knew that they were the best for a few years at this point and I had zero doubt they would win the gold tested.
Dr Tee
12 months agoYou don’t want to carry around a 6lb bag if you’re a walker, and that’s what stand bags are for—walking. Otherwise, just get a cart bag,
Ramrod
12 months agoI have no problem carrying the 6 pound Vessel because the straps are balanced and incredible. If you can’t carry a 6 pound bag, you need to remove things you don’t need that day such as a jacket, and rain cover if it’s not cold or raining. Either that or go to the gym and work on strength.