2021 SUNDAY BAG BUYER’S GUIDE
Are you in the market for a slimmer, lighter golf bag? If so, we’ve broken down what makes 2021’s Best Sunday Bag.
We tested Sunday bags with full stand, mini stands and no stand at all. Some are fully waterproof to handle those rainy days while others are lighter than air. Or so it seems.
While Sunday bags are still little brothers to traditional stand bags, some are taking cues from their heftier siblings. A number of participants in this year’s test even incorporated stands into their design.
So why wouldn’t those bags qualify for the stand-bag category?
It’s simple: limited divider space, a more lightweight design and less storage. What we are seeing, however, is an evolution into a hybrid Sunday/stand bag that incorporates the essentials for a casual round.
The upshot is that this category is almost whatever you want it to be. So whether you’re looking to buy a new Sunday bag today, want some buying advice or have just a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right bag to fit your needs.
BEST WALKING SUNDAY BAG - Cobra Ultralight Sunday
If all you care about is how the bag performs on your back, the Cobra Ultralight Sunday is your winner. It is so comfortable on your back, you forget it's actually there. The straps are padded with body contouring symmetry so it never interferes with your natural walking habits.
SUNDAY BAG FEATURES THAT MATTER
STORAGE
If you’re using a Sunday bag, storage likely isn’t your main concern. But it’s still something to take into consideration. You’ll want at least one pocket to store essentials like your phone, a water bottle or a light jacket.
If you’re looking for maximum storage in our Best Sunday Bag 2021 test, the Cobra Ultralight Sunday and the PXG Sunday are the ones you should gravitate to.
Dividers
In the Sunday bag category, dividers are a matter of preference. Some bags have a single tube while others have four dividers, providing the versatility approaching that of a stand bag.
If you just want simplicity, the Datrek Ranger is for you. If you prefer the five-divider option, choose the Wilson Staff ECO.
Comfort
Nearly every bag is comfortable on your back when it’s empty but how does it feel when it’s filled with clubs? The Best Sunday Bags 2021 test took this into consideration. Some discard the time-honored one-strap design in favor of the increasingly popular backpack-style two-strap concept.
Tops for comfort are the Cobra Ultralight Sunday and TaylorMade Quiver bags.
Weight
Like comfort, weight is a critical consideration for the walking golfer. Every pound counts and while an ounce here or there might not sound like much, the extra mass can dramatically affect fatigue levels throughout a round.
Those who want the lightest bag need the Sunday Golf Loma. If you’re after a light bag with some feature-rich add-ons, consider the Sun Mountain Metro Sunday.
BEST PENCIL BAG - Sun Mountain Metro Sunday
Although it may be on the bigger side of a pencil bag, the Sun Mountain Metro Sunday bag is the best of the best. It is fully waterproof and has a solid structure ensuring the bag doesn't collapse when upright. With its single strap, the Metro is a perfect bag for those who play on courses with a caddie. Its storage could be bigger but for your summer needs, it is perfect.
THE BEST SUNDAY BAGS 2021 - FEATURES
| Product | Weight | Dividers | Pockets | Stand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Cobra Ultralight Sunday Check Price | 4.4 | 3 | 5 | Yes |
 | Datrek Ranger Check Price | 2.6 | 3 | 2 | Yes |
 | Jones Golf BGS Original Check Price | 3.1 | 3 | 3 | No |
 | Mizuno BR-D2 Check Price | 3 | 2 | 5 | Yes |
 | Ping Moonlite Check Price | 2.3 | 2 | 5 | No |
 | Pro Active Sunday Check Price | 2.6 | 2 | 1 | Yes |
 | PXG Sunday Check Price | 4.4 | 2 | 6 | Yes |
 | Stitch SL1 Check Price | 5.2 | 2 | 4 | Yes |
 | Sun Mountain Metro Sunday Check Price | 3.4 | 4 | 4 | No |
 | Sunday Golf Loma Check Price | 2.0 | 2 | 5 | Yes |
 | Taylormade Quiver Check Price | 3.1 | 3 | 6 | Yes |
 | Titleist Premium Carry Bag Check Price | 2.6 | 3 | 5 | No |
 | Wilson ECO Check Price | 4 | 5 | 6 | Yes |
EXPERT TIP - Waterproof Belly
If you're a golfer who chases the worms during the morning sunrise, you want to consider a Sunday bag with a waterproof belly such as Penfold and PING Moonlite. This will ensure your grips stay dry despite the AM dew.
Expert Tips
- If you’re considering a traditional “pencil” or unstructured bag, look for waterproof material on the bottom to prevent moisture seeping up and through.
- If your bag is almost always on your back, fatigue can be an issue. Consider sacrificing all but the minimum storage space in favor of a lighter and often more comfortable bag.
- Well-designed zippers can be your best friend when the bag is on your back the majority of the time. Look for a bag that has zippers that open and close easily with one hand and without snagging.
- If you usually play courses that require a caddie, get a bag with a single strap to help those double-bag loopers.
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FREE FITTING
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect Sunday bag to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Sunday bags are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating Sunday Bag include Storage, Style, Weight, Walkability and Features.
THE BEST SUNDAY BAGS 2021 - RESULTS
| Product | Storage | Style | Weight | Walkability | Features | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra Ultralight Sunday Check Price | 1st | 6th | 11th | 1st | 3rd | 93 |
| PXG Sunday Check Price | 1st | 1st | 11th | 6th | 1st | 92.5 |
| Sun Mountain Metro Sunday Check Price | 6th | 1st | 9th | 6th | 2nd | 91 |
| Taylormade Quiver Check Price | 7th | 6th | 6th | 2nd | 6th | 90 |
| Titleist Premium Carry Bag Check Price | 5th | 10th | 3rd | 4th | 9th | 89.5 |
| Stitch SL1 Check Price | 4th | 1st | 13th | 3rd | 5th | 89 |
| Sunday Golf Loma Check Price | 9th | 10th | 1st | 8th | 7th | 88.5 |
| Ping Moonlite Check Price | 9th | 5th | 1st | 4th | 10th | 88.5 |
| Wilson ECO Check Price | 3rd | 6th | 10th | 10th | 7th | 88 |
| Jones Golf BGS Original Check Price | 7th | 4th | 6th | 11th | 3rd | 87.5 |
 | Mizuno BR-D2 Check Price | 11th | 6th | 6th | 8th | 11th | 84 |
| Datrek Ranger Check Price | 12th | 12th | 3rd | 12th | 12th | 70 |
| Pro Active Sunday Check Price | 13th | 12th | 3rd | 12th | 13th | 67.5 |
THE BEST SUNDAY BAG 2021 – FAQ
Q: What is a Sunday bag?
A: Once upon a time, the Sunday bag was defined as a compact, easy-carrying bag with just enough room for the bare essentials: a sleeve of balls, a handful of tees and often fewer than the full complement of 14 clubs. The modern interpretation includes those traditional offerings as well as slimmed-down stand bags that maintain a compact footprint while offering greater functionality and light weight
Q: How do I know what type of Sunday bag to buy?
A: The Sunday bag category is exceptionally broad. If you’re looking to sneak in a few holes as the sun is setting, go small. If you plan on carrying 14 clubs, bags with dividers and stands are more versatile. With modern materials, most of the extra weight comes from what you choose to put in them.
Q: How much does the strap system matter?
A: If you’re going to carry regularly, finding a strap system that works for you is critical. The seemingly smallest details matter. Look for straps with ample padding. Curved designs are generally more comfortable. When possible, test the strap system with the bag fully loaded to see if it’s a good fit for your body.
Mike
1 year agoHere’s a lighter comment. Why do they call it a Sunday bag? Most damages who work during the week really only can get out and play a full round on Sunday, and if I’m playing 18 and posting a score, sure as hell am not going out there with six clubs!
MZ
11 months agoBecause at old-line country clubs, caddies had Sundays off (there were no motorized carts) and members had to carry their own bags. Hence a lighter bag that often was used to carry less than a full set of clubs – the “Sunday Bag.”
greg p
1 year agoI have a prior model of the Titleist sunday bag. I dislike the fact that it does not have any spine support. Try to lean it up against something and the side of the bag slides down to the ground. Side support is a major feature in future purchases.
Nick
1 year agoMay want to do research into what a Sunday bag really is
Mike
1 year agoIf you are going the drop bag route, then I totally agree on the need for waterproofing (unless you are a fair weather golfer who plays after the dew burns off). I hacked my $35, sub 2lb, Tourtrek (a single strap, 1/2 bagger) and ran 2 strips of 3″ Gorilla tape along the underside to keep the grips dry (h/t to the Ping Moonlite).
Mike Reed
1 year agoI have an old (35+ years) Jones bag that still works well when I want to carry half my clubs and enjoy the walk. I especially like the single strap which makes it easier to take off my shoulder. I also have a Ping Hoofer which I rarely carry and ends up on a cart. The cart strap feature on the Ping bag is absolutely fantastic.
LABillyboy
1 year agoCallaway Hyperlite Zero… 3 lbs. available either single or double strapped, has dividers and great pockets… Love mine, so do caddies when I show up with it. Holds everything you need. Should have included it for us Callaway players.
Dr Tee
1 year agowhy carry a stripped down Sunday Bag when the Sun Mtn 2.5 with full legs and plenty of pockets is available, and is lighter with more features than most of the bags you have shown ?? if I want to carry a true “Sunday Bag”–give me my tried and true Mackenzie Walker (with optional wood trellis legs), Thankyou
HardcoreLooper
1 year ago+1 for the SM 2.5+. A newer model holds my modern clubs, an older model holds my persimmons and blades, and I have two more in waiting that I picked up for a price I just couldn’t resist.
Hank
1 year agoThe Cobra Ultralight Sunday does make an inexpensive choice for the occasional walker who doesn’t want to carry a cart bag.
I do take issue for its choice as the Best Walking Bag for 2021. As a 76 year old retiree, who walks 3-6 days a week, every day on the golf course is Sunday, and my bag needs to be as light as possible. At 4.4 pounds, the Cobra is too heavy. You want to carry as little as possible, just enough balls, water flask, gloves, and have room to store a few layers of clothes. None of the Sunday bags you list meet that need. They are too heavy, or don’t stand as needed. I don’t want to bend over once I put my bag down. I need to easily pull the club I want and replace it.
The best Sunday bag I have used is the Mizuno Aerolite Micro. It holds 9-10 clubs, is light and steady, and has lasted many years.
For a light weight every day carry bag, I recommend the Sun Mountain 2.5+, Mizuno K-1-L0, and Ping Crazy-E Lite. All 3 pounds or less, plenty of room. For a little heavier bag, still a pound less than the Cobra, the Sun Mountain 3.5+ offers a lot more.
Yes, all are more expensive than the Cobra, but you if need only one bag, lighter is better.
Dominic DeBellis
1 year agoThere’s no way a Sunday bag should be more than 3.5 lbs. Sun Mountain made a 3.5 lbs that was considered one of the best “lite-weight bags” but was never a Sunday bag. The PXG and Cobra bags look great as a light weight carry bag. I walk the vast majority of my rounds and have three bags, a bigger carry bag to put on my pull cart for rainy and cold days, a light weight walking bag for the majority of rounds, and a Sunday bag for the range or a quick 9-hole or summer time round. But I love the ratings and testing!! Keep up the great work MGS!!!
BA
1 year agoAfter my PING Craz-e Lite stand broke (apparently this was a big issue. for the early version of this bag.. PING at least sent me a replacement), I pulled out the legs and got rid of a strap and now it functions as a pretty great Sunday Bag. Since it started at 3lbs it is probably at 2.5 or so now..
It’s worth noting that a golf club weighs about one pound, so I would not recommend people freak out about half a pound if they otherwise like a bag
uncle hank
1 year agoWhatever happened to the PING Mantis? It always seemed to be the perfect Sunday bag with a full stand. Let this be the first vote to bring it back!
David Dziedzicki
1 year agoInteresting discussion on the Sunday Bag category! I’ve been interested in picking one up but wasn’t sure where to start. This article has certainly helped!
dr. bloor
1 year agoYMMV, but 4.4 is pretty beefy for a bag to be marketed as “ultralight.”
Jimmy
1 year agoNo wonder you don’t show the prices! Full prices for half a bag.
Scooter McGavin
11 months agoThey don’t show the prices because prices change, so they would have to be constantly updating their website. It’s easier to just link to a retailer. Plus, MGS doesn’t sell the bags, so what would be their motive for hiding the price?
John
1 year agoI received an Orlimar pitch/putt Sunday bag/stand bag last Father’s Day, and it was perfect for the past year when I wanted to carry 7 – 8 clubs for 9 holes with my son or go the range. The storage is small, so I had to carry my water bottle around the links, but it also cut down on all of the stuff that ends up in a bag after a month or so. It think it’s a real value.
Brad
1 year agoI love my Cobra bag. Found a nice Grey and Blue one. Beats my old Ping bag any day of the week.
JP
1 year agoThis may be the first time I have actively disagreed with a MGS ranking – Sunday Golf “Loma” is as good as it gets! the whole point of a Sunday bag is ‘less’ – less storage, less clubs, less weight, less hassle: if you need to carry more than 3 balls, 6 tees, glove, divot tool, ball marker, phone, wallet, keys, and 2 beers you are not looking for a Sunday Bag!
Love these reviews and rankings though, you guys are the best at what you do!
Michael Ranson
1 year agoI have to agree. A Sunday bag is not a bag designed for a full set of clubs. I can take up to eight clubs in my Lima bag and it is like not having any bag at all..
MTB
1 year agoThanks, Harry! Now how soon will I know which is the Most Wanted Driver 2021 so I can put it in the Best Sunday Bag 2021?
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoWe are aiming for this Monday coming. No promises though 🙂
Chris
1 year agoA Sunday bag should be under 3 lbs. most of these aren’t even in the category.
Pete S
1 year agoI count 6 that are 3 lbs or less and another 2 that are 3..1 lbs.
Harry Nodwell
1 year agoThe Sunday bag has evolved. That is why we name best overall, best pencil bag and best walking bag to meet all the needs with this evolving category.
PD69
1 year agoHarry,
Comparing apples to oranges in these bag review categories. There are more categories to bags than Sunday, Stand, and Cart. A lot of these bags could be considered as a full size stand bag. Price of the bags should also be factored into the final scores.
STAND/CARRY:
– Sunday Bag (Ping Moonlite, TM Quiver, Mizuno BR-D2, Titleist Prem. Carry Bag),
– Ultralight Stand: (Callaway Hyperlite Zero, TItleist Players 4 Carbon, Ping Craz-E Lite, Mizuno K1-L0, Sun Mountain 2.5+)
– Lightweight Stand (TM FlexTech Lite, Callaway Fairway C, Ping Hoofer Lite, Mizuno BR-D3, Titleist Players 4, PXG Fairway Carry)
– Full Size Stand (TM FlexTech, Callaway Chev, Mizuno BR-D4, Ping Hoofer, TItleist Players 4 Plus)
– Hybrid/14-way Stand (TM FlexTech Crossover, Callaway Fairway 14, Titleist Hybrid 14, Sun Mountain C-130 Stand, Mizuno BR-D4 14-way, Ping Hoofer 14)
– Premium/Tour Stand Bag (PXG Hybrid, Mizuno Tour Stand, Vessel Players III, Ping Hoofer Tour, Titleist Premium Stand, Callaway Staff Stand)
CART:
– Lightweight Cart Bag (Ping Traverse, TM Cart Lite, Titleist Cart 14 Lightweight, Sun Mountain Maverick)
– Full Size Cart Bag (Ping Pioneer, Sun Mountain C-130, Mizuno BR-D4c, TaylorMade Supreme, Titleist 15)
– Premium/Tour Cart Bag (Ping DLX, Vessel Lux XV, Mizuno Tour Cart)
Its great to see the bags reviewed but a little more structure/expansion to the categories would be nice to see.
Brad
1 year agoWhen I was a caddie, I would have loved any of these bags. The damn bags I carried where between 26lbs and 32lbs and I used to carry two at once. These are all great Sunday bags
Emery
1 year agoI agree. The PING seems a very solid choice due to weight alone! ..I carry a Hoofer 14 all the time w/o issues but you can hide a lot of gear unnecessarily. and am always emptying prior to re-stocking every round. A Hoofer Lite might be better than most of these bags.
Dr Tee
1 year agoyes-if we are talking “sunday bag” it is all about LIGHT WEIGHT–look,
the lightest bag around by at least 1/2 lb is the Sun MTN ultralight 2.5+ (so named after its wt.) , and is in point of fact full sized carry with legs, tons of storage and tops any of the junk listed above, period, end of discussion.