Unlike other pieces of golf equipment, no launch monitor or wrist-to-floor measurement will tell you which golf bag is best for you. Instead, consider how you prefer to play (walking or riding) and what you prefer to bring (bare essentials or pack mule). We examined 106 golf bags to identify the top 20 options in each of our four categories: Carry, Cart, Hybrid, and Lightweight. Our findings include a variety of regular and lightweight carry bags, cart-only bags, and larger “hybrid” stand bags with 14-way partitions (listed alphabetically by category).
CARRY
GOLD
Callaway Hyper-Lite 3
The issue with certain carry bags is that you can’t fit all of your clubs in there—or pull them out without breaking a wrist tendon. A top that is nearly 20% larger than before is beneficial. The self-balancing straps and quick-grab phone pocket make life even easier.
GOLD
Ogio Shadow Fuse 304
When carrying, the weight of the bag is important, but not as much as the comfort of the straps. Ogio is known for its sleek, utilitarian backpacks, and these straps continue that tradition. They are ergonomically curved and padded, and they move freely and self-adjust using a spinning disc technology.
GOLD
Ping Hoofer
The most recent upgrade to this iconic carry bag has new moisture-wicking shoulder that glide on and off like your jacket, 12 pockets, and a wide and robust top. For riders, a channel conceals the cart strap while still allowing access to the side pockets.
GOLD
TaylorMade FlexTech
Riders will like the 11 functional pockets and cart-strap pass-through, but pedestrians will appreciate the pillowy shoulder padding as well. The adaptable hinged base does not curl as the legs expand, allowing additional room for clubs while yet fitting neatly in a cart when riding.
LIGHTWEIGHT CARRY
GOLD
Callaway Hyper-Lite Zero
This design, like Matthew Modine getting ready for Shute in Vision Quest, eliminates weight at every turn, just like a lightweight entrance should. That means carbon fiber legs that are strong but light, and nylon fabric that is thin but durable. However, there is still room for 14 clubs on top and additional cushioning in the straps. They also don’t skimp on practical pockets, such as an easy-access, slide-in cell phone slot. A 14-way divider is also available.
GOLD
Datrek Trekker Ultra Lite
A light approach is preferable, but we’ll carry a little more weight if it means we can maintain meaningful elements. With the soft grip handle on top, five zipped pockets, a fleece-lined valuables compartment, and an insulated cooler pocket, that’s what you get here. Especially the latter, because with this light a backpack, you can tell we’re going to be walking and carrying.
GOLD
Sun Mountain 2.5+
Sure, pockets are convenient, but the two most important aspects of a walking bag are: The straps are comfortable and ergonomic, and there’s enough room so you won’t have to chuck out your even-numbered irons. The straps, which work in an easily adjusted, free-sliding X-pattern, are made of freshly developed, high-density foam. Even better, the nine-inch top is as comfortable as some bags twice its size. A 14-way divider is also available.
GOLD
TaylorMade LiteTech 3.0
This bag accomplishes everything right for an utilitarian lightweight backpack (roomy top, padded straps, rainsuit-sized clothes compartment), but its best feature may be something that isn’t there. Unlike many other bags, this one has only one internal stay running down the spine of the bag. (Stays are the interior rods that provide structure to the bag.) This not only reduces weight over the customary three, making this TaylorMade’s lightest bag ever, but it also helps free up space for your clubs, feels better on your back, and helps the stand engage more consistently.
SILVER
Burton ULT
The 100D nylon fabric appears thin and light, yet it withstands tearing when you overfill your valuables pocket or the cart boy knocks it over in the parking lot. The large-gauge zippers in the five compartments, including a ball pouch that carries enough pellets to last you three weeks, are just as durable (but put a Clif Bar and a rangefinder in there instead). The padded hip pad softens an already light load, and the twin shoulder straps effortlessly convert to a single when your caddie is carrying double.
HYBRID
GOLD
BagBoy Chiller Hybrid
We don’t generally play at places where the carts come fully supplied with ice chests. Sure, the bag’s 10 compartments, 14-way dividers, and tuck-away strap are convenient, but we really like the attached cooler, which holds up to four drinks. Enough to get us to the turn, at the very least.
GOLD
Ping Hoofer 14
This full-service entry has 14-way dividers and 12 compartments, one of which is for a range finder. That figure, though, is meaningless if you can’t reach to your wallet without undoing the cart strap. To provide complete access, a canal runs beneath the side pockets.
GOLD
Sun Mountain 4.5 LS 14-way Supercharged
This backpack anticipates every need, much like an executive assistant or Gary on “Veep.” 14 full-length dividers, 12 pockets, and holders for everything from an umbrella to keys are just the beginning. The portable power pack, on the other hand, has enough juice to restart your phone three times.
GOLD
TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover
With the legs extended, a hinged base, which is also found on the company’s lighter carry bags, retains space. But it’s also about space with the 14-way dividers and pockets, particularly how those on the side are incorporated into the bag’s middle for greater storage without adding weight.
SILVER
Big Max Dri Lite G
This bag has the storage capacity of a hybrid bag but is designed to be lightweight like a carry bag. There are seven large pockets, including a waterproof pocket for your valuables. The bag itself is water resistant, as are all of the zippers. There’s a cooler bag for water—or whatever—and a spot to hang your glove and towel. This bag comes in five different hues.
CART
GOLD
Callaway ORG 14
With 12 pockets, you’ll be able to stow all of your gear with ease – and stay organized while doing so. Two of these pockets are for valuables, and one is for your rangefinder. For quicker and easier access, that pocket has a magnetic closure rather than a zipper. The bag comes in four classic color variations and has a 14-way divider on top.
GOLD
Datrek SGO
The top handles make it simple to hoist on and off carts, and other handles on the body of the bag make it simple to transfer your clubs back into your trunk. SGO is an abbreviation for Short Game Organizer. To avoid clanging, the tops of the slots for your shortgame clubs are coated in rubber. There are pockets for clothing, valuables, drinks, golf balls, and even a ball retriever sleeve.
GOLD
Mizuno BR-D4C
The cooler pocket contains drainage holes, so when the ice melts, it falls out rather than accumulating in the pocket. There are grooves for the cart straps to pass through, securing the bag while preventing the straps from getting in the way of accessing pockets. There is a handle on the bottom of the bag to help you hoist the bag.
GOLD
Ogio Alpha Convoy 514
The bag’s polyester fabric is manufactured from recycled plastics. There are ten pockets, but if you need more storage for any reason, there are hard and soft pouches that can be attached to the bag. There is a towel loop to which you may attach your towel, and the loop is magnetically fastened to the bag. So, when you walk to the green, you can just pull the towel off your bag, and it will re-lock with the magnet.
GOLD
Ping Pioneer
A good cart bag is like Suburban: strong, roomy, and certain to get the job done. A brief look at the Pioneer reveals that the first two characteristics are present, with a palatial 15-way top and 11 strong pockets, including a cooler pocket. And, upon closer inspection, it’s more than up to the task, with a high-denier polyester construction and two lift handles.