Best Golf Stand Bags 2025

When it comes to organizing and planning your golf game, choosing the right golf bag is essential. If you are carrying your bag then you'll need to have enough storage for your needs while still keeping things as streamlined as possible.

The best golf bags are often designed to suit a golfer's particular needs. If you ride on a cart, then you will want one of the best cart bags. If you push a trolley than you'll be best served with the best golf trolley bag, but if neither of those apply to you then - unless you are lucky enough to have a caddy who is willing to lug a big tour bag around - you are going to want to travel light and with the freedom to move around the golf course.

WATCH: Dan Parker runs through the best golf stand bags of 2025

So you'll need something lightweight but that also that sits comfortably on your back. A bag that isn't comfortable is going to negatively impact your performance, especially later in the round when tiredness starts to kick in. Depending on the conditions you normally play in, you might also require one of the best waterproof golf bags.

Golf Monthly is here to help, as we have reviewed and tested a wide range of stand bags from multiple brands and selected our favorites below.

The Quick List

Best Golf Stand Bags - Best Golf Carry Bags

Our pick

The brand of our top pick may not surprise you given the quality of the best Ping golf bags, but the model may raise some eyebrows - no, it's not the Ping Hoofer (that's our best all-rounder). It's actually the Ping Moonlander, a new lightweight golf bag that does everything you could ask of a lightweight standbag.

This bag is certainly one for the dedicated walking golfer. It is superbly lightweight at just 4.5 lbs (2kg) and comes with an excellent double strap. That being said, it's not the lightest bag that can carry all 14 clubs that we've tested but it certainly delivers more pocket storage spaces than other rivals on this list. The design of the pockets is unconventional but I really like it - There isn't a conventional front pocket often dedicated to balls and tees. Instead, this has been replaced with a water bottle holder with a larger pocket on either side dedicated to carrying all of the other accessories you'd need. Your water pouch is easily accessible and the valuables pouch is located just above the ball pocket, something I've never seen before - but it works!

The four-way divider is surprisingly spacious and can carry all 14 clubs and there are seven really cool colorways to choose from, with the camo (which we tested) and the white design with the Mr. Ping logo scattered over it a really nice change of pace from the block colors we see all too often on bags from multiple brands. Finally, the biggest green tick I've given the Moonlander is the price - At just £149 this is wonderful value for money, especially considered to competitors like the Titleist Players 4 Carbon (£230, more on that below...). This is a stylish, comfortable and well-designed golf bag that will give you plenty of bang for your buck.

• Read our full Ping Moonlander Stand Bag Review

Best premium model

My top pick in the premium bag space comes from a brand we have grown in appreciation for of late, Vessel and its Player V model. Coming in a 6-way and 14-way version, the V looks outstanding, offering a premium, luxurious design that looks the real deal. Not only are the larger elements stunning but the smaller details work too, such as the chrome detailing, the overall proportions of the bag, and the five different colors you can choose from.

Performance isn't limited to the aesthetics though, as the V has a number of features that make carrying this bag an effortless and indeed, seamless experience. There are 10 pockets on this bag, such as the magnetic rangefinder pocket and velour lined valuables pocket, but the stars of the show were the straps and stand system.

The Equilibrium 2.0 Double Strap system is undoubtedly a highlight, not only because of how thick the padding is but also because it requires minimal adjustment once you’ve decided on the height that’s comfortable for you. The Rotator Stand system works beautifully as well as it allows the bag to sit flush to the ground when the carbon fiber legs are deployed, which means it is more stable when stationary. The little details like that make all the difference, but lastly I should mention that this bag is water-repellent, and not fully, 100% waterproof so that is something to bear in mind.

• Read our full Vessel Player V Stand Bag Review

Best all-rounder

The Ping Hoofer is one of the best golf bags on the market and might be the most well-known range within the entire stand bag sector. With each new iteration of the design Ping continues to offer an incredible blend of performance and stylish looks.

While there are lighter options on the market, it comes in at just 5.5lbs which is impressive given the sturdiness and storage on offer. The comfort is right up there too thanks to two well-cushioned straps and a hip pad which make it very easy to carry. While not specifically a hybrid bag, the Hoofer is versatile and is able to go onto a push cart. A cart strap channel passes underneath the main pocket making it straightforward to attach, while still ensuring unrestricted access to pockets.

Speaking of pockets, there are 11 of them on the Hoofer, all varying in size and depth so there is plenty of space to put waterproofs, valuables, a rangefinder, drinks, and so on.

Like all of the best Ping golf bags, the stand itself is excellent and performed very well for us in all manner of conditions and terrain. Downhill, uphill or sidehill lies were conquered with absolute ease thanks to the quality of the stand and the renowned Hoofer base design.

• Read our full Ping Hoofer Stand Bag Review

Best lightweight

One of the best Titleist golf bags on the market, the Players 4 StaDry Stand Bag is a stylish, classic-looking offering that really strikes the right chord with us. It's a very nice bag to carry thanks to the padded straps and smart additional padding around the hip areas, not to mention it weighs only slightly more than a feather. At just 1.4kg or 3lbs, it's one of the lightest golf bags we've ever tested, so credit to Titleist for making such a useful stand bag with little to no weight involved.

There's also plenty of storage available via the six pockets. A large side pocket will easily fit a jacket or extra layer and a big ball pocket on the front will provide plenty of room for golf bags, tees and other accessories like pouches for these items. However, the valuables pocket is the standout - Titleist has put a divider in this pocket to allow keys and phones to be kept separate from one another which is a great touch in my opinion.

The look is a classy yet non-controversial one, in line with most Titleist bags we've seen over the years. The only critique we have is the price - at £230 it's on the higher end of things and there doesn't feel like a lot of bag for that price, especially when compared to other options on the market. However, if you're willing to pay for it, this is a great golf bag for walking and will prove durable and reliable over many a round.

• Read our full Titleist Players 4 Carbon 2025 Stand Bag Review

Best waterproof

Sun Mountain has been making high-quality golf bags for many years and the Litespeed bag continues that tradition. It features a range of new colors and patterns, while there are also some new bits of technology in the mix too. In our view this one of the best waterproof golf bags money can buy.

You get excellent protection of the elements as the fabric has a waterproof treatment on both sides as well as seamed seals which make it impossible for water to penetrate the bag. As the name would suggest, this bag is very light (around the 4.4 pounds, which equates to just two kilograms) and puts very little strain on your back. The feeling of ease when carrying is certainly helped by the new bubble design hip pad and the X-strap system.

Finally, we love how the pockets are laid out. It's very clever and clearly shows this bag has been designed by golfers. Overall, the Litespeed is one of the most complete and well thought-out stand bags we have tested recently, which is no more than we would expect from one of the best Sun Mountain golf bags.

• Read our full Sun Mountain 2024 H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag Review

Best storage

If you're a player who sometimes walks and sometimes rides, or perhaps uses one of the best push carts during your rounds and don't know what type of bag to go for... what if I told you this bag is perfect for both.

Our pick for the best hybrid bag is the Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid, a stand bag with all of the features and materials one some of the best quality stand bags on the market, that is at home on your back as it is on the chassis of one of the best push carts or electric trolleys.

Laden with premium but durable materials, it's easy to clean, scratch resistant and temperature-resistant which means it won't fade in the sun if you tend to play a lot in good weather. Everything about this bag felt premium to touch, from the synthetic leather and zips down to the padding on the straps and the materials used in the dividers. Finally, as you may have guess by the name, there is absolutely loads of storage on offer here. Seven pockets provide all you can need in that department, with the standouts being the valuables pocket and cooler pocket. The latter was so big I could fit my entire arm into it!

• Read our full Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Prime Stand Bag Review

Best looking

The Fairway C HD is a great looking offering from Callaway that performed exceptionally for us in testing. At 2kg (4.4lbs) it is one of the most lightweight bags you can buy. It is capable of holding all 14 golf clubs as well as everything else a golfer needs to get them around 18 holes.

In terms of comfort, the Fairway C has an all-new strap and hip pad system that uses EVA molding for added comfort around the shoulders and back. It's very easy to carry and we think that the EVA within the straps and on the hip pad really enhances the carrying experience. It adds a level of softness that you don't get with many other of the other options on the market. Because of this we would say that the Fairway C provided one of the best carrying experiences we've had with a golf bag.

As for storage, there are five pockets in total. The stand out for us was the valuables' pocket which is fleece-lined to protect your phone from scratching. It's pretty deep too, meaning you can comfortably store a phone, wallet, keys etc in there. The only slight let-down for us was the cooler pocket, as the opening is a touch on the small side which means it is very difficult to slip a water bottle in and out when on the move. Not a big deal of course, but it is a little inconvenient.

• Read our full Callaway Fairway C HD Golf Bag Review

Best sunday bag

The clue was in the name, but this is arguably the most fun I've had testing a golf bag so far in 2025. Ogio's new Sunday bag - playfully named Funday - has hit the brief of a lightweight, easy to use, pencil-style golf that is designed for sheer ease of use for a quick nine holes in the evening - but with clever new additions that add even more practicality.

For Funday, Ogio has added two modular pockets that allow you to customise your storage needs, both of which can be moved about or simply removed if you don't need them which is a great innovation in my opinion.

One pet peeve I have with Sunday bags is that, in the quest for the most lightweight design possible, they'll sacrifice comfort in that quest. This typically means the straps can often be rather uncomfortable, but it's not the case with this bag. Instead, the moulded shoulder and hip pads are brilliant and offer that extra bit of padding every golf bag should have, regardless of the weight. The Funday is the epitome of clever design and continues Ogio's momentum in making excellent golf bags like the Shadow stand bag, unique Silencer cart bag, and functional Fuse stand bag.

• Read our full Ogio Funday Stand Bag Review

Most eye catching

As is often the case with OGIO, the main standout of this bag is the design, which includes multiple eye-catching colorways that will split opinion but are perfect for the golfer that likes to stand out and make an impression. We tested the 'Aloha Oe' model but OGIO have other models available, some equally as bright, and others a touch more subdued, so there is something for all different tastes.

When it comes to performance, there is definitely a lot to like and we were very impressed with how it tested for us. The bag is very well made and is sturdy. It's constructed with various solid sections, such as the top rim, bottom of the bag and the stand, but there are also delicate sections like a soft padded back rest and soft inner lining of the valuables' pocket. It's obvious that a lot of thought and care has gone into the design of this bag.

Out on the course, we found that the six spacious pockets provided ample storage for everything we needed, whilst the aforementioned sturdy construction and comfortable carry experience make this a bag that excels in all areas. We also like some of the other thoughtful features, such as an umbrella holder and OGIO’s very clever Fit Disc self-balancing strap system.

• Read our full OGIO 2024 Fuse Stand Bag Review

Best hybrid bag

Given how the best push carts and the best electric golf trolleys are becoming more accessible to players due to more options becoming available at reasonable price, it means hybrid golf bags are becoming ever more popular. If you're unfamiliar with what a hybrid bag is, it's essentially a golf bag that works as well on a cart or trolley as it does on your back if you were to walk during your round. It remains a rather niche category, with the standouts to this point being the likes of the Motocaddy EliteFlex and Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Prime but we think Sun Mountain have just risen to the top with their H2NO Lite VLO bag.

As always with Sun Mountain bags, I'll begin by highlighting how good this brand are at making waterproof products to keep your clubs dry and valuables safe. All the seams on the bag are taped and sealed to prevent water in, while the fabric is treated for water resistance on both sides, not just the outside, like some.

Sun Mountain's VLO technology also makes its debut. This involves the area in which the top handle of your trolley or cart would attach to the bag - Sun Mountain have purposely lowered the stand system and developed a specific area of the bag built to withstand the strain of a trolley handle. If you want to carry this bag on your back instead, it weighs only 2.6kg and has soft, spongy shoulder straps to ensure a comfortable carrying experience.

• Read our full Sun Mountain H2NO Lite VLO 14-Way Stand Bag Review

Best value

Golf is expensive and the price of playing the game is only going up, so when we see a bag for less than £100 we're always very keen to test it to see if it can provide some good value for money - the MacGregor Principal 7 Stand Bag did that, and more.

At just 2.5kg, this is a lightweight golf bag that is a breeze to carry on your back. Five pockets and a lightweight high-mount automatic stand system for added stability speak to the quality of the design, made even more impressive when considering the price tag. The color options are also impressive - we were sent the snazzy black and lime green colorway and loved the modern look it provided.

This bag is a perfect B option for players who tend to use the likes of the best golf cart bags and want a second bag for a quick nine holes on those longer summer evenings without the hassle of setting up a trolley or hauling a larger bag about.

• Read our full MacGregor Principal 7 Stand Bag Review

Most comfortable

If you're familiar with Vessel, you'll know their a brand who focus on their niche of producing some of the best ultra-premium golf bags on the market. They've had great success in doing this in recent years, delivering some of the best golf bags money can buy in that time. Their latest entry to their collection is the Lux Looper stand bag which, unsurprisingly, is another gorgeous, luxurious carry bag.

Vessel’s signature clean look and premium materials make this a highly desirable object. The plush finish on the shoulder straps and dividers, the magnet opening of the rangefinder pocket and two water battle pockets, and the real-leather zippers make this bag feel like you’ve got every penny’s worth of your investment. The hip padding is another great feature and has been cleverly made a lot more streamlined than on previous Vessel models I've tested.

The lack of a full-length pocket to store a wet jacket or extra layer is a disappointment, but its the only real critique we can make of this bag.

• Read our full Vessel Lux Looper Stand Bag Review

How we test the best golf stand bags

Dan Parker

A member of the Golf Monthly team since 2021, Dan is part of our reviews teams and heads up our testing for golf shoes, golf bags, golf carts and other apparel reviews.

As with all of our equipment testing, we take our process of testing golf stand bags very seriously. Regardless of whether we are sent a product by a manufacturer or if we buy it ourselves, each bag is put to the test out on the golf course in different conditions to ensure we can provide thorough and reliable advice. Rest assured that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review from us because all of our reviewers tell it how they see it. Every member of the Golf Monthly team is an avid golfer and as such, knows what does and doesn't make for a good stand bag.

As far as our methodology goes, if we say we have reviewed a product, that means we have done so properly. We also strive to test out all of the features on the golf bag. That means, for example, if the valuables pocket claims to be waterproof, we will pour water on it to find out.

This also means testing of multiple rounds of golf. As you can imagine, here at Golf Monthly we test a wide range of golf equipment, from shoes and bags to clubs and rangefinders - all of which need a golf bag to do so! This means we're on the course a lot, often reviewing more than one thing at a time eg. shoes, a golf bag and a rangefinder. We make sure to give each bag close to, if not more than five rounds before writing our review as that time frame allows us to get a better understanding to how it performs in different conditions and on different golf courses.

Specifically to stand bags, we put the stand itself to the test on different lies, angles and ground conditions because there is nothing more annoying than a stand bag with a poor stand. This comprehensive testing style is not just exclusive to golf bags either, we test using the same ethos and methodology across all gear categories.

How to choose a stand bag

Weight

When you’re carrying a bag throughout a round, keeping it lightweight is essential to avoid fatigue. While lighter bags are generally preferable, some golfers may prefer heavier models for extra storage or for use on carts - thankfully, there are plenty of options designed specifically for those needs.

Comfort

Along similar lines, comfort is crucial. A bag should fit your body well and feature comfortable straps, with some models also offering extra padding around the hips and back for added support.

Storage

If having ample storage is a priority, some bags offer more in terms of both number of and amount of storage available in pockets. The best models feature dedicated compartments for apparel, balls, and accessories, often include a beverage pocket, and always provide a secure space for valuables.

Strength

While a quality stand bag should be lightweight and comfortable, it also needs to be durable - whether it’s the main bag body, the straps, or the stand itself. The sturdier, the better, as it ensures proper protection for your clubs. A reliable stand is especially important when playing on uneven terrain or in windy conditions.

Waterproof

If you don’t mind playing in wet conditions, waterproofing becomes an important consideration. Some bags excel in this area, as they’ve been specifically designed to keep your gear dry.

Looks

Importantly, many brands now recognize that golfers want bags that look as good as they perform. As a result, there’s a wide variety of unique designs and colors available which means it's a lot easier than it used to be in terms of finding one that suits your style.

Budget

The final factor to consider is, of course, price. When selecting a golf bag, it’s important to stick to your budget as quality options exist at every price point. Whether you’re looking to spend more or less, there’s a bag to suit every golfer.

Speaking of which, for more advice on golf bags, check out our guides on the best golf bags for seniors, best golf bags under $100, or best pencil bags.

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