Matt Cradock
If you're a traditionalist and like to carry your golf bag on your back as you play, it could do you the world of good to buy a bag that caters to doing just that. Whether you are after the best golf stand bag or the best golf cart bag, there is a model for everyone but one important aspect that needs considering is the weight of the bag, which is why we are specifically looking at the best golf bags that feature lightness at the core of their designs.
Getting a lightweight golf bag can help put you one step ahead of your competitors, maximizing comfort while minimizing energy loss for those important closing holes on the back nine. Golf can be tiring, both physically and mentally, so why waste more energy carrying a heavy, uncomfortable golf bag?
We've put together this guide documenting the best lightweight golf bags on the market, an areas that has expanded a lot in recent years which means you have plenty of choice. Also be sure to also check out some of our other golf bag guides, such as the best golf trolley bags, best golf bags under $100, and the best golf pencil bags.
The Quick List
A durable stand bag that offers decent storage and great comfort from a double strap. It is well-balanced on the back and easily adjustable and compact. It is the lightest model we've tested as well.
An excellent, genuinely lightweight bag which is comfortable to carry and simple to use. Although it isn't fully waterproof, it can carry a full set of clubs with ease.
The Wilson Exo Lite is a great bag with well designed pockets, sturdy metal legs and a nice little magnetic rangefinder pocket. It offers excellent value given the performance and price as well.
Waterproof bags can often be a little on the heavy side, but not the H2NO Litespeed. Without doubt the best lightweight waterproof bag you can buy on the market.
Eye-catching colors are available with the Callaway Fairway C HD, a bag that does everything you need it to do and more.
Maybe not the first brand to come to mind when thinking of golf bags, but the Mizuno K1-LO is a fantastic option due to it's good size, comfortable straps and cool-looking design.
Load the next model
The Sunday Golf Loma XL is a unique golf bag, clearly designed for players who want a lightweight bag to carry but just enough storage space to pack what they need for 18 holes.
Best Lightweight Golf Bags
Top pick
Weighing in at just 1.3kg, the Titleist Players 4 Carbon is our top pick in this guide. It features an ultra-lightweight frame with carbon fibre legs for style, practicality and stability. It is one of the lightest bags in golf and, when we took it out on the golf course, it delivered a fatigue-free, effortless carry.
The four-way divider is well padded and helped protect our clubs from banging together as we walked the course. The clubs weren't congested in the bag when we set it down, nor did any stick out as we walked.
The carbon-fibre legs were fantastic also, supporting the bag when set down and kicking out well during that process. It's worth noting that each pocket isn't fully sealed, meaning it isn't fully waterproof, but the bag has good durability through the rip-stop material which will add years to it's lifespan. There are also several nice, classic colors to choose from which is quintessentially Titleist.
- Read our full Titleist Players 4 Carbon Stand Bag Review
Most comfortable
Weighing in at just 1.4kg, the FlexTech SuperLite Golf Stand Bag provided us with a comfortable carry and excellent ease of use, with the straps quick and easy to loop over the shoulder, as the padded section on the lower back provided great protection. In fact these design elements are the reason why we labeled this model as the most comfortable in this guide.
The stand legs gave a sturdy base when set down, automatically extending out further depending on the slope in which it is set upon. This means that you should have no issues, or worries, when trawling round the golf course with what is one of the best TaylorMade golf bags.
The FlexTech SuperLite has six pockets which is plenty to store what you need on the course, whilst the four-way divider is sturdy and feels good quality. It's not a fully waterproof bag, but it should hold up against the odd shower - a great option as a summer golf bag. There are lots of colors to choose from as well, ranging from classic finishes, to ones that stand out a bit more.
- Read our full TaylorMade FlexTech SuperLite Golf Stand Bag Review
Best value
The Exo Lite Stand Bag is a thoughtfully designed and practical bag that has been crafted to make the carrying experience simple. It is one of the most lightweight stand bags on offer and, as more golfers are loading their bags up with the best golf accessories on the market, we loved the functionality and storage options it delivered.
Weighing just 1.8kg, the Exo Lite is a perfect sweet spot between sufficient space and weight. The four-way divider kept our clubs organized and spaced out during test, whilst the bag feels like really good quality - premium and sturdy but not feeling too boxey.
We should acknowledge the legs, which didn't always kick out as much as we wanted when setting the bag down which is a little disappointing. What doesn't disappoint is the magnetic rangefinder pocket which is a nice design element. It adds a premium feel to the bag which further enhances the value here because it certainly doesn't come with a premium price.
- Read our full Wilson Exo Lite Stand Bag Review
Best waterproof
Sun Mountain produce some of the best waterproof golf bags on the market, with the H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag carrying on that theme. All bags in the H2NO series utilize the waterproof fabric and, thanks to the protection on both sides and the seamed seals, it's a similar story once again.
Considering how waterproof it is and the extra weight that should come with that, the Litespeed only weighs 4.4lbs, which we thought was very impressive. It barely felt like a weight on our back at all during testing, with the carrying experience enhanced by the bubble design hip pad, as well as the X-strap system which combine well for a comfortable carrying experience.
Seven pockets provide ample space for your valuable or an extra layer of clothes. We were really impressed by the water bottle pocket, known as the hydration sleeve. It can fit even the biggest water bottle or flask so you don't run out of hydration on those sunny summer rounds. Along with the sleeve, the valuables' pocket is fleece-lined, whilst the overall design shows that its been designed by golfers, for golfers.
- Read our full Sun Mountain 2024 H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag Review
Best color choice
To begin with, the Fairway C HD secured the best color choice in this list due to the extensive offering available, including a number of bold colorways that will make you stand-out on the golf course. The bright orange in the photo provided might not be for everyone, but with seven colors to choose from we're sure there is a style available for every player no matter your taste.
Featuring a four-way divider and multiple pockets, a lot of thought has gone into the Fairway C HD, with Callaway using its ‘shaft-shield’ rubber overmold to protect your clubs and keep them well-organized when in the bag. We see this overmold on the best Callaway golf bags and, what's more, a water-resistant fabric means you don’t need to worry about being caught out when the weather turns.
The fully waterproof valuables pocket is a great addition, giving you piece of mind that your phone, wallet and other important items don't get wet or damaged. Nine spacious pockets line the bag to give you plenty of storage room, while the legs give the bag a sturdy feel when it's set down.
- Read our full Callaway Fairway C HD Golf Bag Review
Best looking
The first thing worth mentioning when discussing the K1-LO is the look of this bag. Especially in the blue and white finish we tested, it looks fantastic.
It's light as a feather, too, with Mizuno designing the K1-LO to help you traverse the course with the lightest weight possible on your back, at just 3.3lbs. Although it performs better in the summer, it can withstand heavy rain and can do a job in the winter months for you also.
There is load of room for storing your essentials withs nine pockets available, including a full-length pocket for your clothing on the side and a fur-lined valuables pocket to keep your important items safe. A velcro-glove patch is also included, which we thought was a nice touch. The five-way dividers mean you can keep all your clubs organized in the bag and they won't be banging together as you walk. All-in-all, a great option to look at when considering a new golf bag.
- Read our full Mizuno K1-LO Stand Bag Review
Best sunday bag
Sunday Golf are known for producing some of the best golf pencil bags on the market and, with their Loma XL, it's a similar story once again. To begin with, the looks are gorgeous and, with nine colors to choose from, there should be something for everybody.
We were particularly impressed by the 'Frosty Pocket', designed specifically to keep your bottle of water or a few cans of beer cold while you walk. A velcro glove holder, valuables pocket, pencil holder and a mesh pocket for your rangefinder also come included. There's a side pocket for your glove and a pouch for golf balls that will comfortable hold half a dozen.
At just 3.3lbs, this is one of the lightest golf bags on the market and is a great option for anyone searching in the Sunday golf bag category. The looks are unique but we loved the cream colorway, and finally we should mention that it is not fully waterproof, so it is perhaps better for summer golf.
- Read our full Sunday Golf Loma XL Stand Bag Review
How we test golf bags
When it comes to our process of testing golf bags, we take it very seriously. Whether we are sent a product or buy it ourselves, we put each bag to the test out on the golf course to ensure we can provide thorough and reliable advice. Most importantly though, manufacturers cannot pay for a good review because we tell it how we 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.
We pride ourselves in our tried and tested reviews process because, as mentioned, our reviews are conducted and written by golf fans, for golf fans. This means we call it how we see it, based on expert knowledge and experience coupled with a passion for the game and a loyalty to our readers.
No brand can 'buy' a good review, nor does a manufacturer receive any preferential treatment - we simply call it how we see it to help you, the reader, make the best informed golfing purchases.
How to choose a new golf bag
Here are a few pointers to consider when making the decision to buy a new golf bag.
1. Weight
If you like to carry your bag like a lot of the Golf Monthly team do, then weight is important. Your back shouldn't feel tired or strained as you carry while trying to maintain a good score on the back nine of your club competition. Do yourself a favor a get a bag that is lightweight to make your walk on the course that bit more enjoyable. That being said you also want a bag that feels sturdy and can deal with the trials and tribulations of the golf course too.
2. Comfort
What's the point of a golf bag on your back that isn't comfortable. With the way manufacturers make their straps these days, it's never been easier to find a golf bag that fits comfortable to your shoulders as you walk.
3. Strength
Whilst a good bag will be light and comfortable, it should also be strong whether it be the core bag section, the strap, or the stand itself. Preferably the sturdier the better because it has to protect your golf clubs properly.
4. Storage
If you tend to bring a lot of stuff with you onto the course, whether it's clothes, food or drinks, it's always helpful to have somewhere to store it. Therefore when looking at bags be aware of how many pockets a model has, and which specific pockets are part of the design. Do you want a specific drinks pocket or valuables pocket?
5. Waterproof
If you see yourself playing in the rain a lot then waterproofing will be a factor to consider. Some models above are better than others in this regard because they have been designed as such. Look out for specifications that say whether some models are 100% waterproof, or water-resistant because there is a clear difference, and you don't want to get caught out when the weather is bad.
6. Looks
Some people care more about looks than other, but at Golf Monthly we operate on a 'look good, feel good, play good' philosophy. That includes your golf bag, so take a look at different models, see what you like the look of, and then see the different color options available.
7. Budget
The final factor to consider is of course price. When choosing a golf bag you have to be aware of what you can afford because there are good models at every single price point. If you want to spend more, or less, then there is a bag for everyone.
For more advice on purchasing top quality golf bags, check out our guides on the best golf bags for seniors, best women's golf bags, or best Tour golf bags.
FAQs
How many clubs should I carry in my bag?
That depends on the type of game you want to play and the clubs that you tend to regularly use and the gapping between them. 14 clubs may be too much for a beginner golfer but may just enough for others!
Should I use a stand bag or a cart bag?
That comes down to personal preference. Golfers looking for more mobility should opt to use a stand bag and that will help them navigate the course much easier. Although those looking to carry more equipment on a trolley may be better suited to a cart bag.
What equipment should I carry in my golf bag?
Aside from your clubs, we definitely recommend bringing with you a bag of tees, enough balls to get you through your round, and some waterproofs incase the heavens open! You can also bring snacks, jumpers, a divot tool - anything you think will help you in your round. Why not take a look at our guide to the best golf accessories for inspiration!
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