Best Lightweight Golf Bags 2025

We take a look through the best lightweight stand and carry bags available on the market right now

best lightweight golf bags
(Image credit: Future)

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. 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?

Having testing dozens of golf bags already this year, I'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. Whether you are after the best golf stand bag or the best golf cart bag, there is a model for everyone. 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.

Dan
Dan Parker

Having joined the Golf Monthly team in 2021, Dan is our golf bag guru and heads up the review team in this department as well as shoes, carts and other apparel.

The Quick List

Best Lightweight Golf Bags

Top pick

Ping Moonlander Stand Bag review

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Weight: 2kg/4.5lbs
Pockets: 6
Waterproof: Not fully
Colors: 7

Reasons to buy

+
Incredibly lightweight
+
Well positioned and well proportioned pockets
+
Spacious four-way top, despite the bag's relatively small size

Reasons to avoid

-
Missing a full length apparel pocket

Our top pick is a new addition to the Ping lineup of golf bags - the Ping Moonlander. Aimed specifically at the golfer who walks the vast majority of his or her rounds and prefers to carry, this bag ticks just about every box you could hope for from a functional, lightweight golf bag.

Weighing in at just 4.5lbs (2kg), it isn't the lightest bag that can carry all 14 clubs that we've tested but it certainly delivers ore pocket storage spaces than other rivals on this list. It also comes with an excellent double strap which isn't always a guarantee with lightweight stand bags. The pocket setup might raise eyebrows at first but I found it really worked for me during testing - 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 which is unconventional but also practical - it's good to see a brand mix it up with the pocket design and it wouldn't surprise me to see brands follow suit in the near future.

The four-way divider is spacious and easily carries all 14 clubs and I particularly enjoyed the seven neat colorways on offer, especially the camo option I tested and the white 'Mr. Ping' themed designed that features the retro logo dotted across the bag. In an era where golf bags can often blend into each other without many distinguishable features, the Moonlander really stands out. All this for £149 really is superb, especially considered to competitors like the Titleist Players 4 Carbon (£230). This is a stylish and comfortable option that is now a standout as one of the best Ping golf bags.

Best looking

Titleist Players 4 Carbon 2025 Stand Bag review

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Weight: 1.4kg/3lbs
Pockets: 6
Waterproof: No
Colors: 3

Reasons to buy

+
Cleverly divided valuables pocket stops keys from scratching phone screens
+
Incredibly lightweight build
+
Comfortable straps with a larger hip pad

Reasons to avoid

-
Quality of materials doesn't match the RRP

One of the best Titleist golf bags on the market, the Players 4 Carbon Stand Bag is another solid offering from a brand known for producing reliable golf bags. The look is a subtle but slick one, striking the right balance between style and substance thanks to the limited branding but neat pocket design.

At just 1.4kg or 3lbs, it's one of the lightest golf bags we've ever tested and comes with very comfortable double straps and additional padding that I greatly appreciated during testing. As mentioned, Titleist make very user friendly golf bags and their latest StaDry is no different thanks to the levels of storage available in the six pockets, the standout of which is the valuables pocket that has a divider to allow you to separate your phone and keys and prevent scratch marks on your screen that I've been a victim of all too often over the years testing golf bags.

At $310 RRP, it's more expensive that other options on this list but 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.

Most comfortable

TaylorMade Flextech Lite Carry Bag

(Image credit: Howard Boylan)

Specifications

Colors: 9 (Black, Grey, Navy, Silver/Red, White/Blue, Navy/Tan/White, Silver/Navy, Green, Yellow)
Weight: 1.4kg/3lbs
Dividers: 4-way top
Pockets: 6
Waterproof: Not fully waterproof

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
Sturdy when set down
+
Comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not waterproof

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.

Best value

The stunning Wilson Exo Lite Stand Bag resting on the course, with its sleek black red and white colorway

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Colors: 6 (Dynapower, Red, Orange, Blue, Dark Blue, Black)
Weight: 1.8kg/3.9lbs
Dividers: 4-way top
Pockets : 4
Waterproof: Partially

Reasons to buy

+
Magnetic rangefinder pocket is very convenient
+
Legs kick out easily and provide a solid base
+
Super lightweight but still sturdy
+
Well-placed water bottle pocket

Reasons to avoid

-
Not best for carrying full 14 clubs
-
Not suitable for cart/trolley use

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.

Best waterproof

Sun Mountain 2024 H2NO Litespeed stand bag review

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Colors: 4 (Grey/Orange, Red/Black, Blue, White)
Weight: 2kg/4.4lbs
Dividers: 4-way top
Pockets: 7
Waterproof: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight but sturdy build
+
Strong zips that can be opened with one hand
+
Class-leading waterproof protection

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may prefer 14-way divider

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.

Best color choice

Callaway Fairway C HD Golf Bag Review

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

Specifications

Colors: 7 (Orange/Blue, Black, Black Houndstooth, Charcoal, Grey/Pink, Navy, Olive)
Weight: 2kg/4.4lbs
Dividers: 4-way top
Pockets: 9
Waterproof: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent top storage with no club crowding
+
Comprehensive and comfortable straps
+
Lightweight and fully waterproof materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Cooler pocket is poorly designed

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.

Best sunday bag

Ogio Funday Stand Bag review

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Weight : 1kg/2.6 lbs
Pockets: 6
Waterproof: No
Colors: 5

Reasons to buy

+
Modular storage options allow you to carry exactly as much as you'd like
+
Padded strap and hip pad both add more comfort
+
Club divider offers decent room
+
Small legs keep the bag off the floor

Reasons to avoid

-
Legs don't fold our automatically

I haven't had more fun testing a golf bag in 2025 than I did with the Ogio Funday - maybe I should have seen this coming given the name!

Sunday bags are rising in popularity, designed for those who want a quick nine holes on a weekend or weekday evening and don't fancy slogging around a heavy bag or full set of clubs. Instead, Sunday bags are designed to be as lightweight and easy to use as possible and Ogio have delivered that here with the Funday.

I absolutely loved some of the signature features here, most notably the moveable and even removable storage compartments. If there is no rain in the forecast and you don't need to bring another layer onto the course with you, simply remove the biggest pocket and be on your way. It makes a lightweight carry experience that bit lighter, which leads to a really pleasant walk. Sunday and pencil bags can often skimp a bit in terms of comfort of the strap, but here we have moulded shoulder and hip pads that offer that extra bit of padding every golf bag should have, regardless of the weight. As practical as it is fun, the Ogio Funday was well deserving of the five star review we gave it earlier this year.

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.

Photo of a man carrying a golf bag

(Image credit: Future)

We don't think it's fair to try out a bag (or any piece of golf equipment or apparel for that matter) only once before writing a review. Instead, our bags are tested over multiple rounds of golf across different golf courses to give us a true understanding of how they perform. It goes for the same with all of our reviews, we want to be as thorough as possible to give you, the reader, the best informed buying advice possible.

As you can imagine, we test a lot of golf equipment and apparel here at Golf Monthly so our testing team spends A LOT of time on the golf course. During this time we often test more than one product at once - for example, a pair of shoes, a bag and a rangefinder. Be assured, we give every golf bag a thorough workout and try to test in different weather conditions to really put it through its paces. We also take into account any unique selling points of each bag and really dig into whether it works - for example, if a bag says it's waterproof we'll either head out in the rain or pour water on it to see if it really is, leaving no stone unturned in the process.

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!

Dan Parker
Staff Writer

Dan has been with Golf Monthly team since 2021. He graduated with a Masters degree in International Journalism from the University of Sussex and looks after equipment reviews and buying guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag, golf cart and apparel reviews. Dan has now tested and reviewed over 50 pairs of golf shoes and is an expert in the field. A left-handed golfer, his handicap index is currently 6.5, and he plays at Fulford Heath Golf Club in the West Midlands.

Dan's current What's In The Bag:

Mini driver: PXG Secret Weapon 13°Fairway: Ping G440 Max 16°, Ping G440 Max 21°Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility 19°, Ping i230 (5-PW) Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro (50, 56)Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour XBall: Titleist Pro V1Grip: Golf Pride Tour VelvetBag: Vessel Sunday III

With contributions from