Sun Mountain has been one of the leading golf bag manufacturers in recent years, with the brand producing some of the best golf bags in the business. Engineered to suit differing on-course requirements, they offer a range of stand and cart bags that will help your performance out on the course. A golf bag is a crucial part of your golfing set up as, not only does it house your clubs, but also provides storage for your clothing, golf balls and other accessories needed out on the golf course.
In this piece, we have tried and tested the best bags from Sun Mountain, with their models ranked as some of the best golf trolley bags and best waterproof golf bags anywhere on the market.
However, if Sun Mountain is not for you, we've also produced guides on bags from other brands, such as the best Ping golf bags, best TaylorMade golf bags, best Ogio golf bags, or the best Titleist golf bags.
The Quick List
A superb and well-made lightweight waterproof stand bag. The attention to detail proves this bag was made for avid walkers and those who seek class-leading waterproof protection.
For
- Extremely light
- Loads of storage space
- Solid stand
Against
- Straps are difficult to adjust
The H2NO Lite stand bag ticks every conceivable box, from style to functionality. It's hard to fault. There are a raft of useful features and it's 100 per cent waterproof.
For
- Extremely lightweight
- Stylish design
- Very sturdy legs
- Ample storage space
Against
- Some may feel there are cheaper viable alternatives
This EWP version not only has an environmental element to it but performance is not compromised - it is lightweight, stable and can cater to all your storage needs.
For
- Incredibly lightweight and easy to carry
- Storage is ample
- Stand provides excellent balance and stability
Against
- 14 way divider won't be for everyone
The Sun Mountain Eco-Lite 2023 stand bag is a fantastic option for golfers who prefer to walk the course without being weighed down unnecessarily.
For
- Extremely lightweight bag
- Water resistant material
- Sturdy stands provide good stability
Against
- Drinks bottle pocket was too loose
An excellent stand bag that has lightness and comfort as its two leading plus points. The only thing holding it back from five stars was the waterproofing.
For
- Very lightweight
- Comfortable
- Modern, sporty design will appeal to most tastes
Against
- Not fully waterproof
Designed for golfers who ride when they play, the Sun Mountain C-130 delivers everything that its target audience could want in a cart bag.
For
- Impressive storage that’s easily accessible
- Sleek, eye-catching aesthetics
- Incredibly quiet and stable on a cart
- Superb craftsmanship from top to bottom
Against
- Optimal for riding carts as opposed to push carts
Load the next two models
An innovative bag, the H2NO Lite Cart model is lightweight, incredibly versatile, fashionable, functional and best of all - it’s completely waterproof.
For
- Total waterproof protection
- Easy to lift in and out of your car
Against
- Only really works on a trolley
The ClubGlider Meridian is a joy to use and you will be the envy of the airport when wheeling it around whilst other golfers continually pick up their travel covers.
For
- Padding at the top end is very thick
- Outside pockets are spacious
- Legs and wheels are a game changer
Against
- Can be tricky to put legs/wheels back up
Best Sun Mountain Golf Bags
Stand Bags
Sun Mountain have been making high-quality golf bags for years now and this continues with the 2024 edition of the Litespeed bag. Featuring a range of new colors and patterns, there are also some new bits of technology to mention as well, making this one of the best lightweight fully waterproof stand bags money can by. The fabric is given a waterproof treatment on both sides and has seamed seals making it impossible for water to penetrate through the bag and soak whatever is inside.
Additionally, as the name would suggest, it is very light, at around the 4.4 pounds mark, which equates to just two kilograms. It barely makes an impression on your back and the sensation of ease when carrying is bolstered by the new bubble design hip pad and the X-strap system.
Finally, the pockets are well designed and they are laid out in a way that clearly shows this bag has been produced for golfers, with the Litespeed one of the most complete and well thought-out stand bags we have tested recently.
- Read our full Sun Mountain 2024 H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag Review
Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Stand Bag
There’s no question the H2NO Lite is one of the best golf bags in the Sun Mountain range and indeed one of the best waterproof golf bags on the market. Testing the H2NO Lite over a series of rounds, in differing weather conditions, we found it to be a bag that’s difficult to fault.
Providing great looks, with the color being not too garish, it really is a unique aesthetic. The quality of construction was also immediately obvious, as it’s made from a TPU-coated waterproof fabric that ensures no rain penetrates the interior, which is a significant advantage wherever you are in the world. What’s more, all the seams are taped and sealed and the high-quality YKK waterproof zippers further bolster protection.
Once again, it has a lightweight feel and weighs in at just 2.3kg. Certainly it’s easy to carry, even when it’s packed to the rafters with your golf gear. There's also plenty of storage, as six pockets provide ample space for your belongings.
- Read our full Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Stand Bag Review
Sun Mountain Eco-Lite EWP 14 Way Stand Bag
Going a step further than the Eco-Lite, Sun Mountain have also introduced an EWP version of the bag. The difference between the two models is the EWP moniker in the product names. EWP stands for Enhanced Weather Protection and, as such, it is fully waterproof, making it a bag you can use all year round.
The EWP design performed just as well as the regular model, with it being extremely comfortable, lightweight and convenient to use. Importantly, it provided ample storage, making this a top performer in the stand bag market.
One final positive worth mentioning is that the bag is made from Repreve fabric, which is made using recycled plastic bottles. Approximately twenty-five 20-oz bottles go into the material, which is a design element worth applauding.
- Read our full Sun Mountain Eco-Lite EWP 14 Way Stand Bag Review
Sun Mountain Eco-Lite 2023 Stand Bag
For golfers who like to carry their clubs, having a bag that is lightweight is vitally important, and the Eco-Lite from Sun Mountain is one of the best for this. It weighs just 4lbs and provides superb comfort whilst carrying. This is thanks to the padded straps, which can be adjusted easily.
In weight, it’s akin to a Sunday or pencil bag but, in storage, it does compromise a touch when compared to other stand bags. The bag has four pockets, including a valuables pocket and larger pocket on the outer side. The pockets aren't particularly large, so for golfers who like to carry lots of extra layers or drinks, the pocket space fills up very quickly.
Although it isn’t fully waterproof, it is made using water-resistant fabric, which we found offered reasonably extensive protection. It wasn’t until the heavens really opened that some water began to penetrate the fabric, and even then it was minimal.
- Read our full Sun Mountain Eco-Lite 2023 Stand Bag review
Sun Mountain Two5 Plus Stand Bag
A brand synonymous with high-quality, Sun Mountain's Two5 Plus bag is a model that certainly lives up to the premium, performing name. In testing, the first thing we noticed was the styling, which is modern and looks great. As you can see, the model we tested was finished in white, black and red, a more muted design, but there are several other funky finishes too.
There is a lot to like about this bag, with one of those things being how lightweight it is. Despite being equipped with a full set of golf clubs, golf balls and the pockets bursting with other pieces of golf gear, it was incredibly easy to carry and is easily one of the best lightweight golf bags around. Speaking of carrying, the X-Strap system was another excellent feature.
Equipped with five pockets, it has a 4-way divider and a very reliable stand that won't cause any issues out on the golf course. Too often, we have tested bags that have stands which do not protrude out far enough. This means, in windy conditions or uneven lies, they lose balance and fall over easily. We had no such issues here.
- Read our full Sun Mountain Two5 Plus Stand Bag Review
Cart Bags
It’s not surprising that the C130 is Sun Mountain’s best-selling cart bag as it delivers all the features you would expect from a high-performance product, with the bag designed exclusively for cart use.
We found that the storage is extensive, as 13 well-placed and ample sized pockets mean you could even pack to go for a two-week vacation using the storage space in this bag. All the pockets are front-facing, meaning they’re easily accessible, with that accessibility guaranteed by the cart strap pass-through system.
In addition, a smart strap system attaches the bag more firmly to a cart with two Velcro straps to prevent twisting and movement. The 14-way top, which also has an oversized putter well, means that clubs will be fully separated and so prevent shafts from clashing.
- Read our full Sun Mountain C-130 Cart Bag Review
Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Cart Bag
There’s an awful lot to love about the Sun Mountain H2NO Lite cart bag, especially if you're looking for a lightweight but spacious option to fit on your trolley. For starters, there’s the fact that this bag is completely waterproof, with the thick nylon fabric making the rain run off the surface.
The zips and seams are also cleverly taped to ensure that all your belongings remain dry, even in the harshest of weather conditions, making it one of the best waterproof golf bags we've tested in recent times.
At just 2.6kg, when empty, it’s only a little heavier than lifting two bags of sugar and, even after you add your clubs, golf balls, waterproofs, drink and accessories, it’s more than light enough.
- Read our full Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Cart Bag Review
Travel Bags
In our opinion, the ClubGlider Meridian is easily top of the tree when it comes to the best golf travel bags. To begin with, the experience of airport queuing was made easier thanks to the bag having wheels and legs. This meant we didn't have to constantly keep picking it up and moving it a couple of yards to progress.
Just like the name suggests, it simply glides around the airport and takes away any stress from your back, arms and wrists when manoeuvring it. The legs are also very sturdy and the wheels roll easily.
The frame of the legs is housed in the hard back, which gives you peace of mind that your clubs are protected in a safe shell, whilst the padding around the top of the bag is very thick and should mean that there are no accidents with your driver and fairway woods.
- Read our full Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover Review
How we test golf bags
Our testing process for all golf gear, let alone golf bags, is rigorous and comprehensive.
As far as our methodology goes, if we say we have reviewed a product, that means we have used it out on the golf course and put it through its paces in different conditions. We also endeavour to use all the features on the golf bag, for example, if the valuables pocket claims to be waterproof, we pour water on it to find out.
We should also say that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review because we tell things how we see it.
As far as the testing team goes, the Golf Monthly team is a mixture of ages and handicaps, and most are members at golf clubs so regularly put golf gear to the test in fun rounds as well as competitions.
How to choose a new golf bag
There are several key factors to consider when thinking about buying a golf bag and we have gone into those below...
Bag Type - What kind of bag do you want? Stand bag? Cart model? Pencil bag? All of these types of bag have their positives and negatives and you should think about what you think is important to your golf.
Stand bags are built for those who want to carry their clubs around the golf course which means factors like comfort and weight are very important. Stand bags also have to offer waterproofing as well as strength and robustness. The two negatives most associated with stand bags are they require more effort to use, and they usually don't offer as much storage as cart bags.
However, that being said there are several stand bags above that can also be used on golf carts as well so maybe that is a way of killing two birds with one stone.
Cart bags are for those who want to use golf carts on the golf course. If this is you, then you'll likely want a stable model that is not only easy to lift and move around, but also one that sits firmly on your cart. One big advantage we have found is that cart bags also tend to offer ample storage for accessories, apparel, valuables and all the other golf paraphernalia you might need during the round.
The main negative is they are just bulkier and have to be taken off the cart before and after the round, whereas stand bags offer a bit more freedom.
Pencil bags are obviously very light and perfect for quick rounds but obviously limited in terms of storage.
Storage - Speaking of storage, it is important because a good golf bag has to offer pockets for lots of different things as we mentioned above. Cart bags tend to have larger pockets because they are just that, larger. They also require less effort to use too which means players are able to carry more stuff with them if needed.
Stand bags on the other hand usually have enough to house the essentials.
However there are also golf bags out there that keep the game simple with only a few pockets so have a think about how much gear you want to take onto the golf course, and pick a bag accordingly.
Waterproofing - If you live or golf somewhere that gets a lot of rain then this is a no-brainer really, get a bag that offers protection from the rain. Whereas if you don't, then this factor won't be as important. We should acknowledge that some models above are better than others in this regard because they have been designed as such.
Weight - Across all types of bag, weight is important. Stand bags obviously have to be lightweight because players will be carrying them on their backs and shoulders all day, whilst cart bags should also have a degree of lightness too so they are easy to manoeuvre on the golf course, and from the car to the cart itself.
Thankfully most brands these days make lightweight models because not many players want to use a heavy bag.
Looks - How do you want your golf bag to look? Whether it be a stand or cart model, brands try their best to create design aesthetics that stand out, or blend in on the golf course. Therefore have a think about which models you like the look of, or if some bags have different color schemes.
Budget - Our final factor to consider is of course price. There are golf bags at every single price point so if you want to go for a premium cart model you can, or if you want a cheap stand bag you can also do that too.
FAQs
What is the difference between a stand and cart bag?
The most notable difference when it comes to a stand and cart bag is the size and storage space, with a cart bag providing that little bit extra when it comes to storage. Another difference is the fact that a stand bag can be carried on the course, whereas a cart bag is usually used on an electric or push trolley.
Who makes the best golf bags?
When it comes to golf bags there are an array of companies that produce premium performing kit. Sun Mountain ranks amongst the best, as do the likes of Titleist, Ping, Callaway and Wilson.
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