It's been said on this site before; if you are physically able and the course allows it, golf is best-experienced walking. For many golfers, the best way to walk their local course is by using a pushcart, getting the exercise's benefits without the strain of lugging around a golf bag. For some golfers (including me), their home track isn't conducive to using a pushcart, though. That's where having a lightweight carry bag can help. They offer the ability to hold more clubs and extras than a usual Sunday bag, but a few pounds lighter than your average stand bag. Here are a few top options in this category.

Ping Moonlite

About the Company

Ping is the rare major club manufacturer that has managed to crossover and get rave reviews for their golf bags. Their legendary Hoofer series still tends to garner top ranks in product reviews year after year. They also have one of the most extensive bags out of any manufacturer, with options to suit any style preference. In 2020, they added the re-designed Moonlite bag to their lineup.

About the Bag

From the manufacturer:

At 2.5 lbs., the iconic re-designed Moonlite bag is light even among lightweight bags, and its new four-way top holds 14 clubs without crowding. With added features like a zippered water-bottle pocket, this Sunday bag isn't just for Sundays.

The Ping Moonlite bag is a soft-sided, dual strap carry bag with no stands. Unlike many bags on this list, Ping actively promotes carrying a full set of 14 clubs in the bag without issue. The bag features a rigid four-way divider on top to keep the clubs spaced out. An additional design feature is that the dual straps are designed to stay in an upward flexed "ready position" to prevent having to bend to the ground to pick the bag up. At $150, the Ping Moonlite bag is in the middle price tier for the lightweight carry bags listed here.

TaylorMade Quiver

About the Company

Unlike Ping, TaylorMade is a brand known for their clubs but not known for their bags. It's a safe assumption that most players carrying a TaylorMade branded bag do so to match their clubs. Still, they do have a relatively full lineup of bags available, and their Quiver bag, in particular, has unique design features for the category.

About the Bag

From the manufacturer:

This lightweight (3lb) stand bag is engineered for the golfer who loves to walk. The Self Adjusting Strap System allows for a comfortable and stable carry, while the extended grab handle and mini retractable legs make it easy to grab and go. The top and base are also designed for accessibility on golf carts.

The key difference with the Quiver bag compared to the others on this list is mini-stand legs. When deployed, they are long enough to keep the clubs up and off the ground but don't add a lot of weight to the bag itself. At three pounds, the bag still easily fits in the "ultralight" category. One usual issue with small, lightweight bags is that the clubs' weight can easily tip the bag over. TaylorMade attempts to solve this problem in the Quiver bag with their "self-adjusting strap system" designed to keep the heavier side upright. At $119.99, this bag is one of the less expensive major brand options.

Sun Mountain 2.5+

About the Company

Sun Mountain was founded in 1981 to produce a lightweight carry bag and, in many ways, defined the standard stand bag as it is today. While they have branched out into other accessory areas, Sun Mountain is still best known for their bags. They are one of the few bag-focused manufacturers that are available in major retail outlets. Most of their bags are considered light for their categories, but the 2.5+ series is the lightest they produce.

About the Bag

From the manufacturer:

Updated with new styling for 2021, the 2.5+ is designed for the avid walking golfer and redefines the features that can be offered in an ultralight golf bag. It has contoured, high-density foam shoulder straps for maximum carry comfort, a roomy, 9.0" top, and six pockets, including a beverage pouch. All of this, and it still weighs under three pounds.

While slightly heavier than some of the other bags on this list, the 2.5+ is by far the lightest fully-featured stand bag on the market today. The top opening is an inch or two larger than other bags in the category and can accommodate a full set of clubs, even those with larger grips. The stands are full length, providing the same ease of access as other stand bags on the market. Additionally, having some internal structure to the bag means it can be used with golf carts if necessary. All these features seem to come at a price, though, is at $229.99, the 2.5+ bag is one of the more expensive lightweight carry bag options.

Jones Original Carry Bag

About the Company

Jones Golf is most famous for the iconic single strap carry bag it has been producing for almost fifty years. For many years, Jones made the most used bags for high school and collegiate teams, creating a nostalgic connection for thousands of golfers. The Original Jones Carry Bag features design elements mostly unchanged from the bag first made in 1971.

About the Bag

From the manufacturer:

The name says it all: Original Jones. This is the golf bag that started it all in 1971 and has become one of the most iconic bags in the game. Combining traditional George Jones stylings with modern materials, the Original is designed specifically for the walking golfer. Water-resistant nylon keeps grips dry for those dew-sweepers and all-weather players. The retro single strap and unstructured body pay homage to keeping golf simple, while three pockets provide plenty of room for your playing necessities. Make your walk more enjoyable by carrying the Jones Original.

At just a bit over three pounds, the Original Jones definitely qualifies as an ultralight bag, but that's more a function of its simplicity than the goal. This includes a single carry strap, an unstructured body, and just three pockets. While the bag's look hasn't changed since it was introduced, additional weight savings are found in updating the bag to modern materials. Perhaps more than any of the other bags on this list, the Original Jones is more about having a "look" out walking the course, even if that means sacrificing some features. The bag sells for $150 on the Jones site and can be personalized for $15 more. You may be able to snag a lower price on Amazon, though.

Callaway Hyperlite Zero Double Strap Stand Bag

About the Company

Callaway needs little introduction as a company. They are an equipment powerhouse but have now ventured into all facets of golf. Many don't know that they have a very impressive lightweight golf bag that is perfect for those who walk the course - the Hyperlite Zero Double Strap Stand Bag.

About the Bag

From the manufacturer:

The gold standard in ultra-lightweight carry bags, the Hyperlite Zero combines lightweight materials with easy-carry technologies and plenty of storage space.

At three pounds, the Callaway Hyperlite isn't the lightest bag on this list, but it's one of the most well rounded. They've put a lot of attention and detail into the components. The legs are made of carbon fiber for durability, strength, but also to limit weight. There are seven pockets (including one for your cellphone) with larger zippers. They have added padding in the straps and have a system called X-Act that is supposed to help with balancing the bag. Last, but not least, there is a 4-way top with full-length dividers that should easily fit 14 clubs. At $249, it's not the cheapest lightweight carry bag, but you'll get everything you want without having to sacrifice features.

Stitch SL1

About the Company

Stitch Golf, reviewed on this site before, burst onto the scene in 2012 as one of the first independent golf accessory companies to attract significant attention. While this attention was initially for their headcovers, Stitch golf bags have also come into their own in recent years, becoming one of most sought premium indie brands for golfers. Of their three current bag styles, the SL1 is the lightest weight.

About the Bag

From the manufacturer:

The classic golf bag you have grown to love, updated for 2020. Designed using STITCH® Touring Fabric, a proprietary product used in STITCH® bags that has the strength of leather but is more durable, lightweight, and water-resistant. The SL1™ is sleek in design featuring a single strap and weighing only 57 oz., making it "The Perfect Caddie Bag." The bag has two side saddle pockets on either side for larger items, allowing you to carry on your right or left shoulder. It also features two top vent pockets for valuables and a beverage. A cushioned comfort strap provides the comfort a carry bag requires for walking 18. The SL1™ combines style and functionality in what customers have called "The sleekest bag on the market."

The primary differentiator between the SL1 and the SL2 is that the SL1 is a single strap option, while the other features a dual strap. Both are made with a leather-like material unique to Stitch, but with less weight and better durability. At 3.5 pounds, the SL1 is the heaviest bag on this list but does have stand legs and is large enough to hold a full set. Like many Stitch products, the bag is most set apart for its style. This modern and minimalist look has gotten popular in recent years. At $328, this is the most expensive bag on this list. For an extra $10, Stitch will also add a customizable "initials ingot" to one of the pockets.

Linksoul Linksouldier Sunday

About the Company

Another Practical Golf favorite in the indie golf brand space is Linksoul. Describing themselves as "more of a philosophy than a brand," they are best known for their apparel. Still, they have recently brought their style, high-quality materials, and attention to detail to other accessories, including golf bags. Recently joining the original Linksouldier stand bag is the Linksouldier Sunday bag, a lightweight golf carry bag option.

About the Bag

From the manufacturer:

Introducing our brand new, double strap, lighter-weight carry bag. It's our go-to for throwing in a few clubs for a quick nine or on a short course. Plenty of pockets for things, including a cozy little spot for your resealable adult beverage or water bottle. Side pocket with Linksouldier patch unzips completely for your embroidering pleasure.

Linksoul themselves state that "although it can physically hold more than a few clubs, it is more suited for a recreational stroll with a reduced set," the specifications and features of the bag make it more of a hybrid than a Sunday bag. At 2.4 pounds, it's the lightest bag on the list, even with two straps instead of one. The bag also features a four-way divider to help keep clubs separate and easily accessible. The Linksouldier Sunday also features 6 separate pockets and compartments, more than many other lightweight carry bags. At $180, it is one of the less expensive niche brand options available.

Datsusara HGFV Golf Bag

About the Company

And now for something completely different. Datsusara is a brand that has gained some popularity for its martial arts apparel made from sustainable hemp fabric. Going beyond fight-wear, the brand began producing other hemp fabric products, including backpacks, duffles, and fanny packs. The HGFV "Hemp Gear for Victory" line now includes a golf bag as well.

About the Bag

From the manufacturer:

Our Sunday Golf Bag is made for those looking to play a simple, pure round of golf with minimal equipment. It's perfect for Hickory Golf, too, as it's made from only organic fibers with metal zips and clips. The bag also features plenty of pockets to keep your gear well organized, 6 external 6 tee slots, and a strong, comfortable shoulder strap.

For full disclosure, this is a bag I own myself and currently use for the majority of my play. The hemp-based canvas in the burnt olive drab color gives the bag the look of an old school army duffle and really stands out on the course. Beyond that, it is as simple as a bag as you can get, with no rigid structure whatsoever and a single fabric strap divider at the top. I've comfortably had twelve clubs in the bag without issue. I could probably carry a full fourteen if needed, although that would be a tight fit. Small design touches such as the tee slot band and aged brass metal bits add a bit extra visually to the bag. At $50, it is by far the cheapest option on this list.

A more premium option would be the Sunday Loma bag, which I reviewed here.

Did we miss any great products? Please add your favorite lightweight golf bags in the comment section!