Cart Bag vs. Stand Bag: It's Not Complicated
Once you learn the differences between cart bags and stand bags, your decision is easy
Cart bag, or stand bag? The truth is, for the overwhelming majority of golfers, a stand bag is easily the best option, but there are still plenty of players who would be best-served by a cart bag.
In nearly two decades of playing golf, I’ve only owned stand bags, and I don’t see that changing anytime in the next two decades. That’s not to say that cart bags don’t have plenty to offer. So let’s dive into the cart bag vs. stand bag debate. Once you understand the differences, you’ll have no problem figuring out which one is right for you.
Cart Bag vs. Stand Bag
Thankfully, the names cart bag and stand bag are quite descriptive. Cart bags are designed to go on carts – including push carts – and since they’re not made for the walking golfer, they are larger and offer maximum pockets and storage space.
On the other hand, stand bags get their name from the legs that kick out when the bag is set down, and spring in when the bag is picked back up. Given those legs, you can probably guess that stand bags are made for the walking golfer who carries their bag and needs to constantly pick up and set down their bag.
Stand bags, of course, fit on golf carts and push carts perfectly fine. Finally, stand bags cost less than cart bags, and if you haven’t shopped for a golf bag lately, they’re surprisingly expensive. If you don’t need the additional storage of a cart bag, then it makes more sense to opt for a stand bag.
Knowing this, it’s easy to see why stand bags are the better option for golfers who at least sometimes walk the course, and players who don’t want to switch their clubs between multiple bags depending on whether they’re walking or riding.
Here’s a quick profile comparison of what you can expect between the typical cart bags vs. stand bags.
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Cart Bag |
Stand Bag |
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Weight |
4.0 - 6 lbs |
3.0 - 4.5 lbs |
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Pockets |
9-11 |
6-8 |
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Straps |
Handle |
Double Straps |
|
Avg. Price Range |
$200 - $300 |
$150 - $275 |
The Lightest Golf Bags of 2024: 7 Picks Under 4 Pounds!
Pros and Cons of Cart Bags and Stand Bags
Both cart bags and stand bags come with their own sets of benefits and drawbacks. Here's how they stack up to each other.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Cart Bag |
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| Pros | Cons | |
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Stand Bag |
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The Best Golf Bags of 2024 in Every Category
Best Stand Bags
For the majority of golfers, a stand bag is the way to go. Stand bags give you the flexibility to walk, ride a cart, or use a push cart every time you play. On top of that, they hold everything you need, and check in at a slightly lower cost than cart bags.
If you’re shopping for a stand bag, here are our top four recommendations.
Best Overall Stand Bag: PING Hoofer
The Hoofer has been part of PING golf bag lineup forever, and it’s the one stand bag you have to at least take a look at before you buy anything else.
The Hoofer, as the name suggests, is made for the walking golfer. That’s not to say it’s the lightest stand bag out there, but it offers best-in-class combination of lightweight, durability, and convenience. Plus, since the Hoofer has been around for years, it’s easy to score some deals on previous year’s models, and you can be picky about your style and color preferences, since through the years, PING has made Hoofer bags in every color and style imaginable.
Best Lightweight Stand Bag: Titleist Players 4 Carbon
This Titleist stand bag weights just 2.9 lbs!
Can you believe this Players 4 Carbon golf bag from Titleist weighs only 2.9 pounds? Despite being a featherweight, it still offers plenty of storage, including a ball pocket, water bottle holder, valuables pocket and a large side compartment that’s suitable for rain gear.
Best Value Stand Bag: IZZO Ultra-Lite
We mentioned earlier that golf bags these days are expensive, but you’ll be glad to know that there’s a great option under $100. This IZZO Ultra-Lite stand bag weighs just 3.2 pounds and offers a 4-way top with full-length dividers, a dual-strap for easy carrying, and four pockets to store all the essentials.
Best Hybrid Bag: Titleist Hybrid 14
A hybrid bag is a stand bag that’s built somewhat like a cart bag – with a little extra umph – yet has convenient legs to assist you when you’re walking the course and carrying your clubs.
Hybrid stand bags are a great option if you use a cart or push cart most of the time, but want the flexibility to carry your bag when the situation arises. They’re also great if you like to carry rain gear at all times or tend to pack your bag with everything you might possibly need.
The Hybrid 14 bag from Titleist has that recognizable Titleist script up the side pocket, and offers double straps, and integrated cart strap tunnel, 14 dividers, and storage for everything you need on the course.
Best Cart Bags
If your days of carrying your golf clubs while you hoof the course are behind you, and you exclusively take a golf cart or use a push cart, you could really benefit from a cart bag.
Some players also like having both a cart bag and a stand bag so they can alternate depending on the course they’re playing.
If you’re looking for a great cart bag, here are our top recommendations.
Best Overall Cart Bag: OGIO WOODE 15
OGIO is one of the top brands in the golf bag space, and if you’re looking for a decked-out cart bag, the WOODE 15 is an excellent selection.
This bag has a 15-way top, dedicated sleeve for your umbrella – afterall, cart bags are ideal for carrying all the accessories – plus a cooler pocket, rapid access snap ball pocket, and fleece-lined valuables pocket. It’s easily compatible with push carts, including e-trolleys, which makes it ideal for golfers who like to walk, just not without a push cart.
Best Value Cart Bag: Bag Boy CB-15
We love this CB-15 cart bag from Bag Boy for plenty of reasons. First of all, at under $200, it’s an excellent value from a highly-regarded brand. It checks in at a ridiculously light 5.4 pounds and has nine pockets, including an insulated cooler pocket.
Last but not least, it has a 15-way top and full-length dividers, with a dedicated rubberized putter well, so your shafts never scuff each other up.