Cart Bag vs Stand Bag: Comparison Guide

By: Scott Brera | Last Updated: April 19, 2024

Struggling to choose between a cart bag and a stand bag? You’re not alone. The decision hinges on storage versus mobility: cart bag vs stand bag. Cart bags excel in their organization and ease in accessing your gear on a cart, while stand bags excel in their comfort of carrying as you walk the course. This article breaks down the core differences, helping you align your choice with your playing preferences.

Navigating the Fairways: Deciding Between Cart Bags and Stand Bags

Many golfers at some point grapple with the decision between a cart bag and a stand bag. Cart bags offer a luxurious amount of storage space, designed to sit perfectly on your golf cart, ready to transport all your golfing goodies from hole to hole. In contrast, stand bags are the go-to for golfers who prefer the freedom of walking the course, thanks to their retractable legs and lightweight design.

But what’s the real difference between these two, and how do recent advancements in golf bag materials and design influence your decision?

Cart Bag Core Features

A cart bag is primarily characterized by its ample storage capacity and organization. Picture a bag that’s designed to be a mobile command center, with full-length dividers and a multitude of pockets that cater to every piece of golf gear you own.

Often boasting 14-way club dividers, these bags keep your clubs neatly organized and ready for action. Weighing in at 4.5 to 9 pounds (2 to 4 kilograms), cart bags are generally compatible with push, pull, and electric trolleys and offer between 8 to 10+ pockets for everything from golf balls to a refreshing beverage in an insulated cooler pocket.

Stand Bag Core Features

Contrarily, stand bags typically cater to golfers who enjoy walking and mingling on the course. The convenience of retractable legs keeps your bag upright and accessible, while the backpack-like padded dual shoulder strap system ensures comfort from the first hole to the last. These bags are significantly lighter than their cart bag counterparts, with an average weight range of 3.3 to 6.6 pounds (1.5 to 3 kilograms). Stand bags also typically have fewer dividers than cart bags.

Golfers appreciate stand bags for their versatility and ease of use, whether walking the course or fitting onto push carts for a little extra convenience.

Fund fact: In 1984, Sun Mountain introduced the first lightweight bag with a built-in stand (the Eclipse bag), which is now known today as the modern stand bag.

The Anatomy of Golf Bags: Storage and Organization

Examining the structure of golf bags, we find that storage and organization are the cornerstones of a well-crafted golf bag. Cart bags are the kings of compartments, offering a place for everything, from tees to an extra jacket. With features such as double zippers, these bags are not just about more storage space; they are about smarter storage, allowing for efficient and easy access to equipment while on a golf cart.

Stand bags, while focusing on portability and mobility, come with their own set of challenges, especially when it comes to accessibility on a cart, highlighting the importance of bag design in meeting the golfer’s needs.

Cart Bag Compartments

The compartments of a cart bag are designed for peak efficiency. With pockets and zippers facing forward, you can grab your rangefinder or jacket with ease.

And when it comes to durability, these bags are crafted from materials that can stand the test of time, with some offering fully waterproof exteriors and cooler pockets for those hot summer days on the course.

Stand Bag Portability

For the golfer on the move, stand bags are about strategic placement of pockets and a design that caters to ease of access while walking the fairways. The design considerations of a stand bag, like the umbrella holder, might sacrifice a bit of convenience found in cart bags, but the payoff is a bag that’s easy to carry and doesn’t slow you down.

With limited storage space compared to cart bags, stand bags make golfers prioritize their gear, ensuring that only the essentials make the trip. The trade-off, however, is a bag that’s easy to sling over your shoulder and doesn’t weigh you down.

Can You Mix Bag Types with Different Carts?

Golfers frequently question the feasibility of pairing different bag types with various carts. For example, is it okay to use a stand bag on a golf cart, or walk down the fairway with a cart bag? The good news is, flexibility is the name of the game and people do both.

For the most part, you’re more likely to see stand bags used on golf carts than you are to see someone walking down the fairway carrying a cart bag.

Using a Stand Bag with Carts

Fitting a stand bag onto a cart is a bit like a puzzle – it can be done, but requires a bit of finesse. While they can be secured onto golf carts, stand bags are not as stable as cart bags due to their designed-to-carry structure (specifically, their retractable legs). However, for those who fluctuate between walking and riding, selecting a stand bag that’s compatible with push carts can offer the best of both worlds, providing the convenience of a built-in stand and the versatility to fit on a cart when needed.

Walking with a Cart Bag

On the flip side, cart bags do come with a single shoulder strap allowing for the ability to carry the bag while walking. Although they are designed for life on a cart, there are times when you might need to carry your bag – think of the trek from the parking lot to the clubhouse.

For short-range transfers or when a cart just isn’t in the cards, a cart bag can still be a practical choice. However, golfers should keep in mind that a single shoulder strap and lack of back/hip padding can make carrying your bag for 18 holes less than ideal.

Specialized Golf Bags: Tour, Hybrid, and Sunday Options

Stepping beyond cart and stand bags, there exists a wide variety of different golf bag types tailored to the specific needs of all golfers. Whether you’re a touring pro or a casual Sunday golfer, there’s a bag built for everyone.

Hybrid bags strike a balance between cart and stand bags, while tour bags (aka staff bags) are the bag of choice for touring professional golfers, and Sunday bags offer a minimalist option for those laid-back rounds.

The Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Bag

For those who truly cannot decide between a stand and cart bag, the hybrid bag offers a middle ground. These bags give you the best of both worlds: the retractable legs and lighter weight of a stand bag combined with the storage and individual club compartments of a cart bag.

The hybrid bag provides the most versatility and optionality for golfers that like to do it all: walk, push cart, or ride, depending on the day.

Tour Bag for the Pros

The tour bag is the equivalent of a golfer’s mobile office. Designed with professionals in mind, these bags are crafted from the finest materials and offer enough space to store all the stuff a pro golfer might need on the course, from extra gloves to a full set of rain gear.

These are the bags you’ll see out on the PGA Tour, carried by caddies who manage the extensive equipment needs of the pros, making sure every club and accessory is at the ready.

I should emphasize that tour bags are truly made for touring professionals and are rarely owned by casual golfers at the local golf courses.

Light and Easy: The Sunday Bag

Sometimes less is more. Hello, Sunday bag. These significantly lighter bags are designed for the golfer who prefers to carry just a handful of clubs for a quick round or a practice session at the driving range.

Making Your Choice: Personal Preference and Playing Style

Ultimately, the choice of the right golf bag for you is a matter of personal preference and playing style. Are you the type of golfer who enjoys the quiet solitude of walking the course, or do you prefer the convenience of zipping around in a cart? These preferences play a significant role in determining which bag will be your ideal companion out on the course.

Hybrid golf bags are an excellent option for golfers who like both worlds, offering the storage and convenience of a cart bag with the flexibility to be carried like a stand bag. When considering your next golf bag, think about the amount of equipment you typically carry, your typical movements around the course, and the space available in your car/home—these factors will help guide you.

For the Avid Walker

For those who prefer to walk, stand bags are the easy choice. The design is focused on keeping things light (typically less than 6 pounds), ensuring no extra burden as you walk the course. Among most stand bags, a dual strap (like a backpack), will distribute the weight of the bag evenly across your back, making the journey from tee to green as comfortable as possible.

While stand bags are lighter weight and focus more on functionality rather than storage and design, stand bags continue to evolve and have become more and more stylish in recent years.

For the Rider or Push Cart Enthusiast

Riders and push cart enthusiasts, however, will find the cart bag to be their ideal bag. These bags are designed with convenience in mind, allowing easy access to all compartments, which face the same direction for efficient use on the cart. Cart bags can accommodate everything from a launch monitor to rain gear.

However, it’s important to note that cart bags can be heavy and bulky for travel or storage, and may not be the best option for those who enjoy the occasional walk on the golf course.

It is also important to ensure the cart bag you choose has a sturdy base. One complaint from cart bag owners is that when they are at the range (with their bag upright), a gust of wind can blow them over.

Summary

In the search for the perfect golf bag, we’ve travelled the fairways, explored various compartments, and considered the adaptability of bags to different playing styles and conditions. From the extensive storage of cart bags to the mobility of stand bags, the choice ultimately hinges on what you value most on the course.

Specialized options, like hybrid bags for versatility, tour bags for professionals, and Sunday bags for casual play, ensure that every golfer can find a bag that suits their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a stand bag on a golf cart?

Yes, you can use a stand bag on a golf cart. While stand bags are meant for carrying, they can be adjusted for stability and used on carts as well.

Can I use a cart bag to walk the course? Are cart bags only useful if I ride a cart?

Yes, you can use a cart bag to walk the course. However, comfort will likely not be the them for the day. Cart bags are heavy and only have a single strap. They are designed with carts in mind but can offer flexibility for other uses.

What’s the main advantage of a hybrid golf bag?

The main advantage of a hybrid golf bag is that it offers a blend of features from both stand and cart bags, providing more storage and having retractable legs for convenience. It is a crossover bag that is perfect for the golfer that likes versatility or the indecisive golfer that cannot choose between a stand or cart bag.

Is it worth investing in a tour bag if I’m not a professional golfer?

If you carry a lot of gear and don’t mind the size, investing in a tour bag could be beneficial, even if you’re not a pro. It offers extensive storage and high-quality materials. If you need A LOT of extra space, a tour bag could be right for you.

How do I decide which golf bag is right for me?

Consider your playing style, gear quantity, and transportation method when deciding on a golf bag. These factors will help you find the perfect bag to fit your needs.