Playing golf in wet conditions is tough and not particularly enjoyable, but it’s a whole lot worse if you don’t have suitable gear. You will want to be kitted out with some high quality waterproofs as well as some of the best waterproof golf shoes, because playing golf when you’re soaked through can be a pretty miserable experience. While you will want to keep yourself dry, it’s also vital that you keep your clubs and belongings dry.
The below guide will help to choose a bag to keep your equipment protected and stored correctly as you battle the elements out on the course. These are not just the best waterproof models on the market, they are some of the best golf bags period.
If your equipment etc is well protected from the weather then you can focus on what matters most – your golf. All bases are covered here, waterproof options are available in all types of bags, so whether you carry or use a cart, trolley or buggy, there is a waterproof golf bag for you that will help you get the most from your game on those wet and miserable days. Whether it’s a stand bag or a trolley bag, the best models will be constructed from waterproof fabric, have sealed seams and zippers and will come with a neatly fitting, easily attached rain hood. Waterproof stand bags should still be super-lightweight and comfortable to carry, while waterproof cart/trolley bags should be robust and stable, providing easy access to all pockets.
So, what are the best waterproof golf bags currently available? Well, we’ve reviewed, tested and selected our favorites below. We have also checked out the best lightweight golf bags and the best golf bags for seniors that money can buy.
The Quick List
Big Max 2024 Aqua 7 Stand Bag
It’s light, versatile, comfortable, 100% waterproof and is available in eight different color combinations, so even the most fashion conscious golfer will find a color that brings them joy.
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Titleist Players 5 StaDry Stand Bag
The Players 5 StaDry is a premium, stylish, versatile and robust stand bag that offers practical features, excellent protection and looks great too.
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Callaway Fairway C HD Golf Bag
The multi-functional Callaway Fairway C HD stand bag does everything you need it to do and more, with an eye-catching colour scheme and plenty of great features.
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Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Plus Stand Bag
The Dri Lite Hybrid Plus from Big Max is waterproof, versatile for use on push or powered carts and well suited for all kinds of golfers. There’s plenty of storage too.
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Ogio All Elements Hybrid Stand Bag
There is a lot more to the All Elements range than just the looks. It is both highly functional and versatile and is ideal for anyone who wants to carry all 14 clubs.
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Cobra Ultradry Pro 2023 Stand Bag
There is a lot to like about the Cobra Ultradry Pro stand bag, with its waterproof protection keeping your necessities dry in the harshest conditions.
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Sun Mountain 2024 H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag
A superb, well thought out and well made lightweight waterproof stand bag. The attention to detail throughout the bag proves this bag was made for avid walking golfers.
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Ping Hoofer Monsoon Stand Bag
This is an excellent bag for any golfer who plays regularly in wetter conditions or is looking for a lightweight, ergonomic stand bag they can carry around the golf course.
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Stewart Golf Nero Cart Bag
A well-crafted and highly functional cart bag that matches the premium finishes and functionality of Stewart’s range of trolleys.
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Big Max Aqua Sport 360 Cart Bag
Very much a bag for the golfer who errs on the side of caution over what they take with them out on the course. There really is space for everything and the attention to detail is impressive.
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Motocaddy Pro Series Cart Bag
One of the best cart bag currently on the market. But for it’s cumbersome weight, the Pro Series is a high quality cart bag with great storage and great club organisation.
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Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Cart Bag
An innovative ladies trolley bag that is lightweight to lift, incredibly versatile with pockets galore to store everything from your car keys to your water cooler. It’s fashionable, functional and best of all – it’s completely waterproof.
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Best Waterproof Golf Bags
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Stand Bags
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Austrian brand Big Max are all about the accessories, they are best known for making some fantastic and truly innovative trolleys but have steadily been building their reputation as a maker of quality golf bags and at just 1.7kg (3.75lbs) the Aqua 7 is one of the best lightweight, waterpoof bags to hit the market in 2024.
It can cope with a full set but the four-way top is better suited for less, and that is how Big Max pitch this bag. It’s for travelling light, so leaving a few clubs behind is probably your best option. Despite it’s slim and lightweight shape, there is no compromising when it comes to the pocket space. In testing we were impressed with the placement and sizes of the six pockets available. The large pocket could easily fit a few extra layers of clothing, the valuables pocket is padded and conveniently placed, and there is room for plenty of golf balls and other bits and pieces. The insulated cooler pocket is a little on the small size though so if you are a fan of 30oz plus water bottles, you may have to downsize.
For such a light bag the Aqua 7 feels well put together and the stand was very stable regardless of the ground slope. We liked the strap for the legs of the stand, which allows this bag to double up for use on a cart if required. The carrying experience was pleasant, the bag is very comfortable with good padding on the straps, while the back padding with its air channel technology keeps you cool and gives the bag a nice balance to it when walking.
Titleist Players 5 StaDry Stand Bag
(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
There is much to love about the Players 5 StaDry bag from Titleist. Featuring a 5-way top, it’s smart yet relatively simple look will certainly tick a lot of boxes for most golfers. The new high-quality YKK zippers and horseshoe-style tee pocket are nice features that really stood out to us in testing.
It’s a bag that boasts some very nifty, practical features such as two external lined cooler poaches for beverage storage, a very spacious ball pocket and a Sharpie holder.
Practically, this bag does have a lot of handy features, such as the Sharpie holder and two external lined cooler pouches to store your beverages either side of the spacious ball pocket. Above this is the aforementioned horseshoe-style tee pocket and we found that there was ample space to store all of our necessities.
The standout feature of this bag though is the carrying experience which in our view is close to faultless. We tested this bag over 10 rounds of golf and at no point did the straps ever get tangled or twisted.
Callaway Fairway C HD Stand Bag
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
The Fairway C HD from Callaway provides one of the best carrying experiences on the market with its all-new straps and hip pad system. It is also one of the best lightweight golf bags at just 2kg (4.4lbs) but will hold all 14 golf clubs and more.
Callaway has used EVA molding for added comfort around the shoulders and back, which really stood out for us in testing. The EVA within the straps and on the hip pad brings an exceptional level of softness that you don’t get with many other models on the market. Additionally, the legs create a really solid base when the bag is stood up.
The four-way divider uses Callaway’s ‘shaft-shield’ rubber overmold, protecting your clubs and keeping them well-organized. There are nine pockets in total so this bag provides all the room for whatever a golfer needs to carry.
Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Plus 2024 Stand Bag
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
The Dri Lite Hybrid Plus is designed to keep the water out on even the wettest of days as the material and zippers will hold firm against a rainstorm that produces the equivalent of 78 inches of precipitation a day. This makes this offering from Big Max one of the best waterproof stand bags on the market. It is easy to use, comfortable to carry and the storage options it offers are plentiful.
It’s a fairly lightweight option too and comes in at around 2kg. In our testing we especially enjoyed the lovely dual padded strap system that makes it very easy and comfortable to carry, while we had no issues with the legs which unfolded nicely when setting it down ahead of playing our shot. This bag comes with a 14-way divider system for your clubs, which will appeal to some golfers as many stand bags will only have a 5-way top. An added bonus of this bag is it will also easily attach to any of the best golf push carts or electric trolleys thanks to its flat bottom. Storage is not a problem as this hybrid bag comes with eight large pockets that give you all the space you are likely to need and then some.
Ogio All Elements Hybrid Stand Bag
(Image credit: Future)
Ogio have broken the mould in terms of their fresh and funky designs and we salute them for their innovative styles, which are perfect for any golfer looking to make a statement on the course. Perhaps one of the coolest, most stylish and eye-catching bags they have produced is the All Elements Hybrid Stand Bag, which combines exceptional looks with impressive on course performance.
There is certainly more to this bag than just the fancy patterns printed on its waterproof lining. Firstly, it is fully waterproof which when combined when its seam-sealed zips, will ensure that all of your belongings are stored dryly and securely in the bag’s nine roomy pockets.
The eight-way divider features a separate section for four big clubs and is the perfect way to keep your clubs organized and dent free. In testing, we felt this was one of the best Ogio golf bags that money can buy an if you’re the type of player who likes to have all your clubs neatly organized but doesn’t want to carry round a Tour bag, then this is a bag we would have no hesitation in recommending.
Cobra Ultradry Pro 2023 Stand Bag
(Image credit: Future)
The Ultradry Pro from Cobra, as the name suggests, is a waterproof and easy to carry golf bag that will keep all your golf gear well protected in the harshest of conditions.
At the top of this bag is a five-way divider which works really well on the course. An interesting and rather unique addition is the well-padded Swivel Straps on the bag that make carrying much easier. This worked really well for us in testing. As you put the bag on it moves to the adjusted height, which is very handy on sidehill and undulating lies and walks.
Storage is ample. There are six pockets to choose from which is more than sufficient, although not necessarily practical as the largest pocket is quite difficult to access, especially when there’s a large bottle of water, or a pair of waterproofs in it. Above the large pocket, there is a smaller one which is best used for storing the waterproof rain cover, although you could use it for other necessities if needs be.
The Ultradry Pro is made of a lightweight material and features dry-sealed zippered pockets that will keep your gear completely dry and overall we were very impressed.
Sun Mountain 2024 H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag
(Image credit: Future)
The first thing we noticed when we tested the H2NO Lite Stand Bag was the eye-catching color scheme and the really unique aesthetic that makes it stand out from the competition. That is no mean feat in a market that is full of different designs, many of them bold and adventurous, but for us this stand bag is one of the best Sun Mountain golf bags on the market and a worthy inclusion on this list.
The quality of construction is immediately obvious too. It is comprised from a TPU-coated waterproof fabric that ensures no rain penetrates the interior, which is essential for keeping your belongings dry on the wettest of days. All the seams are taped and sealed and the high-quality YKK waterproof zippers further bolster protection.
The legs are sturdy, it’s very lightweight and there is excellent storage including a velour-lined valuables pocket with a divider in the middle (meaning you can keep keys in there without worrying about scratching your phone) and a sizeable hydration pouch . We tested this bag extensively over several rounds of golf and found it extremely difficult to find fault with it.
Ping Hoofer Monsoon Stand Bag
(Image credit: Future)
We featured the standard Ping Hoofer carry bag in our best golf stand bags guide and the waterproof version certainly matches it for performance and good looks. Featuring six pockets, four of which are seam sealed, this bag has plenty of storage and you will have room for whatever essentials you need. We particularly liked the 5-way reinforced divider which leaves the clubs with plenty of space and also provides good protection to prevent clanking as you walk around the course.
Ping has also added some great new features to its already comfortable carry strap which certainly made life much easier for us when testing this bag. It can be easily adjusted from a backpack style two strap, to a one strap system that can be comfortably carried on one shoulder and is very easy to then just pick up one handed and throw over the shoulder. The strap also features Ping’s SensorDry technology to wick water away and keep the strap dry even in monsoon conditions.
Cart Bags
(Image credit: Future)
Stewart Golf are market leaders when it comes to the best remote electric trolleys and best push carts and while the brand had dabbled before in some mid-market cart bag options, the new Nero represents the first premium cart bag offering from Stewart, and it’s a cracker. Stewart bags are designed to work best with their trolleys so we tested the Nero bag on our Stewart Vertx Remote trolley to get the optimum experience. You can use them with any cart or trolley but we feel that the majority of golfers who buy the Nero bag will do so because they are already a Stewart customer.
The sleek black look compliments the trolley nicely and the all-black means it won’t mark up too quickly even in poor weather. The Nero is made from a tour-grade synthetic leather so it’s soft to the touch, looks premium and wipes clean really easily too. There are nine pockets in total including two plush velour-lined valuables pockets, a large insulated front pocket as well as a magnetic front pocket which is ideal for a rangefinder. The insulated front pocket is huge which was refreshing as far too many of the larger cart bags like this neglect the cooler pocket. The extra large putter well is a nice touch too and can hold putters with any sized grip.
The customisable zipped front panel can be zipped on and off in its entirety and can be personalised with some embroidery if you wish to.
Big Max Aqua Sport 360 Cart Bag
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
As the name ‘Aqua’ would suggest, this bag is fully waterproof and offers terrific all round performance. The obvious stand out feature of this bag is the unrivalled storage space in a bag so lightweight. There are pockets all the way around the bag (hence the 360 name) and while you may be wondering what is the point of having pockets that you can’t access readily when the bag is on a trolley or buggy, it actually makes a lot of sense. The extra space allows you to store things you probably won’t need during your round, so you can therefore ensure the stuff you will need is in the more accessible pockets.
In our testing we found that on the right push cart or electric trolley, where the bag sits away from the support frame, some of these rear pockets are still accessible.
The extra-capacity drinks cooler pocket is great and can easily fit two drinks bottles and a couple of bars of chocolate in the pouch with room to spare, while the comfortable double grab handles at the top were very useful when it came to lifting the bag out of the car onto the trolley.
There is an oversized putter well that fits larger grips, while the 14-way divider is covered in soft, protective materials to prevent club crowding.
Motocaddy Pro Series Cart Bag
(Image credit: Future)
The Pro Series certainly works best with a Motocaddy cart but the anti-twist base means this bag will fit onto pretty much any cart. If you do have a Motocaddy cart though then it’s a no brainer to pair it with a bag such as the Pro Series because of the Easilock pins at the bottom of the bag, which lock directly into the base of the cart and negates the need for a strap to go around the bottom of the bag.
The Pro Series is constructed with premium materials and uses a combination of PU and nylon fabric that make for a premium looking and feeling bag. The zips are very sturdy, while the material used over the club dividers ensures there won’t be any wear on your club shafts.
There are nine pockets too so if you like to carry extra clothing or a spare pair of shoes etc, the Pro Series has you covered. There are two bottle holders on either side of an insulated cooler pocket that keeps food and drink at a good temperature on a warm day.
It’s at the heavier end of the scale but weight is less of an issue for cart bags than it would be if you are carrying. The extra weight is most likely down to the heavier, premium materials used throughout as well as the jumbo putter well, which has been made so even oversized putter grips can fit into it, which we found very handy in our testing. This bag looks the part on any golf cart too and the three colour options – red, blue and lime – will allow you to match the Pro Series accordingly.
Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Cart Bag
(Image credit: Carly Frost)
The Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Cart Bag is completely waterproof thanks to a thick nylon fabric, which is basically like a cross between one of the best golf rain jackets and a tent. The special coating on the surface means that rain water literally runs off the surface and nothing will penetrate it. All zips and seams are cleverly taped too, ensuring that all your belongings remain dry in even the harshest of weather conditions. At just 2.6kg when empty it’s incredibly lightweight and even after you’ve added your clubs, balls, waterproofs, drink and accessories, it is extremely easy to lift.
We loved the fun and fashionable berry color we tested, although there are actually nine other vibrant colors to choose from. We also felt like the attention to detail in the design of this golf bag was spot-on. For example, the full length club dividers inside the bag keep every club separate which protects the shafts from scratching and stops the heads from clanging together, while the separate putter holder at the end is in just right the place.
There are ample pockets including a cooler pocket for your drink, a velour lined pocket to place your car keys, phone etc, as well as big side pockets for your waterproofs. There’s even a little velcro patch on the outside of the bag where you can stick your glove if take it off to putt and don’t want to lose it.
How we test the best waterproof golf bags
Our testing process for all golf gear, let alone waterproof 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 endeavor 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
So what factors should you be considering when looking at purchasing a waterproof golf bag? We take a look below
Waterproof
The first thing to mention is obviously the degree of waterproofing. If you see yourself playing a lot in the rain or the winter months then a bag that delivers key protection for your clubs and gear is a must. As such be sure to go for one of the models above because they have all been designed to deal with the weather when it turns nasty. This is also a factor to consider in other aspects of your golfing setup so make sure you have the best golf umbrella possible or best golf rainwear.
Stand/Cart
Are you a stand bag kind of player, or a cart bag user? Whichever one you are there are waterproof models to cater to everyone.
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.
Storage
If storage for all your gear is important, then some bags have more, and larger, pockets. The top models will have specifically-designed pockets for your apparel, balls, accessories, perhaps a beverage pocket and definitely one to house valuables. A good waterproof golf bag will also keep all these things nice and dry when in their respective pockets.
Looks
Importantly many brands have started to realize that we want our golf bags to look good as well as be functional. As such there are loads of unique designs and colors to choose from so it is a case of finding something you like the look of.
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, and of course there will be some more expensive and cheaper models which will offer differing degrees of waterproofing.
FAQs
Should I use a stand bag or a cart bag?
At the end of the day it comes down to personal choice. If you are somebody who likes to carry lots of necessities then a cart bag will be better for you. However, if you are someone who doesn’t use a trolley then a stand bag better suited as it is lighter and easier to carry.
Is it worth getting a waterproof golf bag?
Definitely! With the weather being as unpredictable as ever it is important that you know your equipment is going to be protected from a sudden downpour. If your grips and clubs get wet then it is nigh-on impossible to hold them when striking the golf ball.
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