I was skeptical when the Sunday Golf El Camino showed up at my door. Another lightweight golf bag promising to transform walking rounds? I've tested dozens of these over the years, from the TaylorMade FlexTech to the Ping Hoofer, and most end up being either too flimsy or secretly heavy once you load them up. But when I lifted the El Camino out of its box, something felt distinct. At 3.9 pounds, this thing weighs less than my Sunday morning coffee setup (and I'm not kidding).
The initial thing that struck me wasn't just the weight – it was how Sunday Golf managed to make something this light feel substantial. The nylon ripstop fabric has this satisfying texture that doesn't scream "cheap," and those water-resistant zippers? They actually zip like butter, not like you're fighting with a tent in a windstorm. Available in colors ranging from the subdued to the absolutely wild (Grellow, anyone?), my test model came in Seafoam – subtle enough for the country club but distinctive enough that I never lost track of it in the cart barn. The S-Class vegan leather versions add a premium touch for those wanting something more refined, though they'll run you an extra $30. The Ron Burgundy deep red colorway brings a sophisticated appearance that's perfect for making an impression on the first tee.
The Sunday Golf El Camino bag is the perfect mid-sized walking golf bag designed for golfers who want to carry up to 10 clubs comfortably. Weighing just under 4 lbs, it offers plenty of storage, a double strap for effortless carrying, and versatile use whether walking or using a push/cart. Ideal for players looking for a stylish yet functional carry bag for all types of courses.
Let me illustrate: last Saturday, I walked 36 holes at my home course. That's roughly 12 miles with the El Camino on my back, carrying 10 clubs, a dozen balls, rain gear, and enough snacks to survive a minor apocalypse. By the 30th hole, I was waiting for that familiar shoulder burn, that nagging lower back ache that usually kicks in during marathon golf days. It never came.
The secret sauce here is twofold. Initially, that 3.9-pound base weight (or 3.2 pounds if you spring for the Superlite version) means you're starting with less burden than any other bag I've tested. For reference, my old Titleist Players 4 weighs 5.5 pounds empty – that's almost two pounds of difference before you even add clubs. Secondly, those padded double straps distribute weight like they went to engineering school. They're not just padded; they're strategically padded in all the right spots where your shoulders and back take the beating.
I've carried everything from the Sun Mountain 2.5+ to the Callaway Hyper Lite Zero, and none of them disappear on your back quite like this one does. After three weeks of testing, including a walking-only golf trip to Bandon Dunes (where carts are practically illegal), I'm convinced this is the most comfortable walking experience you can buy under $200. The Superlite version, which shaves off another 0.7 pounds using even lighter ripstop material, feels like carrying a large purse – though I wouldn't recommend saying that to your playing partners.
Here's where most lightweight bags fall apart – they give you the weight savings but forget that golfers are basically pack mules who need to carry half their house around the course. The El Camino somehow squeezes in seven distinct storage areas without turning into a bloated mess. Let's break this down because Sunday Golf did something clever here.
The apparel pocket is actually sized for real golf clothing, not just a thin windbreaker. I fit a full rain suit, an extra polo, and a light sweater in there with room to spare. The ball pocket holds about 8-10 balls comfortably (yes, I counted), and there's a dedicated glove holder that's positioned perfectly on the side – no more digging through pockets with wet hands. The mesh pocket on the opposite side is genius for tees and ball markers, stuff you need quick access to without unzipping anything.
But the crown jewel? The insulated "Frosty Pocket." I rolled my eyes at the name until I realized this thing kept three cans of beer cold for an entire round in 85-degree heat. It'll hold up to seven cans if you're really committed to hydration (or dehydration, depending on your beverage choice). The velour-lined precious items pocket sits up high, away from the moisture zone, and actually fits modern phones – even my iPhone 14 Pro Max in its case slides in easily.
The tee and pencil holders are positioned logically, right where your hand naturally falls when you reach back. After years of bags with storage pockets in weird spots, it's invigorating to use one where someone clearly thought about the golfer's actual movements during a round.
I've learned the hard way that "lightweight" often means "falls apart by season two." Not here. That ripstop nylon fabric Sunday Golf uses isn't just marketing speak – I've dragged this bag through morning dew, afternoon downpours, and across cart paths rough enough to test a military backpack. Three months in, it still looks fresh out of the box. Similar to the MNML MR2, which uses recycled ripstop nylon for waterproofing and durability, the El Camino proves that lightweight materials can withstand serious abuse.
The dual-flex stand system deserves its own paragraph. You know that annoying lean-and-pray moment when you set your bag down on a slope? The El Camino's legs adjust independently and grip like they're magnetic. I've set this thing down on wet grass, loose gravel, and even accidentally on a sprinkler head (don't ask), and it stays put. The legs don't get stuck either – a common problem with bags in this weight class where manufacturers use cheap hinges to save ounces.
The plastic bottom might seem like a cost-cutting measure, but it's specifically designed for cart compatibility. It slides in and out of cart wells without that awful scraping sound, and after dozens of rounds splitting between walking and riding, there's zero wear on the base. The included rain hood actually fits properly (shocking, I know) and doesn't blow off in the wind like most afterthought rain covers. Those water-resistant zippers I mentioned earlier? I tested them with a garden hose. My gear stayed dry while I looked like an idiot in my driveway.
Most lightweight bags give you a basic 3-way divider and call it a day. The El Camino's 4-way full-length divider system is a significant improvement for organization freaks like me. Each section runs the entire length of the bag, meaning your grips don't tangle at the bottom – a pet peeve that's driven me crazy for years.
I run a pretty standard 10-club setup when walking: driver, 3-wood, hybrid, 5-9 irons, two wedges, and putter. The 4-way system lets me separate woods, long irons, short irons, and wedges/putter logically. Clubs slide in and out smoothly without catching on divider edges (another common lightweight bag sin). The bag holds 8-12 clubs depending on grip size – I tested it with jumbo grips and still fit 10 clubs comfortably.
What really sold me was how the dividers protect club shafts during transport. My graphite-shafted hybrid used to get beat up, rattling against my irons in my old 3-way bag. In the El Camino, everything stays separated even when I'm power-walking between holes or bouncing along in a cart. For you gear heads running 14 clubs, you might feel cramped, but for the walking golfer who's already made peace with leaving a few clubs behind, this setup is perfect.
While this bag shines as a walking companion, it's not a one-trick pony. The flat base and 35-36 inch height make it cart-compatible without being awkward. It fits perfectly in push cart cradles (I tested it on my Clicgear 4.0), and the carry handle placement makes lifting it in and out of car trunks effortless – something I didn't appreciate until my back thanked me after a week of daily range sessions.
The bag's compact 7-8 inch width means it fits in smaller car trunks without playing Tetris with your other gear. I drive a sedan (yes, I'm that guy), and the El Camino fits sideways in my trunk with room for shoes and a cooler. Try that with a tour bag. The versatility extends to storage too – it stands upright in my garage without tipping, unlike top-heavy staff bags that need to lean against something.
The Sunday Golf El Camino bag is the perfect mid-sized walking golf bag designed for golfers who want to carry up to 10 clubs comfortably. Weighing just under 4 lbs, it offers plenty of storage, a double strap for effortless carrying, and versatile use whether walking or using a push/cart. Ideal for players looking for a stylish yet functional carry bag for all types of courses.
You can't attach an umbrella holder easily to the Sunday Golf El Camino bag since it doesn't include built-in mounting points or reinforced straps for this purpose. While you might try universal clips, they could damage the water-resistant fabric or affect bag stability. You're better off carrying a compact umbrella inside the bag's pockets or choosing a different model like Sunday Golf's Ranger that includes an umbrella holder.
You'll get a lifetime warranty on your El Camino Golf Bag. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship from your purchase date. It doesn't cover normal wear and tear, misuse, or color fading. You'll need your original proof of purchase for claims. If something's defective, Sunday Golf will repair or replace it at no charge. Just contact [email protected] for warranty service, and they'll inspect and handle your claim.
Yes, you can get replacement parts for worn straps or zippers directly from Sunday Golf. They offer a dedicated golf bag strap collection with single or double configurations for upgrades. Your lifetime warranty covers worn or damaged straps and zippers under normal use, including free shipping on replacements. You'll find spare parts and accessories on their website, and their support team will help you select the right replacement components for your bag.
Yes, you'll find the El Camino fits perfectly in standard golf cart bag holders. Its 36-inch height and 8-inch width match typical cart holder dimensions exactly. The bag's flat base design and dual-flex stand system guarantee stable placement without any protruding parts that'd interfere with cart holders. You can confidently use it with riding carts, push carts, and trolleys. The lightweight 3.9-pound construction makes it easy to lift in and out.
No, you can't bring the El Camino bag as carry-on luggage on flights. TSA regulations prohibit golf clubs in carry-on bags, and airlines require golf bags to be checked at the counter regardless of their size. You'll need to check the El Camino bag as regular luggage. While some small golf accessories like tees can go in your carry-on, the bag itself with clubs must always be checked.
So here's the bottom line: the Sunday Golf El Camino isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It's laser-focused on the walking golfer who values comfort over carrying every club they own. If you're someone who plays 90% of your rounds in a cart with a full 14-club arsenal, look elsewhere – maybe at the Vessel Player IV or Sun Mountain C-130.
But if you're like me – walking at least half your rounds, comfortable with 10-12 clubs, and sick of bags that promise lightweight performance but deliver heavyweight disappointment – the El Camino is the real deal. At $180-$200 (depending on which version you choose), it's not the cheapest lightweight bag out there, but it's the best combination of weight, durability, and functionality I've tested in this category. After three months and roughly 40 rounds, it's earned a permanent spot in my rotation. My chiropractor might miss me, but my shoulders sure don't.
