How Sun Mountain is making a golf bag that's sustainable without sacrificing durability or innovation
Sustainable Style
In its four-decade history, Sun Mountain has made a name for itself by revolutionizing lightweight, easy-haul golf bags. Its innovations have included pioneering the ingenious golf bag “kickstand.” And now, with the launch of the “Eco-Lite” cart bag and stand bag, the Montana-based company is taking on its latest challenge: giving its high-tech model a sustainable, environmentally friendly makeover as the brand aims to hold environmental stewardship as highly as performance. The models, which come in six color-ways, coincide with Sun Mountain’s ongoing commitment to donating one percent of annual profits to organizations benefiting the planet, especially important for golfers whose sport, game, love—whatever you choose to call it—is so tied to nature.
To accomplish their goal, Sun Mountain designers partnered with Repreve, a leading manufacturer of sustainable performance fibers with a specialty in turning plastic water bottles (35 billion and counting) into a durable polyester yarn. That material serves as the fabric basis for the Eco-Lite body.
The Eco-Lite Stand Bag’s design features many of the hacks you’ll likely recognize from other award-winning Sun Mountain styles, like the hydration sleeve, rangefinder pouch, velour-lined valuables pocket, and the infamous “Dual Strap System” for easy on-and-off access to your clubs and apparel when you’re trekking on the course—all weighing around 4 pounds. And it retails for a cool $250.
With a similar look, but cart-ready design, the Eco-Lite Cart Bag ($280) features an additional four pockets, a vented cooler compartment, and two utility handles designed with the architecture of a golf cart in mind. In the upgraded version of the bag for 2024 (currently available only on the Sun Mountain website), the details get finer and finer; take the cart bag’s new nine-inch, 14-way divider top to keep all 14 shafts safe and sound in your bag for all 18 holes and any travel en route. And in the stand bag, a new 8.5-inch four-way top allows for increasing ease and access to clubs to help keep your focus on the game and not
Color options range from sporty navy-and-periwinkle, to classic black and steely gray. A neon lime edition offers a hint more zest and nods to the earth-saving genesis of the bag’s design. Another vibrant color way, called “Black-Ember-Cadet” features a fiery poppy red, perfect if you’re looking to stand out, and even, perhaps, intimidate the members of your fellow foursome. Our personal favorite is the “Java-Coyote-Pecan” shade, a warm, nutty, sophisticated compilation of neutrals and browns, an homage to the colors of the course.