×

Top Links:

Get A Golf Handicap

UK Golf Guide

Golfshake Top 100s

Find Golf Travel Deals

Golf Competitions

Search

Community Forum

Course:

Tee Times | Search | Reviews

News:

Gear | Tour | Industry Insider

Tuition:

Video Library | Tuition Sections

Community:

Join | Log In | Help | Useful Links

×

Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Carry Bag Review

By: | Mon 27 Jun 2016


Post by Golfshake Ambassador Andrew Pickenan


I love gadgets and innovations in golf equipment but I view most new items with some initial scepticism and this was no different when I was asked to test a bag with a hip belt - the Sun Mountain H2NO Lite carry bag.

Admittedly I normally use an electric trolley for my golf bag because I am lazy and try to avoid aggravating a slight neck injury caused by a car crash many years ago.  However, I do like the convenience of walking and carrying much better than the use of the trolley and having to stick to predefined paths and routes around the course.  My golf tends not to be predefined so I need a little bit extra flexibility!

So knowing that, my bag review coincided with a very busy period of golf I was initially a little bit wary as I didn't want to aggravate my pre-existing injury by carrying a bag.  I'd reconciled myself by saying that a carry bag was much easier to manoeuvre and package for use on an aircraft and it would give me much more versatility on arrival. I was planning trips to not only my local area but Belfast for a two-day competition and a period in Portugal.

First impressions

Sunmountain H2NO Carry bag review

The Sun Mountain H2NO Lite carry bag was updated for 2016 and builds on the success of the H2NO staff bag.

The bag is is available in a number of designs and colour options that all look great.  The waterproof material also means it is very easy to keep clean with a quick wipe over with a cloth.

As you would expect with a modern bag there are a number of pockets, 5 in total, including a full length clothing pocket as well as the usual accessory pockets/attachments for pens, towels, gloves etc.

Given it's name you expect this bag to be light and weighing in at 2.3kg it certainly was. It is also fitted with a lift assist panel that is fitted as part of the external bag compartment. It makes it very easy to lift into and out of the boot of a car.

The bag only comes with a 4-way top but these are full length and the dividers are flared top for easy club removal.

The leg-lock system on the stand also works easily and automatically from the moment that you drop the bag from your shoulder and Sun Mountain have also ensured a cart friendly sturdy base.

Zero-G belt

As part of my testing I was asked to review the Zero-G belt that fits through the waist pad of the bag, enabling it to be used similar to a hiking rucksack.  This is an optional extra to the bag costing £19.99 RRP.

This clever and innovative piece of equipment fits into all but one of the Sun Mountain 2016 bag range.  For the first few minutes I felt a little self conscious, however after a very short period of time I became a total fan and convert.

The weight of the bag is dispersed and balanced across the back of the shoulders and it makes it incredibly comfortable to carry.  I surprised myself with the ease with which the bag could be used on a hilly course. I have played two 36 hole competitions in the review period and suffered no discomfort from carrying the bag.

When you begin to use the system it becomes completely unobtrusive and second nature. It really enhances the bag and its ease-of-use.

Sun Mountain H2NO Lite carry bag test

Sunmountain H2NO Lite Carry Bag

Due to some fortunate or unfortunate timings I used the bag over a week's period which saw me venture on 2 trips and play 248 holes of golf.  I also deliberately carried a full set of clubs and a minimum of 24 golf balls. I wouldn’t normally carry this amount but I was playing a number of new courses and felt it necessary to take some extra balls with me for each particular trip.  I also carried waterproof clothing, drinks and the usual paraphernalia that comes with golf.

I think it's fair to say that I have given this bag a fair test.

It has been used in 34° Portuguese sunshine on a buggy; walking around my home club until biblical rain making Noah proud caused the competition I was playing to be halted.  I also took it to Belfast for a two-day competition carrying and walking at the beautiful Clandeboye golf course near Belfast.

The leg lock mechanism makes it simple to use with a flight bag and it can be carried on any trolley with ease.

When used with the rain hood the bag is exceptionally waterproof.  During some of the testing sessions my waterproof clothing actually failed leaving my underwear absolutely soaking, however, this bag did not fail and my clubs and grips were bone dry.  Additionally the zips on all the pockets are of great quality and provide a perfect seal to keep the contents dry.

Its best feature is the waterproofing available through the use of the excellent hood and zip system. At no point did my grips become unplayable despite rain and hail of titanic proportions.

Verdict and final thoughts

This is a superb piece of kit and it does exactly what it says on the tin.  Keeps your kit dry and it's very lightweight.

I was also very impressed by the Zero G belt that was fitted into the bag and how much this benefited the use.  This is a superb innovation that I predict will be the norm with a lot of bags soon.  I would highly recommend anybody considering purchasing this bag to invest in the hip belt system. It really works!

It is strong enough to be used for a flight bag and I cannot think of a single job for which it would not be suited.

It has done everything I needed it to do including attracting unsolicited comments of approval regarding its design from strangers that I met on the golf course.

It can be carried easily and comfortably. It is extremely waterproof. The leg lock mechanism meant I used it on electric and pull trolleys and it easily fits into a golf buggy for extremely warm climates when walking is not practical.

I have tried to test the bag in all conditions and it is passed every test with flying colours, but could I justify the price tag, £209 RRP ? Yes, actually it is the only bag that you'll ever need. Carry it in Autumn and Winter, be lazy and use a trolley at other times.

Could it perhaps be improved? 

The only slight quibble that I have noticed during the time that I was testing is that all the zips open in the same way, in a single direction away from the carrier.  I like to be able to open the bag and remove apples etc whilst I'm walking so that I can keep up the pace.  It could be that this is a design feature and it is intended and this is part of the waterproofing.

That side this is a highly versatile bag which I would highly rate and recommend easily rating 9 out of 10.  If the zips had been two way I would have rated this bag even higher.

In my opinion this is a perfect multi-use bag and I would highly recommend anyone interested in getting a single top-quality bag to review this range.  Check this bag out, you will not be disappointed, I wasn't and I am seriously considering investing in one of these and getting rid of the many other bags that are currently cluttering my garage

For more information visit: http://www.brandfusionltd.co.uk/section.php/839/1/h2no-lite


 


What do you think? post your thoughts and feedback on the Golfshake Forum: https://forum.golfshake.com/


BUY ONLINE




Scroll to top