Which Ping Hoofer Carry Bag Deserves a Spot on Your Shoulder in 2025?
Most affordable prices as at April 2025.
Ping Hoofer from £189,99 from ClubHouseGolf
Ping Hoofer Lite from £179.99 from ClubHouseGolf
When it comes to golf carry bags, few names hold more sway than Ping. The Ping Hoofer has long been a popular choice for golfers who walk the course. But with the rise of lightweight alternatives, the Ping Hoofer Lite is now a serious contender for those prioritising comfort without compromising functionality.
At GolfTimes, we know golf gear. Our team has tested dozens of bags across all types of conditions, including our recent comparison of the lightest golf carry bags. We’ve also named the Titleist Players 4 our favourite stand bag in previous reviews—nudging out the Ping range due to a few key performance issues.
In this head-to-head of Ping Hoofer v Ping Hoofer Lite, we’re combining expert insight with real-world experience. That includes a hands-on test at the undulating Ross-on-Wye Golf Club in Herefordshire, plus commentary from our resident expert Golf Pro Ross Davies, who’s played countless rounds with both bags.
To read which is the best carry bag between the Ping Hoofer, Calloway Chev and Titleist Players4, have a look at this article.
An Independent Ping Hoofer Review That You Can Trust
We’re not just reviewing bags—we’ve lived with them. Across two standard Ping Hoofer bags, we’ve had issues with broken leg mechanisms and zip pulls detaching far too easily. These might sound minor, but they’re major irritants when you’re halfway up the 12th fairway with rain incoming.
Ross-on-Wye Golf Club was the perfect testing ground. Sloping fairways, exposed greens and wooded carries offered a proper stress test for any stand bag. It helped us evaluate stability, comfort, accessibility, and build quality in conditions far beyond your average shop floor demo.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each model in the Ping Hoofer v Ping Hoofer Lite debate.
Ping Hoofer Lite Review
The Ping Hoofer Lite weighs just 2.2kg, making it an excellent option for golfers who prefer to walk the course. Despite the lighter weight, it doesn’t feel stripped-back or basic. The four-way top divider offers smart club organisation, and the ergonomic top design makes lifting the bag in and out of the car boot a breeze.
With nine pockets and a streamlined shape, the Hoofer Lite doesn’t feel bulky when carried. You still get a full-length pocket for jackets, jumpers and all the normal “stuff”. A ball pocket panel, valuables pouch, and rangefinder compartment. There’s enough space for your round-day essentials without tempting you to overpack. It’s a minimalist’s dream with just the right number of bells and whistles.
One of the most practical features is the reconfigured bottom, which improves club separation and makes removal much smoother during play. This bottom design, shared with the standard Hoofer, works especially well when the bag is placed on uneven ground. The legs extend cleanly, and the leg guards help keep things stable while walking.
The convertible shoulder straps are extremely comfortable, sitting flush against the back and shoulders even after a full round. Adjustments are quick, and the balance of the bag feels spot on. Whether you’re playing 9 or 18 holes, the Lite takes the strain out of the carry—something you’ll appreciate more as the round progresses.
We tested the Hoofer Lite during a drizzly round at Ross-on-Wye, and overall it held up well. The 300D polyester repelled the water effectively, and none of our gear inside the apparel pocket got wet. However, by the end of the round, the bag itself did feel slightly damper than the Hoofer, particularly along the base.
In terms of durability, we didn’t notice any flaws during testing, though we’d like to see stronger zip pulls in future iterations. Based on our past experience with Ping bags, it’s an area that tends to let the brand down over time, so it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Golf Pro Ross Davies on the Hoofer Lite
“I rate the Lite highly. It does exactly what I want from a carry bag—light, balanced, easy to use. If you don’t need 16 pockets and a magnetic rangefinder slot, this is a smarter choice. It’s the bag I’d take for most casual rounds. Ping kept what mattered and left the excess on the drawing board.”
Ping Hoofer Review
The Ping Hoofer is the brand’s iconic all-rounder, weighing in at 2.5kg and offering more pockets and space than almost any other carry bag on the market. It’s built for golfers who like to be prepared for everything. With sixteen pockets and a five-way top divider, there’s room for every club, gadget, glove, and snack bar you can think of.
Its padded, convertible straps and ergonomic top make it comfortable enough to carry, though the extra half kilo is noticeable by the back nine. The built-in back clasp allows you to switch from dual to single strap easily—a small but handy detail. Overall, the carry comfort is solid, though slightly behind the Lite on long walks.
The Hoofer’s stand-out features include two valuables pockets (one velour-lined, fancy!), a magnetic rangefinder pocket, and extra internal compartments within the full-length apparel pocket. It’s a bag that rewards over-packers and gadget-lovers, with thoughtful little touches throughout. For players who need a true all-in-one solution, it ticks every box.
We gave the Hoofer the same rainy-day test at Ross-on-Wye Golf Club, with constant drizzle throughout the round. The bag handled the wet well, and the water resistance was roughly on par with the Lite. Interestingly though, the Hoofer felt slightly more resistant to soaking, especially around the base and leg system.
However, durability remains a concern. Our past experience with two different Hoofer models included broken leg mechanisms and fragile zip strings. During this test, everything held up, but those issues are fresh in our minds. For a bag at this price point, we’d expect better long-term reliability.
With so many pockets, there’s a tendency to overfill, which adds unnecessary weight. On hilly courses or multi-round days, this becomes a factor. The Hoofer thrives when used on a buggy or as a hybrid bag but can feel excessive for pure carry rounds.
Golf Pro Ross Davies on the Hoofer
“The Hoofer is great if you like to carry a lot, or if you use a trolley now and then. It’s roomy, solid, and has some clever design touches. But I still find it heavy after a while. Unless you really need everything it offers, the extra weight just isn’t worth it.”
Ping Hoofer v Ping Hoofer Lite: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ping Hoofer Lite | Ping Hoofer |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.2kg | 2.5kg |
| Top Divider | 4-way | 5-way |
| Total Pockets | 9 | 16 |
| Pocket Volume | 19L | 22L |
| Rain Hood Pocket | Zippered | Zippered |
| Valuables Pockets | One (easy access) | Two (one velour-lined) |
| Rangefinder Pocket | Zippered | Magnetic |
| Ball Pocket Panel | Zip-off | Zip-off |
| Apparel Pocket | Full-length with internal storage | Full-length with extra internal storage |
| Leg System | Standard with leg guards | Standard with leg guards |
| Strap System | Padded, convertible straps | Padded, convertible straps + puck |
| Cart Strap Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Material | 300D Polyester | 300D Polyester |
| Club Removal Design | Optimised bottom structure | Optimised bottom structure |
| Waterproof Performance | Good – some dampness at base in drizzle | Very good – slightly more water-resistant |
| Price | Starting from £175.00 | Starting from £189.00 |
| Main Advantages | Lightweight, balanced, compact | Spacious, premium features |
| Main Drawbacks | Slightly less waterproof, fewer pockets | Heavier, zip pulls may be fragile |
Final Word from the Golf Pro
“I’ve carried both bags over dozens of rounds, and while the Hoofer is a classic, the Lite is smarter. It’s lighter, more comfortable on the shoulders, and easier to handle across hilly courses like Ross-on-Wye. The design just flows better when you’re walking—less bulk, quicker access to the essentials, and less fatigue by the back nine.”
“The full Hoofer has some great features, especially that magnetic rangefinder pocket and the extra valuables space. But for most golfers, it’s overkill. Unless you’re carrying half a pro shop with you, the Lite does everything you need. It’s the bag I recommend to students and mates alike. Ping got it right with this one.”
Final Word from the GolfTimes Team
We’ve logged the miles with both of these bags, and the verdict is close—but not conclusive in Ping’s favour. The Hoofer Lite is lighter, more manageable, and well-suited for regular walkers. The full Hoofer adds space and premium touches but can feel like overkill unless you’re packing for every scenario. Both are solid bags, but each comes with its own trade-offs.
That said, neither the Ping Hoofer nor the Hoofer Lite manages to knock the Titleist Players 4 off its perch. The Players 4 remains our top pick for golfers who want performance, comfort, and build quality in one sleek package. Ping has come close—very close—but there’s still a little work to do before they reclaim the top spot.
All prices correct at the time of writing in April 2025.
