2019 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand Bag Review

Unsurprisingly, Sun Mountain is back with another winner.  The 2019 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS stand bag is a comfortable mid-size option with plenty of storage and features all while keeping the overall weight low.  After putting this bag through its paces, it’s hard to argue that the Sun Mountain 4.5 LS isn’t a perfect all-purpose stand bag.

The Looks

Maybe more than anything else in golf, a bag’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Given the popularity of their bags, Sun Mountain is clearly aware that they need to appeal to a wide range of tastes.  The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS stand bag is available in a wide range of colors from cactus green and orange (pictured here), to desert camo, to a plain black.  Sun Mountain branding is fairly consistent with previous models – just enough to let you know who made your bag, but not a screaming billboard.  In terms of profile, the 4.5 LS has more traditional golf bag contours with a slightly larger silhouette.  No one is going to mistake this bag for a staff bag by any means, but I wouldn’t consider it minimalist or slim.  They have other bags in the lineup to fit that need.

Design & Features

Normally I’d spend time in this section explaining to you how good the quality of a Sun Mountain bag is.  Listen, I don’t need to do that at this point.  I’ve primarily used Sun Mountain bags for years because they are practical and hold up well.  They’re an industry leader for a reason, and the 2019 4.5 LS maintains that reputation.  In the rare occasion you have an issue, Sun Mountain has some of the best customer service in the game.  I know from experience – they’re great.

That said, let’s dive into the features of the Sun Mountain 4.5 LS bag.  There are a lot of subtle things that make a huge difference.

EZ-Fit Dual Strap System + Grab Loops:

I can’t remember exactly when, but Sun Mountain introduced the EZ-Fit Dual Strap System a few years ago and it’s easily their most comfortable strap system to date.  The straps may appear somewhat bulky, but they are lightweight, well padded, and extremely comfortable for a balanced wear.

Quietly, the grab loops on the straps might be my favorite feature.  I know that might seem crazy, but there’s just something about them I love.  They make adjusting the bag on your shoulders easier as well as easing some of the tension while you walk.  Maybe most importantly, it gives you something to do with your thumbs.  As Jon puts it, “I need SOMEWHERE to put my hands while I walk with my bag!”  I don’t know, call me crazy, I love the grab loops.

Hydration Pouch:

Hydration/drink pockets aren’t new on bags, but I also think they are often poorly executed.  They can be hard to get to when carrying your bag and nothing but a single can fits in them…or they’re just flat out trash.  Sometimes they’re really fancy and insulated, but as soon as you pack the accessory pocket behind it, you can’t squeeze anything in the drink pocket anymore.  The hydration pouch on the 4.5 LS is one of the best I’ve seen.  It comfortably fits my Tempercraft water bottle with the pocket behind it filled and is easy to access while wearing the bag.

9 (9!) Pockets:

Counting the hydration pouch, there are nine total pockets in the Sun Mountain 4.5 LS.  There’s the usual large clothing pocket on the side and two velour-lined “valuables” pockets (one is water-resistant).  The rest are conveniently located ball/accessory pockets.  You have plenty of room for everything while staying well organized.  Your only risk is that it’s too easy to load up and accidentally carry a bunch of excess weight.  Pack responsibly.  Additionally, the zippers on the pockets are super smooth and easy to use.  I know that seems like a silly comment to make, but try a bag where the zippers are trash – it’s the worst.  This won’t be a concern with your 2019 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS.

On-Course Performance

I stated earlier that I think the Sun Mountain 4.5 LS is the perfect all-around stand bag.  It’s good for carrying and it’s good on the cart.  On the cart, all of your clubs and pockets are easily accessible.  So far in the handful of carts I’ve set the 4.5 LS in, the base sits comfortably.  A HUGE help for fitting in the cart is the pass-through that runs behind the clothing pocket so the cart strap won’t cut off any pocket access.

Stand bag performance is much more relevant when walking though.  You’re going to be constantly picking up and setting down your bag.  Sun Mountain’s stands are always sturdy, easy to deploy, and nice and wide for stability.  Integrated into the top of the bag is a larger handle that makes picking the bag up and setting it down a lot easier.  Speaking of the top of the bag, there are four separated dividers in a generous 10″ opening.  The slots for woods and short irons are larger which makes club removal and return smoother.  If you’re like me, those two slots fill up quickly – especially when you’re testing new clubs!

Next, let’s discuss comfort and weight.  As mentioned earlier, the EZ-Fit Dual Strap is extremely comfortable making the bag easy to carry for your round.  With the usual basics of a walker, the 4.5 LS is SHOCKINGLY lightweight.  Without actually looking at it, you wouldn’t believe you have a bag of this size on your back.  Need to throw the waterproofs in the bag?  You’ll have plenty of room without the extra weight that a typically-accommodating bag would normally have.  This bag is big enough to carry the necessary supplies for any situation but light enough to carry a full 18.

Final Thoughts

Golf bags are soooo subjective and everyone has their opinion preference.  Some want teeny tiny bags that fit four clubs and weigh one pound.  Others want to be able to pack every golf possession they own plus two six packs and an iPad.  Me?  I like a stand bag that’s light and comfortable to carry, but big enough to make sure I have the necessities for my round.  That doesn’t mean it needs to be absolutely featherweight, but the lighter the better.  I believe the 2019 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS stand bag fits that profile perfectly.  The 4.5 LS is as comfortable as it gets for a carry and the practicality of of all the built-in features is spot on.  Exactly what I’d expect from what Sun Mountain would brand as the complete package in a golf bag.

…and I love my cactus green and orange bag.  Don’t judge me!

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