Jones Utility Trouper Stand Bag
Of all the “trendy” golf bags that have become so popular and setting new trends over the past decade, Jones is easily the OG that has led the pack. Based out of Portland, Oregon, Jones has been known for their classic single strap carry bags since 1971. Their ability to combine classic vintage styling with modern needs and desires has made them one of the leading choices for the modern trendy golfer. More modern golfers preferring to carry 14 clubs in a bag with dual straps and a stand, however, may have been looking for a little more than a retro single-strap carry bag that Jones is known for. Jones has just the solution. Implementing modern features like a cooler pocket, automatic stand, and an optional second strap, the Jones Utility Trouper stand bag fits that need while maintaining the classic Jones vibe.
*The Utility Trouper bag pictured here is the original version but is closer to the current 2.0 model available today.
The Looks
In typical Jones fashion, the Utility Trouper has a pretty minimal look and isn’t a screaming billboard. That is, unless you want it to be. Jones offers a variety of customization options (pretty affordably, I might add) to really personalize your bag however you want. The customization process is also super easy based on my experience. Jones is great about helping you through the entire process to make sure you get your bag just how you want it.
Design & Features
Generally speaking, Jones bags tend to have fairly minimal designs with very few bells and whistles. That’s by no means a knock on them, that’s really sort of the point of their bags. They’re easy to carry and practical tools of the trade. However, in the case of the Utility Trouper, there are a few bells and whistles. Now to be clear here, the original Utility Trouper and Trouper 2.0 do vary slightly in their pocket configuration/types, but the concept is generally the same. The original has a small cooler pocket that fits about one drink along the spine of the bag whereas the 2.0 has a more generous cooler pocket.
In the original Utility Trouper, the pockets are all adequate and provide a decent amount of room. Not a ton, but decent. Enough space for essentials and maybe and extra sweater, but minimal enough to discourage over weighting your bag for a heavy walk. The newer 2.0 model has more traditional pocket sizing and spacing, but still promotes a lighter carry with your essentials.
One last feature I want to cover in this section is the 5-way top. There are four basic club slots that give you enough room for 13 clubs, and then there’s a fifth slot at the top for a putter well. Additionally, there’s a built-in handle at the top for quick and easy grabs. Frankly, I think it’s the best bag top I have in the stable of golf bags. Though Utility Trouper bag has a smaller profile, the top is spacious and makes for easy club management.
On-Course Performance
From an overall carry bag perspective, the Jones Utility Trouper stand bag is lightweight and an easy carry. It’s great there, no question. In my opinion, the two main performance characteristics worth noting are the stand and the dual strap system.
The Utility Trouper bags aren’t the first time that Jones has implemented a stand. That said, I personally think the stand mechanism is much sturdier than the original stand bags from Jones. Not to say the stands were bad on the originals necessarily, I just think they’re better in the Utility Trouper bags. The base is a little more substantial and reliable. I did NOT notice any additional weight as a result of the different base. Well worth the upgrade in my opinion.
Then the dual strap system. While usable, I personally feel the Utility Trouper best sets itself up as a single strap bag for carrying. The bag stays light enough with a full set of clubs, and the strap balances well, so it doesn’t feel like a burden to carry comfortably in that way. In fact, you can just as easily remove the second strap from the bag altogether if you don’t want to deal with it. In my opinion, the second strap isn’t super intuitive to slip on, or necessarily as comfortable as a backpack-style setup, but still works fine once you get it set on your shoulders where you want it. Of course, you’ll have to get the strap adjustment just right to sit comfortably, but that goes for any dual-strap bag.
Final Thoughts – Jones Utility Trouper
Jones did a really good job introducing a departure from the styles and bags that have defined their brand for decades without necessarily making people realize it. The Utility Trouper still has all of the classic characteristics that golfers love about Jones, but they worked in some nice amenities that fit the modern era. In my opinion, the Utility Trouper is a great blend of clean looks and a perfect utilitarian (it’s almost as if it’s in the name itself…) function for the walking golfer. Admittedly, I’m a weird case or rotating bags throughout the season like a fashion accessory, but for these very reasons, my Jones Utility Trouper bag is a regular go-to when I’m walking my rounds. It’s simple, looks good, is durable, and just does everything well for me.
