MNML Golf Bag
Over the past decade, the concept of “minimal golf bags” has really re-taken off. With some notable brands experiencing a revival of decades old models. Other brands have tried to ride the trend with more modern designs of traditional smaller bags. But NONE of them have offered anything like the MNML Golf bag. With its lightweight design, innovative features, onboard electronics, and optional hand-painted customization, the MNML Golf bag is a bag truly adapted for the modern minimalist player.
The Looks
As any cool product should, the MNML bag’s looks were what initially drew me in. I was playing a round of golf with, friend of the progremme, Adam Unfiltered and he had one of these bags. Now, I’d seen pictures of his MNML bag before, but never in person. The bag’s compact and streamlined profile with its sleek MicroSuede material just looked sharp, especially in black. Then all of the sudden I see him open a pocket by pulling a tab to get a ball, and THEN reach in another pocket to pull out his cell phone which I saw was plugged straight into the bag. Frankly, it was like golf sorcery. I was immediately intrigued beyond belief just from seeing the bag one time.
Then of course the bag had his initials and logo printed on it. Or so I thought they were printed… Further down the road as I was working on designing my own bag with the guys at MNML, I would learn that all the customization on their bags is done by their artist named Hitoshi. Hitoshi HAND PAINTS all the artwork on the bags in his California workshop. Every single bag I’ve seen from him looks unbelievable and I can’t even fathom how somebody can do it so perfectly without being a robot. The hand-painted customization certainly adds to the cool factor and conversational element of the MNML bag.
Design & Features
Design and features, where do I begin? In my opinion, MNML’s onboard solar battery pack is the heart of it all. First of all, it’s extremely light so it doesn’t add any significant weight to the bag. You can remove and charge the solar pack via USB before you leave the house, and then use good ole sunlight to power it out on the course. From there you can charge your phone via the retractable cable in the side pocket, and charge the Bluetooth speaker (if necessary) at the top of the bag via the integrated mini USB cable. You can also swap in your own USB cable through the side pocket to charge any other device like your GPS if you’re in a pinch.
The Bluetooth speaker is solid and has pretty good sound. More importantly, it’s also of negligible weight so it doesn’t add any overhead to this lightweight bag. The speaker attaches via a velcro loop which keeps it tight to the bag and not swinging around while you walk. Additionally, you can remove it to charge at home before setting out to the course and solely relying on the solar pack.
Another nice feature is the patent pending filming holder for your phone. Players looking to easily film their swing on the range with minimal equipment will appreciate this. No more need for a tripod or some whacky way of rigging/balancing your phone on your bag. Just slip your phone in the pocket and hit record.
I’ve personally never seen anything like MNML’s magnetic pockets on a golf bag. All of the pockets are secured via strong magnets in the seams rather than zippers. You won’t ever snag or tear a zipper, and the magnets will stay strong for the lifetime of the bag.
On-Course Performance
From a general stand bag performance perspective, the MNML is sturdy, well balanced, and has a strong stand mechanism. Like I’ve already said, the bag is light (less than five pounds) so it’s very carry friendly and comfortable with the backpack straps. I will say that I wish the middle connection of the straps wasn’t on the spine handle, but it’s far from a dealbreaker. MNML’s top has a 4-way divider, two of which are full length. From my experience, club pull and management is no problem. At least 14 clubs fit and carry smoothly.
Remember, this is a minimalist bag so the storage is minimal. There is a small ball pocket on the spine, a regular side pocket on the right, and then a lined cooler pocket on the left. Said cooler pocket is nice and spacious with two holes on the bottom for air and liquid flow. You can fit six packs of beer soda in there easily without weighing the bag down too much. Anything you want to keep cool. If you aren’t carrying any beverages, it’s a good second pocket for the basics. Remember, all of the pockets have strong magnets and I can’t stress enough how fantastic they are.
Final Thoughts – MNML Golf Bag
With the rise in popularity of golfers walking again, minimalist carry bags, and the dependence on technology, the MNML Golf bag is an excellent premium option. It’s easy to carry for 18 holes, you can update your Insta, listen to your favorite jams, and sip some cold ones. Quick side note, the amount of [brutal] late 70s through 80s pop power rock you hear over Bluetooths on the course astounds me. There’s a clear demographic thing going on here. Shout out, Tommy. His playlists are always an enjoyable change of pace for me. No bad dated “wasn’t good at the time either” power rock from him.
But I digress, I really like the MNML bag a lot. I’ve honestly never seen a total package like it. The craftsmanship and artistry is impressive and will definitely appeal to the new generation of golf gadget/gear golfers like us. Just keep in mind, it’s not for packing all of your gear like your own personal staff bag. It’s a bag intended to be easy to carry and make your round more enjoyable, which has been my experience thus far. And it just looks really good.
Love the folks at MNML and my custom bag. The tech options are incredible as an add-on, and without adding too much weight to the overall carry. Good review, Bill.
Hey, thanks man. #golfbagtwins
Love it…easy to carry, straps are easy to adjust to your comfort. Enough storage to hold 9 or so balls, sharpies, tee bag, whatever you need. Love the tech features as music accompanies our rounds. Easy to pul clubs out without jamming up. And the insulated side pocket kept a few cold ones cold for the walk. Looks good too. And the guys at MNML are a pleasure to work with.
Those guys are a lot of fun to work with, aren’t they? Not like they’re “golf bag sellers” but like a couple of golf pals helping you design the perfect bag.
Did the painting come with waterproof seal so it doesn’t fade over time?
That’s a good question, I don’t know. I’d suggest reaching out to them and asking. I was just told I wouldn’t see issues like that, but I didn’t ask the finer details, and if I’m honest, I haven’t had it out enough to really speak to personal experience of really hammering at it.