Stitch Golf Bag Review: Is the SL2 the Best Walking Bag Out There?

Updated July 2023 to reflect current pricing. Use Code BE20 to get 20% off anything at Stitch Golf 

A golf bag is a very personal thing.

Over the last few years, there have been a number of boutique brands becoming popular for their minimalist boutique bags – Mackenzie and FlagBag come to mind.

But there’s one brand I consistently hear more golfers get excited for than any other: Stitch.

Stitch Golf creates a high-end luxury golf bag, that is the one I most often hear golfers lusting after when it comes time to select a new quiver.

I’ve seen them around, and I’ve gotta admit: they look good. REALLY good.

But I’d never used one myself.

Since I love both my Jones Utility Trouper and more recently, my Vessel Player iii, I was curious how the new Stitch SL2 golf bag would perform on the course, and if it would live up to my lofty expectations.

In this review, I’ll be covering everything about the latest Stitch Golf Bag and help you figure out if it’s the right bag for you.

Ready to do this? Awesome, let’s go.

Also, be sure to check out full rundown of the best golf bags on the market.

First Impressions of the Stitch SL2 Golf Bag

Stitch is known for creating high-quality, beautiful products, and the SL2 golf bag is no different.

From the moment you take it out of the box, you can’t help but admire the craftsmanship and high-quality materials that go into it. 

Note: Check out all of Stitch’s latest Masters gear for an example of how nice their stuff looks.

Stitch uses a proprietary material they call “TOURING” fabric in their bags, which feels like a high-end synthetic leather. They say it’s lighter, more durable, and water-resistant – and after a couple rounds with the bag, I’d say all of those things are true.

Stitch logo on the SL2 with TOURING fabric.

The material feels great, and the water resistance is a welcome feature considering I’ve been caught in freak rainstorms more times than I care to count.

But most importantly, it feels expensive. This isn’t your standard golf bag. Everything about the Stitch SL2 feels intentional – which helps explain why I’ve heard so many golfers raving about it lately.

At this point, I also need to bring something up, as it will shape the rest of my review.

Before getting the SL2, I was really thinking that the Stitch and Vessel bags would be big competitors. Those are the two “luxury” bag brands that come to my mind first with bags in the $350-400 range. But after using both of them, it’s become clear that each of these bags are definitely for a different type of golfer – and I’ll explain those differences in this review.

So if you’ve been thinking of one or the other, this review should help you figure out the best move for you – or if something a little less expensive like a Jones bag is the better move.

Another one of the first things I noticed was the personalized “ingot” on the side of the bag. For an extra 10 bucks, you can get a custom initialed tag that truly makes the bag yours and just a bit more special. 

You can easily switch them out in case you want to customize or add something different down the line.

The personalized “ingot”. Yeah I’d never heard of an ingot either, but it’s a cool touch.

Related: Looking for a versatile day pack? Check out our Stitch Birdie Bag review.

The Stitch SL2 Was Made for Walking Golfers

The first thing I noticed as I pulled the Stitch golf bag out of the box was just how light it was – specifically compared to the Vessel I’d just reviewed.

The Vessel Player III tips the scales at over 6 pounds, where the Stitch is over 33% lighter at 4 pounds.

It didn’t take long to realize this bag was built for walking golfers.

A lot of thought was put into how this bag would carry, and it definitely shows.

The second thing that points to this being designed to carry is the array of shoulder straps you’re given.

The SL2 comes with both a single strap and a double strap, so regardless of how you prefer to carry your bag, you’re covered.

The clip system works very well, so it’s easy to switch out the single for the double.

That was my biggest complaint with the Jones Utility Trouper. That bag came with two single staps, that you could cross and use as a double strap – but I never quite figured it out. So having two different dedicated straps dedicated to each preference was a welcome surprise.

Stitch SL2 Golf Bag Performance

My first round with the Stitch golf bag, I carried using the single strap. I rarely choose to go single strap, but I wanted the full Stitch experience.

And you know what? I loved it. It was incredibly comfortable on my shoulder and very lightweight.

The next round I went double strap, and in 4+ hours it felt fantastic all the way through.

The bag wears well regardless of which strap your using, and it’s been a pleasure to use.

The SL2 very much embraces a minimalist aesthetic, and that carries that over to its feature set as well.

There are only three compartments in the bag: a lined valuables pocket, a pocket for balls and tees, and a larger (but not huge) apparel pocket.

The apparel pocket, valuables pocket, and single strap.

Honestly, it makes it easy to keep the weight down simply because there isn’t that many places you can cram stuff. And given the ability, I will cram too much stuff in my bag (I’m a caddie’s worst nightmare…)

I learned this when I realized my mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens didn’t really fit in the bag…at all.

I could weasel it in, but it was clear this would not be the right bag to use if hauling a bunch of photography gear or other bulky items.

So I dumped the camera off at my locker and embraced walking with the bag the way it was meant to be. I enjoyed the round all the more for it.

There’s also a water pouch and a pencil holder as well.

SL2 Water bottle pouch, pencil holder, and ball comparment.

The four-way divider works great, and I never had any issues pulling or organizing my clubs. Same goes for the built-in stand, which always felt sturdy and was painted to match the bag which was a nice touch. 

Branding on the bag is also very minimal – this bag more than most I’ve seen speaks for itself.

Stand base on the SL2

A Couple Downsides to the Stitch SL2 Golf Bag

No bag is perfect, and I really only have one major complaint with this bag – and as you’ll see part of this may be a little bit more of a “me” problem, rather than an issue with the bag.

Even though the SL2 is a minimalist bag geared towards the walking golfer, I do wish the compartments it does have were more spacious.

With only 3 pockets, you have to be very deliberate about what you put in there. The problem for me is that both of the larger pockets are very tight, limiting what fits. Even putting a lightweight sweater in the apparel pocket was a bit of a tight squeeze.

It also would have been nice to see one more small pocket for tees and ball markers, as well. You can put it in the valuables pocket, but if for instance, you have a nice watch or cell phone you keep in there, you don’t want it banging around with your tees.

However, like I said I’ve historically been more of a “maximalist” golfer – so as long as you’re aware of the space constraints, then this bag is wonderful.

The gorgeous Stitch SL2 Golf Bag

Final Thoughts on the Stitch Golf Bag

The beautiful looks, build quality, and overall presence of the Stitch SL2 golf bag lived up to every expectation I had for it. It’s even more of a walker-friendly bag than I expected it to be, but with that does come with some storage constraints that won’t be a perfect fit for everyone.

I got my bag in all grey which is an older colorway. I believe for 2023 all of the bags they are selling are color-blocked, so double-check that before you buy. However, I think the color-blocked versions of this bag make it even more handsome. Regardless of which colorway you choose, it’s hard to argue that Stitch Golf makes some of the most beautiful golf bags in the industry.

At $398 the SL2 is by no means a cheap golf bag, but it’s clear this bag is built to last. The “Touring” fabric they use is very easy to clean, and if you’re looking to invest in a bag that is comfortable to walk with, looks fantastic, and will make you the envy of your golf buddies – there’s a very good chance this is the bag for you.

And when you can get 20% off using the code below? It takes this bag from being a splurge, to a bag that’s downright reasonable for the quality you get.

Use our Stitch Golf Coupon Code “BE20” to get 20% anything you buy at Stitch Golf.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The Breakdown