I just got back from Bandon Dunes, where the very first thing the caddie does after you meet them is try to make the golf bag you brought as light as possible. Man, how they would have loved me if I had shown up with the new Sunday Golf El Camino Superlite.
To be clear, I didn’t arrive at Bandon with anything unreasonable. I brought a Ping Hoofer loaded with 14 clubs—a very standard setup. As far as full-size carry bags go, the Hoofer is actually one of the more manageable options. Empty, it weighs just 5.5 pounds.
But that makes it a behemoth compared to this new El Camino Superlite. Empty, it’s just 3.2 pounds!
At Bandon, if your bag is too bulky or heavy, they’ll repack it into one of their stripped-down Caddie Services bags. But even those minimalist setups probably aren’t as light at this Sunday Golf bag.
Seriously, the El Camino Superlite is exactly that. It’s insanely light.
But… What do you think makes it so light? Obviously, you can expect features and functionality to be more limited. The Superlite is designed to carry only eight to 10 golf clubs, meaning at least four less than a complete set.
So, clearly, this isn’t a bag for every golfer or for every round.
But for the right golfer? And the right rounds? There’s a lot to like, at least in theory.
Now let’s see if it actually holds up.
First Impressions of the Sunday El Camino Superlite
Honestly, I can’t see anyone having but one first reaction to the El Camino Superlite:
You’re just not going to believe how light it is. I’m talking pick-it-up-empty-with-one-finger light. It’s crazy.
I don’t have any kind of advanced feel for weight or anything, but if you asked me how much this bag weighed, I think I’d guess even less than the actual 3.2 pounds. It just feels completely and totally feather-light.
I’ll get into using the Superlite on the course. But a quick teaser: When you combine this bag’s raw weight with a limited set of clubs and the comfort of backpack straps, it’s the easiest carry I’ve ever experienced.
The bag is made of nylon ripstop material, which not only makes it light but should protect it against tears. It feels a lot like the material of a modern camping tent. Super thin and light yet also strong.
And that brings me to my second main first impression: Price. Initially, I was surprised to see that the new El Camino Superlite is selling on Sunday’s site for $224.99. Not necessarily because I think that’s an unfair price.
It’s just that the Superlite only has capacity for eight to 10 clubs and has less overall storage than the regular El Camino, which can carry 10 to 12 clubs. And yet the normal El Camino sells for $199.99, or $25 less than the Superlite.
Note: You can use our Sunday Golf code BREAKING15 to save 15% off this, which definitely makes it more palatable.
So, we’re literally into a less-is-more proposition here. The Superlite gives you a bit less in functionality and yet is more expensive. However, that tells you that this ripstop material that is not on the regular El Camino is more premium.
As for the overall quality of touches like the zippers, pockets, and handles, they’re fine but by no means exceptional. This is still a sub-$250 golf bag. While I like the nylon ripstop, it’s not like this bag is equipped with the highest-quality materials and components. That’s not really the Sunday Golf model.
Not all rounds require all 14 clubs. And yet for some of those casual rounds you want more than what the most bare-bones Suday bags can deliver. This lightweight midsized eight-to-10-club option is perfect for the right scenarios. Use code BREAKING15 to save 15%!
The Look and Feel of the El Camino Superlite
This is the fourth Sunday Golf bag I’ve reviewed (Loma, Ryder S-Class, Big Rig), and I’m rating it as in a tie with the Ryder-S as my favorite looking and feeling.
I haven’t personally seen the Ranger Bag, which I know Sean was a big fan of.
Again, I don’t want to give you the impression that this is the most handsome golf bag on the market. There are classier designs.
But, for Sunday, I think this El Camino Superlite actually looks really nice. I have the Gray-Blue-Black model, and while I don’t see any blue on it anywhere, I love the sleek, understated look.
And I personally think it’s a huge step up in looks from their even smaller Loma Bags.
I also appreciate how it’s not junked up with logos and branding. Even in the spots where Sunday adds its name, they blend in to the point of camouflage. That’s refreshing compared to some brands that really want to ram their logo down your throat.
One thing I noticed right away on the Superlite that’s not on the regular El Camino is the tee holder loops that are on the side of the bag. It looks like a gunslinger’s bullet belt. Personally, I don’t dig it. That’s just not how I’m going to carry my tees, and I wish it weren’t included. But that’s me.
Before I got the El Camino Superlite, I used my Sunday Loma bag for abbreviated rounds or quick trips to the range. I love it for carrying six or seven clubs, and empty it weighs only 1.95 pounds.
But because the Loma only has a single strap, and because when you carry a driver it gets very top-heavy and a little unwieldy, I’ve never found it to be quite right for full rounds.
So to have a little bit larger capacity with double backpack-style straps is a big deal for me. The Superlite all of the sudden feels like an actual functional Sunday bag. Something that I really can walk a full round with when I don’t feel the need to bring all 14 clubs.
And I’d rate the double strap experience with the Superlite as very good. I’ve had some issues with Sunday’s Ryder S-Class straps. Somehow they never quite feel like I’ve got them adjusted correctly, and they’re often getting twisted.
No such problem with this new Superlite, which is a very pleasant finding considering this is a bag designed exclusively for walking.
In fact, that brings up another point. This really isn’t a bag you’re going to use with a golf cart or pushcart. So it’s not the most versatile bag. The El Camino Superlite is very much for one specific style of golf: Casual walking.
The El Camino Superlite Pockets
The pocket configuration in the El Camino Superlite is the same as what you get with the standard El Camino.
The one notable difference is that with the regular El Camino, one of the side pockets is insulated (what Sunday Golf calls their “Frosty Pocket”) so that you can stash a few beverages.
On the El Camino Superlite, that same-sized pocket is just a general use pocket. You can still throw a drink or two in there, but don’t expect them to stay cold for long, especially in the heat.
I’m guessing this is one of the design decisions that helped shave the bag down to the 3.2-pound target.
And honestly, I think it’s a fair trade. If I really need cold drinks, I’ll wave down the beverage cart. I’d rather save the weight.
The apparel pocket on the Superlite is large enough to hold a small extra layer, but don’t plan on bringing much.
The ball pocket is right where it should be: front and center, big enough for a sleeve or two plus a few extras. Again, no overkill here. You’ll learn quickly that this bag rewards you for leaving behind anything you don’t really need.
There’s also a velour-lined valuables pocket, which I appreciate. And it’s actually a bit larger than I expected in this kind of bag. It’s deep enough to feel secure without being a black hole that you have to fish around in.
Beyond that, you’ve got a mesh pocket and an easy-access rangefinder pouch.
And there’s a Velcro patch where you can stick your glove, which has become pretty standard on most golf bags nowadays.
I mentioned earlier that I’m not a huge fan of the exterior tee loops along the side of the bag. Just give me a small pouch or a zip pocket for that stuff. But if you like the visual of a row of tee heads lined up, knock yourself out.
Overall, the pocket situation is well thought-out, just not luxurious. It feels just right for what this bag is trying to be.
What I Don’t Like About the Sunday Golf El Camino Superlite
Beyond the tee holder thing (a very minor annoyance; not a big deal), the possible issues I have with the El Camino Superlite fall into two categories: price and durability.
Let’s start with the price. At $225, this bag is priced $25 higher than the regular El Camino, even though it arguably gives you less. You lose a bit of capacity, and yet you’re paying more for it.
Now, I get it. The ripstop nylon is a more premium, technical material, and shaving down weight takes design work. But when you hold the Superlite next to the standard El Camino, it doesn’t immediately feel like the more expensive option. And I think that could be a tough sell for some buyers.
Although I guess this is also true across the world of outdoor activities: lighter > more expensive.
My second hesitation is about durability over time. This ripstop material is strong in terms of resisting tears, but it’s thin and minimal by design. It feels more like outdoor gear fabric than what you’d find on most golf bags.
And while I haven’t had any issues yet, I do wonder how it’ll hold up after a full season of travel, trunk time, sun exposure, and regular use.
The stand system is also fine, but there’s something about the legs that I don’t quite like. They sit a little too vertical or tall for me unless I manually kick them out a bit more to make the bag sit lower.
Finally, I’ll just say that this bag is unapologetically niche. It’s not versatile. It’s not designed to be your only bag. You’re not going to use it with a pushcart or golf cart, most likely.
None of these things are dealbreakers. But they’re worth knowing before you buy. This is a specialty product, and it’s excellent at what it’s designed to do. Just don’t expect it to be more than that.
One bag I’d also consider if you like the idea of a smaller Sunday carry bag, is the Jones Players series. Similar weight, not as feature heavy, but definitely has wins for bonus style points.
Not all rounds require all 14 clubs. And yet for some of those casual rounds you want more than what the most bare-bones Suday bags can deliver. This lightweight midsized eight-to-10-club option is perfect for the right scenarios. Use code BREAKING15 to save 15%!
Making the Case for a Midsize Golf Bag
I mentioned that I’ve enjoyed using Sunday Golf’s Loma bag, their smallest and lightest. But I’ve found applicable use cases to be somewhat limited.
I’m all in on the romanticism of playing golf with a Sunday bag. It’s a great casual option or for when you’re playing shorter courses that don’t require all of the shots.
But let’s face it: For us hardcore golfers, we need a bag that’s comfortable and functional. And for as much as I like the idea of carrying a Sunday bag, it sometimes ends up being a better idea than a reality.
I also know that I do not need to carry a full set of 14 clubs for every round I play. Seriously, there are times where I look back over several rounds and realize that there are clubs I hardly ever pull.
So, why carry all of them all the time?
I’m not talking about your most important rounds or when you really want to play your best. For that, you want every tool available to you.
But not every round is like that.
For me, I have plenty of rounds of golf where I’d love to lighten my load, but I also don’t want to accept the limitations of a really small Sunday bag.
Which is why I think a midsize option like this El Camino Superlite is a perfect addition to a golf bag collection.
8 to 10 clubs is just right for me when I want to play casually. That still allows me all of my key clubs without some of the long irons or fairway woods that are unlikely to even get used.
In fact, in the two nine-hole rounds I’ve played so far with the Superlite, I really don’t think I’ve lost a single shot. Over time, that would change. If you’re serious about golf, there are definitely going to be times where you call upon each one of your clubs to post your best score.
But in the short run, I’ve found it very easy to choke down, or club up, or punch out with a different-lofted club than normal.
It’s actually really fun to play golf with a limited set. It introduces more creativity. Kind of gets at the essence of the game.
Final Thoughts on the El Camino Superlite Golf Bag
What Sunday Golf has done with the El Camino Superlite is carve out a very specific lane. And, for the most part, they’ve nailed it.
This is a purpose-built bag for the walking golfer who wants to lighten up, simplify, and still feel organized and comfortable.
It offers more than the smallest Sunday bags, which makes it much more practical for regular use, but it’s lighter than larger stand bag alternatives.
Is it the most premium bag on the market? No. Is it the most versatile? Also no. But is it incredibly functional and satisfying in the exact context it’s designed for? I’ve got to say, absolutely.
For quick loops, casual rounds, or just any time you’re looking to carry less, this bag delivers a great experience.
Would I want the El Camino Superlite as my only golf bag? No, not me personally. I need a bag that will carry all 14 clubs for at least some of my rounds.
But do I love now having this in my arsenal? More than I expected, actually. And I think it’s going to get a lot more use in these upcoming summer months than I ever considered when I first learned about this bag.
Not all rounds require all 14 clubs. And yet for some of those casual rounds you want more than what the most bare-bones Suday bags can deliver. This lightweight midsized eight-to-10-club option is perfect for the right scenarios. Use code BREAKING15 to save 15%!
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