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Sun Mountain H2NO Litespeed Golf Bag review: A rain suit for your clubs
06 Sep 2024
by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com

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For those about to get soaked, Sun Mountain salutes you!

If you've found your way to AmateurGolf.com, you're our kind of golfer. You don't cancel a round 24 hours prior because the weather person on TV says it will be a huge "weather event" or an "atmospheric river." You've been around long enough to know that most days are playable, and the worst that can happen if you show up early for your tee time and the course actually IS closed is that you have a relaxing breakfast and head home.

So you get the need for a good rain suit. But you may not have considered protecting your clubs from the worst that Mother Nature can offer. I hadn't thought much about how waterproof my golf bag was either until planning a month-long sabbatical in Scotland. In 30 days traversing the Home of Golf (and I don't just mean St. Andrews, I mean the whole country), I knew I would get poured on, possibly many times. So, I decided it was finally time to try Sun Mountain's category-defining H2NO golf bag.

First released in 2007 after Sun Mountain's founders played "one too many tournaments in the rain," the latest version, the H2NO Litespeed, weighs just 5 pounds and has been reimagined to include the features you demand in a carry bag.

Why I Got One
As someone who just returned from a month-long golf sabbatical in Scotland, I can confidently say that having the right gear makes all the difference—especially when it comes to braving the elements. Before embarking on my trip, I made several changes to my golf equipment to better handle Scotland’s notorious links courses, with their wind-swept fairways and firm turf conditions. I switched up my golf ball, adjusted the lofts on my clubs, and carried a slightly different set to account for the heavy winds. However, one of the most critical adjustments I made wasn’t to my clubs but to my bag.

Enter the Sun Mountain H2NO golf bag, which quickly became an essential part of my kit. Knowing Scotland’s unpredictable weather, I realized I needed a bag that could withstand constant rain. That's where the H2NO came in. This bag isn’t just about its clever name—it’s like a rain suit for your clubs. And boy, did it come in handy.

Waterproof Design That Works
During my trip, I had more than my fair share of rounds in the rain. The H2NO is made from waterproof material, meaning your clubs, balls, and accessories stay dry, no matter how heavy the downpour. Think of it like your trusted rain jacket—but for your clubs. Gone are the days of plastic baggies stuffed into pockets to protect your gear. The waterproof material works seamlessly, and you’ll notice how water beads up and slides right off, thanks to the specially designed zippers.

The zippers, by the way, are one of the standout features of this bag. Each zipper is enclosed with waterproof lining, ensuring rain doesn’t sneak into the pockets. This was particularly useful in Scotland, where the rain can seem relentless. Whether I was out playing in intermittent showers or full-on downpours, my gear remained completely dry inside the H2NO. There’s peace of mind in knowing that my gloves, rangefinder, and scorecard weren’t turning into a soggy mess.

A Practical and Essential Top Cover
Most golfers, myself included, tend to discard the top covers that come with golf bags. But with the H2NO, you’ll want to hang onto it. The top cover is an essential piece of the waterproofing puzzle. When the rain hits and starts pouring down the bag, the cover keeps your clubs dry and prevents water from seeping in.

On my rounds in Scotland, I noticed just how vital that top cover was. Even when the rain stopped, I didn’t have to wait for my bag and clubs to dry out, and that alone made the experience much more enjoyable. When you're playing in places like Scotland or Bandon Dunes (or any other wet weather destination), this feature becomes more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer.

Summary of Features
- Weighs less than 5 pounds.
- Six pockets include a hydration sleeve, full-length apparel pocket and a two-compartment, velour-lined valuables pocket
- X-Strap System is easy to get on and off and works well as a single strap for short carries.
- The shoulder straps are sculpted and have carry-assist grab loops for a more comfortable carry.
- Matching rainhood included

Final Thoughts: Bring One Along
The Sun Mountain H2NO Litespeed Stand golf bag exceeded all my expectations. It’s a must-have for anyone playing in rainy conditions, whether it’s Scotland, Bandon, or even your local course after an unexpected downpour. Its waterproof material, expertly designed zippers, and extremely functional and well-thought-out top cover keep your gear safe, dry, and ready to use. At just 5 pounds, the latest model is equally suitable for carrying or using with a trolley, as I did all month in Scotland.

Rain will always be part of the game, but with the H2NO, it doesn’t have to ruin your round. If you’re planning a trip to a wet-weather golf destination or just want to be prepared for the rainy days where you live, this bag should be at the top of your list.

 

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