PRODUCT REVIEW

Ogio Mammoth golf travel bag lives up to its name

New Ogio Mammoth golf travel bag offers lots of packing space for the golfer on the go.

AN AIRPORT, SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA - When it comes to travelers, there are lumpers and splitters. Splitters like to divvy items up into numerous, well-organized small bags. Lumpers toss everything into one big bag.

Although splitters appear better organized, they incur a heavy memory load: "Which bag did I put my black belt in?"

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On the other hand, lumpers seem disorganized, because it takes longer to find some items, but, if the lumping was done correctly to begin with, they know precisely where said black belt is: "It's in the only bag I have."

When it comes to golf travel, I'm more of a lumper, especially if I'm traveling with my family or for non-golf-related business. I don't want my golf hats, golf shirts, golf shoes and assorted golf accessories distributed randomly throughout my kids' and wife's stuff. (Apparently my wife finds it amusing to watch me scrounging through bags. Though, if my golf equipment were left for her to pack, each golf ball would be hidden like Easter eggs in our suitcases.)

For lumpers like me, the Ogio Mammoth golf travel bag (MSRP $330) is ideal.

First, the Mammoth lives up to its name in size, at 50 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 15 inches deep. The top is over-sized and double-padded to accommodate and protect those big-headed, big-money sticks.

There's even enough room in the main interior compartment for several golf shirts, shorts, windshirts, socks, slacks and belts, all of which will provide more padding for your clubs. That is, if you don't mind sporting that lumper-chic rumpled look.

Then, almost specifically for us lumpers, pockets and compartments have been built in to allow for us to keep all of our golf gunk in the same bag but still organized and easily accessible. There's a large, crush-proof hat pocket, a zip-off shoe pocket with handles, room for two pairs and two individual shoe sleeves, and two exterior pockets.

Now for the obvious drawback: If you load up the Mammoth as described, it gets pretty heavy pretty fast.

The potentially considerable weight of a laden Mammoth has two consequences. First, it could get unwieldy. However, the ingenious Ogio engineers have added four heavy-duty swiveling wheels to the bottom of the bag, so that it can be maneuvered easily with one hand while in line or for short distances. When longer-distance hauling is required, the hard-plastic SLED on the lower portion of the bag and oversized wheels engages when the bag is tilted and allows you to hop up over curbs and steps with surprising alacrity.

As for the other weight-related drawback, it is possible that lumpers will get punished by airlines with an "overweight baggage" charge. Airlines differ with respect to weight limits, though, and some airlines have recently instituted a limit on checked bags of one per passenger. In this case, toting the Mammoth, packed with all your golf gear, is ideal as your single bag.

Lumpers, rejoice! Victory and vindication are ours!

For more information, visit www.ogio.com.

March 24, 2008

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.