What They Have in Common
Both are single-strap carry bags with 3 pockets. Neither is sold as waterproof, and neither manufacturer publishes whether stand legs are included. They're in the same category targeting the walking golfer who wants something minimal — they just disagree sharply on what "minimal" means.
Where They Differ
Capacity — and this one's non-negotiable
The Jones holds 14 clubs in a 3-way top. The Moonlite holds 7 to 9 clubs in a 2-way top. That gap isn't a matter of preference: if you carry a full set, the Moonlite isn't an option. The 3-way divider on the Jones means your clubs are loosely organized — putter, woods, irons. Two dividers on the Moonlite serves a bag where you've already left half your set at home.
Weight
The Moonlite publishes a weight: 2 lbs. Jones doesn't publish one for the Original Jones Bag. That makes a direct comparison impossible to do honestly. Whether the Jones is heavier, lighter, or close — I can't say, and Jones's page doesn't say either. If weight is your deciding factor and the Jones is on your list, that missing spec is worth chasing down before you buy.
Storage and pockets
Both bags have 3 pockets, but only PING says what they're for. The Moonlite has a dedicated rangefinder pocket and an insulated water-bottle pocket — two slots you'd otherwise improvise. The Jones's 3 pockets aren't broken down by the brand, so you get what you get. The Moonlite also publishes a total pocket volume of 7 liters, which is compact but intentional for a bag this size. The Jones gives you no volume figure to work with.
Price
The Jones lists at $185. The Moonlite lists at $110. That's a $75 gap at list — meaningful for a carry bag, less meaningful if the Jones is the only one that fits your clubs.
Material
The Jones is water-resistant nylon. PING doesn't name a material for the Moonlite. Neither bag is sold as waterproof.
Who Should Buy Which
Get the Jones Original Jones Bag if:
- You carry all 14 clubs and don't want to think about which ones to leave behind.
- You're a walking golfer who wants a full set in a bag with a retro, unstructured feel.
- The $75 premium over the Moonlite is acceptable for a bag that actually does the job.
Get the PING Moonlite if:
- You're playing a par-3 course or a casual 9 where 7 to 9 clubs covers everything you need.
- Two pounds matters to you and you're deliberately traveling light.
- You want a dedicated rangefinder pocket and an insulated water-bottle pocket built in, and you're willing to curate your club selection to get them.
The Bottom Line
These bags are not really competing with each other — they're designed for different rounds. The Jones is for the golfer who walks 18 with a full set; the Moonlite is for the golfer who walks 9 with a short set. A 14-club bag can't be trimmed down to a 7-club experience, and a 7-to-9-club bag won't swallow a full set no matter how you angle the irons. Pick based on how many clubs you actually carry, and the decision mostly makes itself. The $110 vs $185 spread matters, but capacity matters more.
Get the Jones Original Jones Bag.