On the subject of "what's in the bag"...how about the bag itself?

 I have a Nike Extreme (you know, the one with the frame outside) which to be honest was a real mistake.  Sure it's light, but it's not spacious - it's a real pig to jam clubs into, the angled zip down the side is just a bad design and the rainhood - don't get me started on the rainhood. 

And now it's starting to show signs of wear after a mere 18 months , and my previous Callaway-branded Ogio standbag lasted 5 1/2 years......

 So what is worth looking at to replace it?  I want a lightweight but fairly durable stand bag with a decent double strap and a few pockets.  It doesn't have to be too capacious as I have a bigger trolley bag for the good weather and even a pencil bag for going out with a half-set for a casual game BUT I do want something inbetween for when I have to go out with some waterproofs, brolly, extra gloves etc. when it's too wet for the trolley.

 Favourite so far is the Taylor Made Essex (£59) or Mizuno's Aerolite (similar), might even go up to the Ogio Vapourlite - but would be interested to hear any suggestions or recommendations that you blokes may have to make.

I have the Izzo Spirit2 and can say that I love it (and I've had 4 bags in 18 months cos I'm picky), space for full waterproofs and a jumper in the main pocket, the only thing I'm not very happy about is that there is no tee pocket so I've used the valuables pocket

 Had the Callaway ultra lite and it sits at a funny angle

had a ram stand bag that lasted all of 2 months

and a light weight wilson that was anything but light

i've got a cheap john letters bag from direct golf (£40). Don't bother with it, only had it since Jan and its already showing signs of wear and tear including a big rip next to the ball pocket.

i'm going to get the TM essex bag once pay day arrives.

ive got a titliest x77 stand bag. had it for the summer and is wearing in great, no reall signs of use despite the fact it is used regualry.

these tend to go on the internet for the price range you look like you want to pay, they are light and spacious for both equipment and clubs. also the range of colours available is vast.  

This has to be the ultimate.

http://www.clickgolf.co.uk/10072.html

I do not use a carry bag but have a sun mountain cart bag and me (almost) step son has a SM carry bag and both are great. 

What about the Mizuno Twister II as it offer the ability to remove the pockets when you don't need the entire contents of the garage

I think that the Benross M7Lite that I just bought is excellent value for money and comes in some fantastic colours.

I use an Ogio Vaporlite. 

Its very light, and I like the Woode arrangement that arranges the clubs and woods nicely for easy access.  Lots of space for storage of essential items (old worn out gloves, old scuffed balls, broken tees etc)

On the downside, its the least waterproof bag you can imagine (a small shower and all the contents of the bag are soaked, as well as the grips), and the stand is very unstable (any kind of crosshill lie or light wind and it's likely to fall over).

Also due to a back problem I've started using a trolley more and more, and the stand bag design does not easily fit on the trolley and access to some of the pockets is awkward when it is on the trolley.  (think i need a trolley bag!)

Went for a bag last summer, and considered a Ping Hoofer, as they're supposed to be good carry bags (if expensive). Wasn't impressed - sure it was light, but it's lack of sturdiness was the reason.

Spiky-haired J Lindeberg clone was shocked when I asked for the Titleist X-67 or X-77 - "what do you want one of those for - have a Nike".

He was even more shocked when he realised that a. it wasn't that heavy at all, and b. it was well made and looked like it would last longer than a month or two.

Plumped for all in black (bright colours get and stay dirty) and, apart from the odd wrestle to get a club in or out, it's great.

Another vote for Sun Mountain bags from me.

Have had a couple and they've been great. Hard to beat I reckon.

For carry/stand bags I always try to go as light as possible so the 3.5 would probably be my choice. The Mini is ok but you'll struggle to get a full set in it.

Check out the Izzo Spirit II bags on pricebuster golf - 36 quid seems like a bargain to me. Ordered one myself today!!

Bought today from The Golf Company, Welshpool Benross Z7 Cart Bag reduced from £79.99 to £49.99 in there summer sale.  See the link.

 http://www.benrossgolf.com/products/products.asp?PID=P7C

I can strongly recommend Voit bags (check out the V20 or V10 stand bags - I think they fit the bill). Who? Most people ask. Well, they're a lot bigger in other countries than in the UK, but don't let the absence of a familiar name put you off. Excellent quality and can be easily tracked down through Google (though perhaps start with the company home page http://www.golftech.at/voit-en/home.cfm?p=1240). And they're inexpensive ...

Thanks everyone for your help on this.  I found that the Sun Mountain 3.5 is almost exactly the same bag as the Titleist X76 and in the end went for the latter as it was £10 cheaper and the colour scheme was better.

 Cheers to all.