Bow quiver vs other quiver options

[Radford]

I've been using a bow quiver for a while now and starting to think I don't really like it anymore. When I take it off I really enjoy walking around with just the bow and enjoy shooting it even more. I've been using the bow quiver because I could not think of a better way to carry my arrows into the woods as I typically hike a long ways in and out. So naturally I thought this was the best way to have everything I need in one tight package. Well like I said, I am starting to really dislike this setup but still not sure of how I would like to carry my arrows in for a hunt and have them readily available and not be cumbersome to carry. I've had hip quivers and just couldn't get them to work smoothly for me. Maybe someone has some better ideas or some advice on how to carry arrows without using a bow quiver.

And for reference I can be hiking in several miles and hundreds of feet elevation for an all day hunt. When I'm hiking that far in I'm not coming back to the truck for lunch. I really want to find a good setup for the quiver that frees up my bow. Thanks for any ideas.

[Bryan Adolphe]

Ive used a Catquiver for years , holds my arrows and everything i need for a days hike and hunt .

[Maclean]

I too don't particularly like bow quivers, but I absolutely need an arrow immediately available that I can nock with very minimal movement when needed, i.e. a bow mounted arrow.

That being said, I'm in the process of making a single arrow quiver because I can't find one being made commercially.

So I carry one arrow on my bow, and carry the rest of my arrows in a shoulder Hill style quiver or a catquiver depending on the type of hunting I'm doing.

I have 6 different longbows, and the heaviest one weighs 1.6 lbs, the last thing I want to do is to hang a quiver with 5 arrows off the side of it.

Finding out what works for you is usually a trial and error process, but that's half the fun.

[katman]

ArrowMaster Quiver, holds arrows and a removeable hood to protect fletching.
Love both of mine.

[The Whittler]

For hunting a bow quiver for me means when I grab my bow to go hunting I won't forget my arrows.

[David Mitchell]

I find the Asbell quiver to be the most versatile in all situations.  I use it even chasing pigs in the Florida palmettos.  Holds 6 arrows and can be carried in a number of ways.

[Pine]

I really like a GFA but I don't think they are made anymore. Very adjustable to fit your personal preference.
If you found one used, it would be worth grabbing.

[MT STEVE]

Radford, I,m with you on this one. Been toting a stick in the timber for 40 + years, have never found a quiver setup I like, be it bow quiver or else wise. That being said for some reason I have never tried a cat quiver, I may give their small model a test run this year.

[Radford]

I may have to try out one of the catquiver stayed quivers. For those with experience using this type: My major concern is arrow security. I bust through hundreds of acres of laurel and rhododendron thickets that pull and snag in everything. My biggest fear would be I have the quiver on my back and an arrow gets pulled free, then I slip and hurt myself with a loose broadhead. Anyone have any insight into my concerns?

Could the mini catquiver be easily strapped to a pack and still have the arrows accessible? If so this may be worth a try.

And I agree with Maclean. I hate having four 670 grain arrows strapped to my light longbow. Just seems to defeat the purpose. Maybe the combination of the catquiver strapped to my pack and carry a single arrow with one of those small leather broadhead sheath would work?

[Seeker]

I have used one of the cat quiver pack models which the mini ties into for a number of years-  I think it is the iv.  I did not like the weight of a bow quiver or the change in balance it gave the bow, and found the cat quiver works better than a hip quiver. 

Having said that, I’m now second guessing the other way and thinking I may try a bow quiver again, one of the smaller ones, like a selway mini to keep the weight down.

[Buggs]

And for reference I can be hiking in several miles and hundreds of feet elevation for an all day hunt. When I'm hiking that far in I'm not coming back to the truck for lunch. I really want to find a good setup for the quiver that frees up my bow. Thanks for any ideas.

You must be carrying a pack if you are out all day. Good luck finding a quiver thats going to work well with a backpack. With a fanny pack, certain diagonal carry back quivers will work. The best option is to find a quiver that you can strap to your pack and still draw arrows. Most daypacks have attachment points and I use them to attach a Hill style quiver with quick release buckles, in case I need to drop the pack.

[Gordon Jabben]

Enjoyed your post.  I to spend a lot of time walking, small game hunting, and doing a little stump shooting.  I'm happiest with a hill style bow and back quiver.  Back quivers have to be made right and take practice.  Like it's been said,  they don't work well with a backpack. 

[Alexander Traditional]

Side quiver for most applications for me. I love mine,and use it most of the time.

[Bobaru]

i made my own.  It's worked so well, I've made several.  It's very similar to 3 Rivers Archery quiver: "Arrowmaster Side Quiver." 

I bought a $ 20.00 plastic arrow tube.  Opened it to about 40 inches.  Cut a hole in the side about 4" from the bottom and about 15" long to get my arrows in and out.  Covered it in fabric with contact cement, both inside the whole and on the outside.  Then I got a pool noodle, cut a 4" piece and put it in the bottom. 

No need to worry about the arrows rattling around in the top because of the fletching.  Then I stick my broadheads into the pool noodle foam in the bottom. 

Works great.  Took it to Montana on an elk hunt and walked 8 to 10 miles per day up and down.  Very light weight. 

I like it better than a bow quiver because my fletching doesn't get messed up.  The quiver protects them.

 They call it a "side quiver" but it goes on the back.  Arrows are real easy to take out.  Just pull the head out of the foam with your finger and thumb, then releive the pressure.  It quickly drops to to fletching and you remove it and put it on your bow.  I had a doe frozen, looking at me at 20 yards, and I was able to get an arrow out, nock it, and shoot.  (Unfortunately, my accuracy wasn't that great.)

Or you can buy one from 3 Rivers. 

Good luck.   

[Terry Green]

Maclean......... right here as a Sponsor of Tradgang for years and years...

http://www.eaglesflightarchery.com/product/1-arrow-stalker-mesa-3/

[kopfjaeger]

I use a bow quiver most of the time, but I also like my Adventure Wear hip quiver.

[goingoldskool]

I may have to try out one of the catquiver stayed quivers. For those with experience using this type: My major concern is arrow security. I bust through hundreds of acres of laurel and rhododendron thickets that pull and snag in everything. My biggest fear would be I have the quiver on my back and an arrow gets pulled free, then I slip and hurt myself with a loose broadhead. Anyone have any insight into my concerns?

Could the mini catquiver be easily strapped to a pack and still have the arrows accessible? If so this may be worth a try.

And I agree with Maclean. I hate having four 670 grain arrows strapped to my light longbow. Just seems to defeat the purpose. Maybe the combination of the catquiver strapped to my pack and carry a single arrow with one of those small leather broadhead sheath would work?

I've not had a problem with mine.  You can adjust how tight your arrows are held.  I also have the mini and if there was going to be a problem with an arrow coming out,  it would be with it.  The normal catquiver is very secure.

[Maclean]

I may have to try out one of the catquiver stayed quivers. For those with experience using this type: My major concern is arrow security. I bust through hundreds of acres of laurel and rhododendron thickets that pull and snag in everything. My biggest fear would be I have the quiver on my back and an arrow gets pulled free, then I slip and hurt myself with a loose broadhead. Anyone have any insight into my concerns?

Could the mini catquiver be easily strapped to a pack and still have the arrows accessible? If so this may be worth a try.

And I agree with Maclean. I hate having four 670 grain arrows strapped to my light longbow. Just seems to defeat the purpose. Maybe the combination of the catquiver strapped to my pack and carry a single arrow with one of those small leather broadhead sheath would work?

Radford, I have never had an arrow come out of a Catquiver unless I pulled it out. They're adjustable, and you can make them hold your arrows pretty tight. I hunt in some fairly thick brush at times and I've never tangled an arrow in the Catquiver.

There's a current thread on "single arrow quivers" started by BAK that has some great info and ideas. Check it out if you haven't already.

[Maclean]

Maclean......... right here as a Sponsor of Tradgang for years and years...

http://www.eaglesflightarchery.com/product/1-arrow-stalker-mesa-3/

Thanks Terry. I've seen these and the only reason I don't have one is that they're for broadheads only. I'm trying to make one that can be used with any type of head (judos, hex heads, or broadheads).

Maybe I can get Eagles Flight to sell me just 2 of the gripper portions and I'd be home free.

[KentuckyWolf]

Side quivers for the win. GFA or powderhorn.

Don’t like bow quivers. It’s the weight on the bow, the imbalance, the noise on the shot (arrows, points, etc. will rattle).

Don’t like back quivers with three blade, four blade or any broadhead with the rear edge sharpened. So….great for practice but not the best option in a lot of cases for hunting. This statement on back quivers also applies to Lakota style side quivers.

Don’t like hip quivers. They can be hard to move through brush and also act/look like a big flag being waved with movement.

Don’t like cat quivers. Replacing an arrow back in….without making noise and/or jacking up feathers seems to be next to impossible.