Question about back quivers

[Dorado]

I'm just getting started in archery and so I don't have a lot of equipment. Worse yet is that I don't have the funding to go out and experiment and find what works best for me. So I have to ask a lot of questions before I make any purchase. I only have a basic hip quiver that cannot be used for hunting. So, I find myself needing a better quiver.
When I look at my options I keep coming back to the back quiver as best fit for my needs. I'm very opportunistic when it comes to hunting. If I can't find the animals I'm after I'll switch to what I can find. As such, I feel that a back quiver would allow me the most options on what arrows I can take. But I don't know what to look for in a back quiver. I've been looking at several different styles, and I'm liking the Hill style back quiver. So, I was wondering, what do I look for in a back quiver?

I'd make it myself but I don't even know what leather or other things I'd need or where to get them. I've been looking for a decent used one but all I can find are youth or are completely worn out. My area is a bit of a black hole when it comes to traditional archery.

[Green]

Here's a link to a recent back quiver build along by Bud Blaylock.  Top notch quiver....

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=138271#000000

[Gordon Jabben]

Hello Dorado.  I have been using a back quiver for a lot of years and they work well for me.  The McAlester Oklahoma Shoot is this weekend and if you could make it, I would be glad to get you started in the right direction on using a back quiver.

[David Mitchell]

Dorado, a back quiver would be a good choice for you in my opinion as they are very versatile and work equally well for hunting, 3D or just out stump shooting.  They allow you to carry lots of arrows for different purposes, and if made of proper leather so they conform to your body after a little break-in, they are quiet.  Don't believe the advice that you have to stuff them full of oats, or anything else to keep your arrows quiet or broadheads from dulling.  Just get a good one that molds to you and your set for years of enjoyment.

[dbd870]

Sounds like they would work for you; I do a lot of stand hunting and I did not care for the back quiver I tried last season while in a stand, going with a bow mounted quiver this fall. Ground or spot and stalk I would think they would work well.

[dragonheart]

Using a back quiver is a skill just like shooting a bow.  You need a quiver that you can swing around under your arm when in brush.  The quiver needs to hang properly so that the arrows are accessible.  Back Quivers that have a strap to hold in place are fine for the target range, but get out in the thicket and you find that strap needs to be cut off. Cat quiver is a possible option, I don't like the bottom of it bumping me in the bum when I have to move quick. It has its advocates.  A good "Hill" style quiver needs to fit.  Arrow length plays a role in the length of the quiver.  Here is an old website from James Schulz where he talks about quiver fit.  


 http://www.americanleathers.com/questionpage/QA.html

John Turner owns American Leathers now.  I do not know if he is building quivers.

 I have been around the block several times looking for the "perfect" quiver, and tried just about everything.    :p

[Dorado]

Thanks all.
I remember reading that thread by Bud Blaylock. I just couldn't find it. I've bookmarked it so I won't lose it again.
Gordon, Unfortunately McAlester is just out of my range. I won't be able to make it. But I'd like whatever tips you could share.
David, Being able to carry lots of arrows with different tips is one of the main reasons I've been looking into back quivers. I thought that I'd add a piece of foam to the bottom to keep the broadheads separated and to protect the bottom of the quiver. I've never heard about stuffing them with oats or anything. Sounds a little fishy.
dbd870 I really don't hunt from stands usually ground blinds or spot and stalk. Hope you do well this fall. I'm gonna miss hunting this year due to injuries but I'm planning on making it up next year. Be sure to post pictures so I can drool over them and get jealous. lol
Thanks for the link dragonheart. I didn't know how to measure it based off of arrow and draw lengths. I was thinking they were all made roughly the same length.I'll have to do some measuring and see what I can do.

[ChuckC]

You can start with a back quiver made using the cut off leg of a pair of blue jeans if ya want, (but not for broadheads).  Wear it around and try.  It won't be JUST lIKE a leather one, but similar.

ChuckC

[LBR]

I'd go with ChuckC's recommendation.  Some folks like them, some not.  Seeing how you are in TX, you may find them hot and uncomfortable--I did here in MS.

The most versatile quiver I've ever used is the Safari Tuff Arrowmaster, but it's not cheap.

The best cheap quivers I've used were a hip quiver from Wal-Mart.  It went for around $15, but that was a few years ago.  I modified it with a leg strap.  Could carry pretty much any arrow in it.

Before that I used Kwikee Kwiver that mounted to a compound, but I made it into a hip quiver with some paracord.  Worked fine--my own version of the GFA quiver, many years before it hit the market.

You are on the right track--doing research before spending your money.

Good luck!

Chad

[Dorado]

LBR most of my hunting is done when it's cold so heat wont bother me. If I hunt in summer I'd be hot and uncomfortable anyways. Besides I'm a bit used to it by now. I would love an Arrowmaster quiver but at $100+ It's just a bit of my range. I've been looking for a used one but I never find them. Guess that says a lot. I thought about making one but I have a tendency to...go overboard. Eventually it'd look like a camouflaged, tactical, covered in pockets version of the Arrowmaster. lol. Maybe I can control myself long enough to make a decent one.

ChuckC I'll try that Blue jeans idea, I've got an old torn up pair that can be sacrificed.

[Dorado]

I might be able to get me some Kydex and make me an Arrowmaster style quiver. I'd just have to figure out the pattern, and how to work with Kydex. Cover with a camo wool or fleece, add some padding to the inside and Bingo! I doubt it'd be anywhere near as good as an actual Arrowmaster but it'd work.

[Bladepeek]

I've made several back quivers, side quivers and hip quivers. I like all of them and don't find any one that is perfect.

FWIW, I find that I usually take the quiver off once I'm in my blind or sitting on a sling hammock and place the quiver so the fletching is not visible. That way, I don't have to worry about the arrows accidentally brushing against the blind or tree bark if I turn to look for a noise.

Making them is half (or more) of the fun.

[luvnlongbow]

Take a look at the quivers at 3Rivers. They have kits along with an assortment of back quivers. I don't know about the quality of the kits. I have a quiver made by Mike at Mikes Archery Leather. Very nice and well made. Mike is on Trad Gang and is a sponsor. If you can swing it that would be my choice.

[two4hooking]

You will not regret a good and properly broken in HIll style backquiver.

check this out for some more info:

 http://traditionalknowhow.blogspot.com/


Greg

[Butch Speer]

Dorado,
Don't mistake a back quiver that is flattened in the middle as worn out. A back quiver needs to do that in order to keep your arrows from rattling.It should be fairly soft to conform to your back. It shouldn't keep the shape of a round or oval tube in the middle of the quiver.
When I bought my HH quiver, I bought the soft leather model so it wouldn't need as much break in. Some people recommend sitting on your quiver while in your easy chair as a way to break them in.

[dragonheart]

Originally posted by two4hooking:
You will not regret a good and properly broken in HIll style backquiver.

check this out for some more info:

  http://traditionalknowhow.blogspot.com/  


Greg

Good stuff right here!

[Dorado]

Bladepeek, I've never been bowhunting before so I imagine I'd do the same thing. After all I always took my pack off when rifle hunting out of a blind. I agree with making it is half or more of the fun. I'm always making different things so I should be able to make a hill style quiver.

luvnlongbow, I've seen those kits but I think I'd rather make one myself. One along the lines of what Bud Blaylock made in his thread. I might modify it a little.

two4hooking, Thanks for the article I'm gonna read that here in a few minutes. Seems like a good read.

Butch, I've seen many pictures of how Hill style are supposed to look. The flat doesn't bother me, I know why it's there. But when the bottom has holes worn into it, shoulder strap is frayed, and smells as if it was stored with roadkill...it's a little too worn out for me. lol That is a good idea about sitting on them to help break them in. With my luck though, I'd forget to either take the arrow out or leave one in with a really sharp broadhead.
The more I think about it the more I want to make one. I've been looking at leather, just need to bite the bullet and make the dang thing.

Oh, question. Would sewing fur inside the mouth of the quiver help with noise or help keep things from falling in the quiver? Or should I just not worry about it?

[Bud B.]

Originally posted by Dorado:
...

Oh, question. Would sewing fur inside the mouth of the quiver help with noise or help keep things from falling in the quiver? Or should I just not worry about it?

It's not necessary if the quiver fits right and is broken in. But it doesn't hurt either. It's all up to you and how you want to make it for you  

[dragonheart]

I would avoid sewing fur or felt as it is one more thing for a broadhead to get hung up on the way out.  My quiver was built about 1986 and is still going strong.  The quiver was styled directly based on a Howard Hill quiver, built out of quality saddle leather, and has been conditioned every year with pitchblend, snoseal, or mink oil.  It has molded to my back and arrows will not rattle or fall out.  I cut a piece of carpet attached to a thicker piece of leather for the inside at the bottom.      

   

   

[Dorado]

Ok, so fur's a personal preference thing and might hang up broadheads.Gotcha. SnoSeal, I've used that on a pair of boots, I like it. Really helps keep my feet dry in snow and rain. I'll probably treat my quiver with it as well. My boots still look new, so long as you don't look at the sole. lol

I've got some leather ordered it ought to be here next week and I'll get started on it. I bought a single shoulder 6-7oz veg tan tooling leather girl said it's about 8.24sq ft and is more than enough for a 24x24 square, and some 3/16" alum tan lacing. The leather I got was $30. Not too bad. I'll follow what bud did on the St. Jude Hill style quiver. Although I might modify it just a little hopefully. If I have any soft leather left I'll try to add a pocket to it, and maybe some D-loops for me to attach a length of rope to.

Is there anything else I should know before I get started on this?