Archery Quiver Capacity: Arrow Storage

The number of arrows in a quiver depends on the archer's purpose and preferences. A typical quiver can hold anywhere from 10 to 24 arrows, with 12 being a common number. Hunters may carry fewer arrows, with seasoned hunters typically carrying six arrows in a bow quiver. Archery competitors will carry the required number of arrows for each round, plus at least two spares. For those practising archery for leisure, carrying more arrows can be beneficial to avoid having to frequently retrieve arrows and return to position.

How many arrows to carry depends on the purpose of the archery

The number of arrows an archer carries depends on the purpose of their archery. Archers may take up the sport for leisure, competition, hunting, or even in rare cases, combat. The number of arrows they carry will also depend on their skill level and their preferred type of quiver.

For leisure, an archer may want to carry a lot of arrows in their quiver, anywhere from 12 to 24. This is because practising archery can be tiring, especially if you have to keep leaving your spot to collect arrows and then get back into position.

In a competition, archers must carry the required number of arrows for each round, plus some spares. For example, if there are three rounds, an archer should bring three arrows plus at least two spares.

For hunting, a seasoned hunter may carry less than ten arrows in their quiver, with six being a common number. However, it's important to carry enough spares in case of a broken or bent arrow. Hunting style and location will also determine the number of arrows to bring. For instance, if you're on a multi-day backcountry excursion, you'll need to bring enough arrows to last the whole trip.

In rare cases where archery is used for combat, an archer may carry 60 or more arrows in a very large quiver. They may also carry multiple quivers to cope with the need for arrows.

The type of quiver used will also affect how many arrows an archer carries. For example, a side quiver can hold up to 12 arrows, while a bow quiver typically holds six.

The type of quiver used depends on the archer's preference and usage

The type of quiver an archer uses depends on their preference and intended use. Quivers can be worn on the archer's body or attached to their bow.

Hip Quivers

Hip quivers are typically used for target practice, where archers remain stationary. They are attached to the archer's waist, with arrows facing forward. They can hold up to 12 arrows and are convenient for quick access. Hip quivers also have additional space for storing other accessories.

Field Quivers

Field quivers are designed for field archery or 3D archery, where archers walk long distances. They are worn on the hip, with arrows facing backward. They are usually made from durable materials like leather or polyester and often feature multiple compartments for different types of arrows and other items.

Back Quivers

Back quivers are worn diagonally across the back and are popular among traditional bowhunters and 3D archers. They can hold 20-25 arrows and provide easy access, but they can be cumbersome in certain situations, such as when bending over or moving stealthily.

Bow Quivers

Bow quivers are attached directly to the bow and are popular with hunters as they allow for easy access to arrows with minimal movement. They typically hold 3-7 arrows and add some weight to the bow, which some archers appreciate for added stability.

Ground Quivers

Ground quivers are stakes that hold arrows pointed downward and are used when the archer is shooting from a fixed position. They are not suitable for competitions but can be useful for target practice or warfare.

Modern compound bows are favoured for combining all parts in one piece of equipment

Compound bows are made up of several parts, including the riser, limbs, bowstring, cables, cable guard, cable slide, cam system, peep sight, string loop, and arrow rest. The riser is the central mount for other parts such as the sights, stabilizers, quivers, and limbs. It is typically made of aircraft-grade aluminium alloy, carbon fibre, or magnesium alloy. The limbs are the flexible pieces attached to the top and bottom of the riser, made of composite materials that can withstand high tensile force. The bowstring is what the archer pulls back to launch the arrow, usually made of high-modulus polyethylene. The cables run from cam to cam and help them rotate properly when the bow is drawn. The cam system includes the cams or pulleys that distinguish a compound bow from other types. The peep sight is placed between the strands of the bowstring to help with accuracy and consistency. The string loop or D-loop is where the nock of the arrow attaches to the string. The arrow rest is where the arrow is set when loading the bow.

Compound bows offer several benefits over traditional bows, such as increased power, shootability, and arrow speed. The stiffness of the limbs allows compound bows to shoot arrows with more power and faster speed. The use of cams or pulleys also makes it easier for archers to pull back the strings, as the cams mechanically manipulate the draw weight. This results in a smoother draw cycle and improved accuracy. Additionally, compound bows have accessories such as sights, stabilizers, and quivers that can be attached directly to the riser, enhancing their functionality and performance.

When choosing a compound bow, it is important to consider the type of cam system, limb style, and axle-to-axle length. The cam system can be single, hybrid, binary, or twin, each offering different advantages and disadvantages in terms of ease of use, maintenance, accuracy, and speed. The limb style can be solid or split, with split limbs being more durable, producing less hand shock, and resulting in a quieter shot. The axle-to-axle length refers to the distance between the axles that run through the cams and limbs, impacting the stability and manoeuvrability of the bow.

The number of arrows in a quiver can range from 4 to 24

The number of arrows in a quiver depends on the archer's purpose and preferences. A typical quiver can hold anywhere from 4 to 24 arrows, with 10 being the average. If you're a beginner in archery, you might want to start with a smaller number of arrows and work your way up as you improve your skills.

For target practice, it is recommended to have more arrows in your quiver, as you will be shooting a lot and it can be tiring to keep going back to collect your arrows. In this case, 12 to 24 arrows in your quiver is a good range.

Hunters may prefer to carry fewer arrows, depending on the type of hunting they are doing. For example, if you are hunting in an area where you can easily resupply your arrows, you may only need 4 to 6 arrows. On the other hand, if you are on a multi-day backcountry excursion, you will need to bring enough arrows to last the entire trip. In this case, a quiver that holds 6 to 12 arrows may be more suitable.

The type of quiver you use will also affect how many arrows you can carry. Back quivers, which are worn on the archer's back, can typically hold at least 24 arrows. Side quivers, which hang at the waist, usually hold up to 12 arrows. Bow quivers, which attach directly to the bow, often hold 6 arrows or fewer. Ground quivers, which are planted in the ground, can vary in capacity but typically hold a minimum of 5 arrows.

Ultimately, the number of arrows you carry in your quiver is a personal preference, and you should choose what feels comfortable and prepared for your particular style of archery.

The type of arrow and quiver material can affect how many arrows can be carried

The type of arrow and quiver materials can indeed affect how many arrows can be carried. Quivers are traditionally made from leather, wood, fur, or other natural materials, but modern quivers are often made from metal or plastic. The material used for the quiver will impact its durability, weight, and flexibility, all of which can affect how many arrows it can hold. For example, a lightweight and flexible nylon quiver can be more comfortable to carry and allow for more arrows without being too heavy.

Additionally, the type of arrow can also impact the number of arrows that can be carried in a quiver. Arrows can be made from various materials, including wood, aluminium, fiberglass, carbon, and composite materials. Each type of arrow has different dimensions and weight, which will affect how many can be stored in a quiver. For instance, carbon arrows tend to be lighter and more uniform, allowing for more arrows to be carried without increasing the weight of the quiver.

The purpose of archery practice also determines the number of arrows in a quiver. Archers engaged in leisure or sport may require more arrows, ranging from 12 to 24, to improve their skills and avoid the hassle of frequently collecting spent arrows. In contrast, seasoned hunters or archers in competitions may carry fewer arrows, typically around six to ten, as they are more skilled and require fewer spares.

The design of the quiver also plays a role in determining the number of arrows it can hold. Common types include belt quivers, back quivers, bow quivers, and ground quivers, each with different capacities. Belt quivers, the most common style, can hold a moderate number of arrows and offer the convenience of being suspended from the archer's belt. Back quivers, which are secured to the archer's back, can hold a larger number of arrows but are less common. Bow quivers, a modern invention, hold fewer arrows but are popular for their lightweight and compact design. Ground quivers, used in fixed shooting locations, can hold varying numbers of arrows depending on their design.

In conclusion, the type of arrow and quiver materials, along with the purpose and design of the quiver, all influence the number of arrows that can be carried. Choosing the right combination of arrow and quiver materials, as well as quiver type, ensures that archers have the necessary arrows for their practice while maintaining comfort and convenience during their archery activities.

Frequently asked questions