Archery Quivers: Storage And Protection

A quiver is a pouch for storing arrows, usually hung over the shoulder or slung from the belt. They are an essential accessory for archers, who need somewhere to store their arrows, and can also be used to carry other equipment. Quivers come in a variety of styles, including hip, back, field, bow, and side quivers, and can be made from materials such as leather, wood, plastic, and fabric. The type of quiver an archer chooses will depend on their discipline and personal preference.

Quivers can be worn on the hip, back, belt, or bow

A quiver is a pouch for storing arrows or crossbow bolts. It can be worn in different ways depending on the archer's preference and the type of archery they are engaged in. Quivers can be worn on the hip, back, belt, or bow.

Hip Quivers

Hip quivers are attached to a belt that hangs around the archer's waist. The arrows in the quiver are directed with the nock end pointing forward, making it easy for the archer to select, remove, and nock an arrow. Hip quivers are usually more spacious, allowing archers to carry more arrows and accessories. However, due to their larger size, they can be cumbersome and may catch on objects or other people.

Back Quivers

Back quivers are secured to the archer's back by leather straps, with the nock ends of the arrows protruding above the dominant hand's shoulder. This type of quiver is commonly used in longbow and hunting categories. While it may not be the most practical option, especially when navigating through branches, it has a certain charm, especially for traditional archers using a recurve or longbow.

Belt Quivers

Belt quivers are the most common type of quiver. They are worn on the waist, either with a hook or a belt. The belt stays with the quiver and is worn slightly askew, ensuring the arrows are within easy reach. Belt quivers are typically made of plastic and fabric, although traditional ones may be made of leather or wood.

Bow Quivers

Bow quivers are a modern invention, attaching directly to the bow's limbs and holding the arrows steady with a clip. They are popular with compound bow hunters as they allow for more comfortable carrying in the field without encumbering the hunter's body.

They can be made of leather, wood, plastic, or fabric

Quivers are made from a variety of materials, including leather, wood, plastic, and fabric. Each material has its own unique characteristics, catering to different preferences and needs.

Leather quivers, for instance, have a timeless appeal and are often associated with traditional archery. They are known for their durability and ability to withstand outdoor use. Leather quivers also offer a snug and secure fit for arrows, preventing them from rattling or falling out. Additionally, they provide good protection against moisture. The use of leather in quiver construction dates back centuries, and it remains a popular choice among archers.

Wooden quivers, on the other hand, offer a natural and rustic look. In ancient times, quivers made from wood were often crafted with intricate carvings and embellishments, reflecting the cultural and artistic styles of the time.

Modern quivers, commonly used by classical and compound archers, are often made of plastic and fabric. Plastic quivers offer several benefits, including lightweight design, enhanced durability, and weather resistance. They are highly resistant to wear and tear and can repel water, making them suitable for wet or humid conditions. Fabric quivers, such as those made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, provide a range of benefits, including lightweight construction, durability, and weather resistance. They also offer a wide range of colour options, allowing archers to express their personal style.

The choice of material for a quiver depends on factors such as durability, functionality, aesthetic appeal, and personal preference.

They can be used to display awards, memberships, and talismans

A quiver is a pouch for storing bow arrows or crossbow bolts. It can be carried in several ways: on the belt, on the back, on the bow, or on the ground. Apart from holding arrows, a quiver can also be used as a "gallery" to display awards, memberships, and talismans.

The quiver can be embellished with pockets to store small equipment like paper, pens, and pallets. Quivers can be made of plastic, fabric, leather, or wood. The type of quiver used depends on the shooting discipline and the weapon.

The belt quiver is the most common type, usually worn with a belt below the waist, with the arrows within reach. The back quiver is used in longbow and hunting categories and has a traditional charm, especially for archers using a Recurve or Longbow. "Field" quivers are placed on the belt with arrows oriented towards the back and are shorter in length, making them convenient to store.

The bow quiver is essential for bowhunting, keeping arrows spaced apart to avoid friction noise and protect hunting points with a cover. Japanese quivers come in two types: open ("ebira") and closed ("utsubo"). The open quivers are older and were used by horsemen, while the closed quivers were used by infantrymen.

So, a quiver can be used to carry arrows, but it can also be a way to showcase an archer's awards, memberships, and talismans. With various types of quivers available, archers can choose one that suits their discipline and personal style while also having a space to display their achievements.

They are used to carry arrows and bolts

Quivers are an essential piece of equipment for archers, providing a place to store their arrows. They come in various forms, including hip, back, side, field, bow, and Japanese quivers, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Hip quivers are popular among target shooters as they provide easy access to arrows and allow for checking fletchings while on the line. They are also more practical when moving through the bush, as arrows are less likely to get caught on branches. Additionally, hip quivers often feature pockets for storing archery gear, such as gloves, tabs, pliers, and extra string. However, they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other options.

Back quivers, reminiscent of Robin Hood, are favoured by traditional and field/3D shooters. They offer a natural hand movement for releasing, reaching, and picking arrows, providing a fluid shooting experience. Back quivers also allow for more space to move without the quiver rattling or bouncing. They are often considered more attractive and are adaptable to the archer's laterality. However, they may be less convenient for competitions, as it is harder to see which arrows are needed and can be awkward when retrieving arrows.

Side quivers are commonly used by modern competitive archers and are often designed with colourful appearances, allowing archers to showcase their individual style through "quiver candy," such as lucky charms, badges, and flags.

Field quivers are a hybrid option, placed on the hip but with arrows oriented towards the back, offering a balance between accessibility and a sleek profile. They are shorter in size, making them convenient for storing and carrying, and they don't get in the way when the archer needs to kneel or move through tight spaces.

Bow quivers are designed for bowhunting, keeping arrows spaced apart to prevent friction noise and protecting hunting points with a cover. They can be quickly disassembled or attached to the bow, depending on whether they are one-piece or two-piece designs.

Japanese quivers come in two types: open ("ebira") and closed ("utsubo"). The open quivers are older and consist of a small chair with arrows attached to the back using silk threads, while the closed quivers are tubular with an opening cavity presenting the arrow nib.

Ultimately, the choice of quiver depends on the archer's discipline, personal preference, and specific needs.

They are also used to carry accessories like gloves, tabs, and binoculars

Quivers are used to carry arrows or bolts, but they can also be used to carry archery accessories. They can be made of leather, wood, fur, metal or plastic, and can be worn on the belt, back, or hung on the bow or the ground.

Archers may also use their quivers to carry gloves, tabs, and binoculars. Quivers can have one or more pockets to store small equipment. For example, some archers carry extra nocks, crimping on nocking points, nocking pliers, dental floss for fixing strings, allen wrench sets, and even Advil.

Some archers prefer to keep their binoculars in their case, as they may be tempted to use them while shooting. However, others find binoculars essential for glassing every arrow shot on a field range, adding only a few seconds to their shot process. Ultimately, the decision to carry binoculars in the quiver depends on personal preference and the type of shooting.

Frequently asked questions