Woods Monkey BLOG
What Type of Quiver to Choose
By George Nikolakopoulos
Author’s personal quivers
After purchasing a bow, there are several essential pieces of gear an archer should consider: a shooting glove or tab to protect the fingers, an arm brace to prevent string slap injuries, and a quiver. A quiver is a container designed to hold arrows. Traditionally, quivers were made of leather, fur, wood, or materials such as linen cloth. Today, they are often made from modern materials like plastic or polyester.
There are different ways to carry a quiver. Medieval longbowmen carried their arrows in linen cloth bags strapped to their waists on the back side. Back quivers have been used for centuries. Ötzi the Iceman, discovered in the Alps in 1991, carried a back quiver for his arrows.
Back quivers offer several advantages. They can carry a large number of arrows, including different types at the same time. For example, you can mix broadheads with blunt tips for small game hunting without changing quivers. A back quiver also does not add weight to the bow, and many archers appreciate its classic appearance.
However, there are some drawbacks, especially for hunting. Using a back quiver in the field requires practice. You must learn how to move carefully to avoid low branches and unnecessary noise. Some quivers include fur around the top to reduce arrow rattling. Leather quivers often require a break-in period before they become comfortable and quiet. Howard Hill, one of the greatest traditional bowhunters, developed an excellent style for using a back quiver. An article in the March 2023 issue of Traditional Bowhunter Magazine explains his technique in detail.
Another type is the hip quiver, historically used by horse archers. Today, hip quivers are mostly used by target archers in tournaments. Although they can hold a good number of arrows, they may restrict movement because they hang low on the body. They perform well on the range but are less practical in hunting situations.
A more modern option is the bow quiver. This type attaches directly to the bow limbs using straps or mounting systems and typically holds between two and six arrows. Bow quivers are preferred by many modern bowhunters. They are made from advanced materials, sometimes combined with traditional elements like leather. They provide quick access to arrows and allow for faster follow-up shots. Many models are easy to install or remove.
One disadvantage of a bow quiver is that it adds weight to the bow, which can affect balance. For some archers, this imbalance may influence accuracy. Additionally, bow quivers have limited capacity and usually cannot carry a wide mix of arrow types.
Ultimately, choosing a quiver is a matter of personal preference. There is no single “right” choice. Try different styles and select the one that suits you best. Study historical examples and experienced bowhunters like Howard Hill to form your own informed opinion. Most importantly, get outside, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to lose a few arrows along the way.
George Spent nine years in the Greek Army Raiders where he learned survival skills. Since being honorably discharged, he has been working in the tourism industry. After every season ends, you will find him at his olive field harvesting olives to make oil. In his free time, George loves spending time outdoors hunting, camping, and practicing traditional archery. He enjoys writing articles, sharing his experiences of his trips to the woods, gear reviews, recipes and survival tips. George was a a contributing writer to Self-Reliance Illustrated magazine and has a YouTube and Blog under the name Mountain Raider.