Whenever you think of an archer, there is a very good chance that you imagine someone with a bow and quiver that is full of arrows. More often than not, this quiver full of arrows will be on the archer's back. However, this style of quiver is not going to be the only option that archers have anymore. In fact, many people who do archery will tell you that the best hip quivers are much more practical than any type of back quiver.
Now you may be wondering what the big deal about quivers really is. The fact of the matter is quivers are the safest and most accessible way that you can carry your arrows with you when you are doing practice or out on a hunt. This makes them an essential piece of equipment whenever you are out shooting your bow.
Here is everything that you need to know about finding the best one and how it has the potential to make your shooting better.
What Are Hip Quivers?
Amongst the archer community, a hip or side quiver has very quickly become one of the most popular types of quivers. Depending upon the style of the quiver, it is either going to be clipped onto the waistline of your pants or the inside of one of the pockets on your pants. Alternatively, it can be worn just like a belt. This means that your quiver will be right there on your hip. This is exactly how they were designed and originally got their name.
These are mainly used to carry your arrows while you are hunting but work equally as well for target practice. What makes them so much better than the more traditional style of quiver is that they allow you to have easier access to your arrows while keeping them out of your way.
The Different Types of Hip Quivers
When it comes to these, there are a couple of different styles for you to choose from. It all simply depends upon the type of shooting that you are planning on doing. For example, if you are shooting at targets, you will not want to use one that is similar to when you are hunting out in the field. Knowing that, here are the different types available to you and what they are best used for.
Target Quiver
As the name implies, this is used for archers who are shooting at targets. They are popular for shooting, as they hold the arrows with their fletching pointed forwards and their points facing down. This is important as it allows you to see all of your arrows and sort through them much quicker. What this means is that if you are planning on shooting several different types of arrows, this quiver will be your ideal one.
Field Quiver
If you are a fan of 3D ranges or field courses that take you through the woods, you may want to seriously consider using a ‘field quiver’ type. This will typically hold your arrows so that the fletching is backward and the tips of your arrows are pointed downwards. This means that you won’t have to worry about your arrows catching on branches or bushes as often.
Advantages and Disadvantages
When it comes to the hip quiver, there are many advantages that they can provide you with that other types are unable to. At the very same time, there are also a few disadvantages as well. Here are all of the pros and cons that you can expect.
Advantages of Hip Quivers
- For starters, they make your arrows very easily accessible. This is going to be a very important factor if you are looking for the best one for hunting or even for shooting practice. On top of that, most of these are very easy to put on and take off. Simply clip it onto your pocket or through your belt and you are ready to go. Just remember that if you are wondering how to use one, you should always wear it on the same side of the hand that you shoot with (if you shoot with your left, you will wear your hip quiver on the left. If you shoot with your right hand, you will wear it on your right hip).
- They keep your arrows out of your way so that you can shoot unobstructed. But again, they make sure that your arrows are very easily accessible at the very same time.
- Most come with extra storage pockets that you can put accessories in. This is extremely convenient when you are out shooting. On top of that, most will typically have tubes or dividers that help keep the different types of arrows you use sorted to your personal preference. Essentially, you can keep all the different types of arrows that you use organized and more readily accessible.
- Finally, they are considerably more comfortable than any other type. This means that you will be more relaxed while you are shooting, essentially allowing you to focus on your target better.
Disadvantages
- The only real downside is that you are not able to carry as many arrows with you when compared to the more traditional style of quivers. Some of these are able to hold upwards of 20 arrows at a time. Hip quivers, however, are not able to provide you with this kind of capacity.
- Another disadvantage is that the arrows have the potential to be caught on branches or bushes while you are out in the field. While this will depend on the type you are using, the potential is always going to be there.
Hip vs Back Quiver
This particular topic is actually a very big debate within the archery world.
Which type of is better, back quivers or hip quivers?
The answer to this question is actually much simpler than you would think. The answer is that the type that works best for you will depend upon your individual preferences and shooting style.
The more traditional back quivers are practical and have been around since the beginning of time. The newer hip versions though, can be more efficient and provide you with more features and benefits. It all simply depends upon your personal preferences and your style of shooting.
You have already heard all of the advantages that a hip style is able to provide you with, so if this is what you are looking for, you should definitely try using one. However, if these features are not what you are looking for while you are shooting your bow, a back version may be what you need. It all simply depends on what you feel most comfortable using.
How to Wear a Hip Quiver
When it comes to how to wear your quiver, that will depend upon the type you get and how you want it to be organized. This means that the type of quiver you are using will determine how it must be worn. For example, if you are using a quiver that you loop your belt through, you must loop your belt through it in order for it to be functional and effective. At the very same time, if you are using one that clips onto your pants pockets, that is going to dictate how you must wear that quiver.
With that being said, as was previously mentioned, you will want to get your holder (no matter what style of hip quiver you like) and put it on the side of your hip that shares your shooting hand. So, if you shoot with your left hand, you will want to wear your hip quiver on your left hip. If you shoot with your right and, you will want to wear it on your right hip.
How to Choose the Best Hip Quiver
Choosing the best hip quiver can get to be something else that is more subjective than not. How many arrows do you want to carry with you while you are out in the field or on the shooting range? What size quiver are you comfortable having hung of your hip while you are walking through the woods looking for prey to shoot? Are you planning on carrying a bunch of extra accessories that will need to be placed into the pockets of your quiver?
These are all going to be things to consider when you are shopping for one. Here are the best hip quivers available that will definitely be able to satisfy all of your archery needs. Now keep in mind that there are a ton of different quivers available that all claim to be the best. The ones listed below are actually able to back up all of the claims that they make.
The Top 5 Best Hip Quivers
Finding the best quiver can very easily be a simple task however it can quickly turn into an overwhelming task for you. With so many different options all claiming to be the best, it gets confusing very easily. It is almost like you are searching for a needle in a haystack.
The 5 quivers mentioned below will not only provide you with the options you are in search of, but will also help make your time shooting as easy and enjoyable as possible. Just remember that the best hip quiver for you is dependent upon your individual needs, the ones listed below are at the very top of their class. So read on before you get your next hip quiver.
1. Flipside 3-Tube Hip Quiver by Easton
What makes the Easton Flipside 3-Tube Hip Quiver so great, is the fact that it can be used with both left and right-handed shooters. The unique 3-tube design helps you keep your arrows organized for quick access. Now partner that with the hard bottom to prevent any arrows from accidentally poking through and you have the perfect hip quiver for just about every shooting need you can imagine. Simply attach it to your belt loop and you are good to go.
As for attachments, the Easton Flipside has you covered. It comes with an included loop pocket and a reversible double hook for you to use. This means that you are essentially able to put this quiver anywhere around your midsection and still have easy access to all of your arrows. All features that you will like when it comes to getting ready to shoot.
2. Krayney 3-Tube Hip Quiver
With all of the different quivers available in archery, it can be very confusing to find one that checks all of the boxes that needs to be checked. The Krayney 3-Tube Hip Quiver, however, is the exact opposite of that. Allowing you to very easily organize all of your different arrows, you will like it even more as you are able to remove the organizing tubes if that is what you desire to do.
On top of that, there are many different pockets to carry all of the other accessories that you may need while you are out practicing your archery skills. The one thing that makes this quiver stand out above the rest and that most people like is that it comes with a removable and adjustable belt.
Overall, this is an extremely easy quiver to carry around that allows you to pack a number of different arrows while carrying all the ‘other stuff’ at the very same time. It is for this reason that you may like using it for hunting, as it is considered to be the best hip quiver for hunting.
3. KRATARC Archery Lightweight Hip Quiver
Backed with some very solid construction, this is one quiver that was built to last. Being spacious enough to hold all of your arrows snugly, you don’t have to worry about your arrows rattling or falling out whenever you bend over. On top of that, this quiver has been designed to not flop on your leg every time you take a step or try to run. Instead, when you do need to move, it will always stay firmly in place allowing you to get your next shot off. It does this by attaching to your belt loop for quick and easy access.
4. Archery Dual-Use Hip Quiver by KRATARC
The Archery Dual-Use Quiver by KRATARC has been designed to be stylish, but long-lasting at the very same time. What really makes this quiver stand out, however, is the leather exterior and interior that it is made with. This only means that you can expect the highest quality of quiver for the price.
But it doesn’t stop there. This quiver also comes with dividers allowing you to keep your different arrows organized and easily accessible. The padded bottom helps prevent any arrows from accidentally poking through and escaping without your knowledge. Overall, this is simply a high-quality, sturdy quiver.
5. Mossy Oak Sidekick Hip Quiver
Considered to be more of a ‘basic’ quiver to hold arrows, this is another hip quiver that connects to your hip and carries arrows for you. To use it, all you need to do is simply attach it to your belt loop. Once attached, you can expect to hold more arrows than many of the other quivers out there. Now factor in that it can be used for many different purposes other than archery and you have a quiver that is exactly what you are searching for.
The convenience and additional clips make this hip quiver attach to your pocket or belt with extreme ease, making this quiver the perfect fit for just about everyone. What this placement really means though, is that the Mossy Oak Sidekick Hip Quiver will enable you to access your arrows quicker than other versions of quivers. You will not have to worry about where your arrows are in your quiver and whether you are all out or not. Partner this with the extremely durable fabric and you have a hip quiver that will not only take any abuse you can dish out, but will look great while doing it.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best hip quiver, it is always going to depend upon your individual goals, the store you are shopping at, and what type of shooting you are planning on doing. No matter if you're searching online or in a store, a hip quiver allows you to have easy and quick access to your arrows at a very affordable price. When you combine this with the fact that most hip quivers provide you with a ton of extra storage space so that you can pack all of the extra accessories in your quiver without having to carry an extra bag, you have a very strong contestant for the best arrow quiver design that has ever been made.
Now keep in mind that the best hip quivers for you are going to depend upon your individual bow and arrow shooting needs. When you follow the tips and guidance that have been outlined above, you will have no problem finding one at the store that will be able to fulfill all of your bow and arrow shooting needs. And if you do come up with any questions about a particular quiver (or any bow and arrow product for that reason), be sure that you consult a professional before purchasing anything.