An arrow quiver is a container that holds arrows and bolts so they stay organized, protected, and within reach. It can mount to the bow, ride on your hip or back, or stand on the ground.
A bare shaft that falls out mid-stalk costs you the shot. Any quiver worth carrying solves that one problem first — it seats each arrow in its own gripper or slot so nothing slips free while you move, and it keeps the business end pointed somewhere harmless. The differences between quivers all come down to where you wear or mount them, and that choice decides how fast you can reach the next arrow.
Four designs cover nearly every archer. Each one trades speed, capacity, and comfort against the others, and the right pick depends on whether you’re stalking game, punching paper, or standing still on a 3D course.
What Are the Main Types of Arrow Quivers?
Bow-mounted, hip or side, back, and ground quivers are the four main types, and each suits a different kind of shooting. A bow quiver travels as one unit with your bow. A hip quiver hangs at your waist for quick access as you walk. A back quiver slings over your shoulder for traditional setups. A ground quiver stands beside you for stationary shooting.
The bow-mounted version attaches to the riser and carries your arrows right where the bow is. Hunting models usually include a hood that covers broadheads and grippers that hold each shaft, so nothing rattles loose during a slow stalk. Attachment happens at the bow’s quiver-mounting holes, the sight mount, or the riser with screws or bolts, and plenty of models clip on and off in a second so you can leave the quiver in the truck.
Hip and side quivers ride on a belt or sit at the waist. Target and 3D archers favor them because they put arrows within easy reach while you’re walking between stations, and they don’t touch the bow at all — which matters when bow balance is everything.
How Does an Arrow Quiver Actually Work?
Arrows seat into individual grippers or slots, and the hood covers broadheads on hunting setups. The body of the quiver or the shaft grips keep each arrow from falling out, while the hood does double duty: it shields a sharp edge and it keeps the arrow tips from catching on brush.
The grip tension is the part nobody thinks about until it fails. Too loose and arrows rattle or drop out mid-step; too tight and you’re wrestling one free when you need it fast. Cheap quivers skimp here. A good one holds a shaft firmly enough that you can turn the whole thing upside down, yet still pulls clean with two fingers.
Capacity varies by design. Retail and guide sources put bow quivers at roughly 3 to 7 arrows, hip quivers anywhere from 6 to 20-plus, back quivers at 12 to 24-plus, and ground quivers at 6 to 12.
| Quiver Type | Typical Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bow-mounted | 3–7 arrows | Hunting and stalking, arrows carried with the bow |
| Hip / side | 6–20+ arrows | Target and 3D archery, quick access while walking |
| Back | 12–24+ arrows | Traditional and recreational shooting |
| Ground / field | 6–12 arrows | Stationary shooting, arrows kept upright |
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start comparing, the tested arrow quiver picks for every style lay the options out side by side.
Which Quiver Type Fits Your Shooting?
Match the quiver to how you move, not to how it looks on the rack. A bow quiver changes your bow’s balance and needs compatible mounting points, so it isn’t universal. Hip and back quivers sidestep mounting entirely, but they change how you reach and draw — a back quiver asks you to reach behind your shoulder for every arrow.
That reach is where a lot of archers get burned. Pulling arrows from behind works fine at a relaxed pace, but it turns clumsy when you’re trying to shoot fast and repeatedly. Back quivers earn their keep for traditional and recreational shooting, not for speed drills. If you shoot a high volume of arrows at a range, a hip quiver puts them where your hand already goes.
Two mistakes wreck a setup. Overloading a bow quiver or poorly securing one throws off balance and stability, so keep the load within the arrow count your bow handles well. Using a back quiver for fast, repeated target shooting is the other one — the awkward draw costs you far more time than the extra capacity buys you.
Safety comes down to one rule: on hunting setups, broadheads belong under the quiver hood, and arrows stay secured so they don’t fall out while you walk or stalk.
FAQs
Can you carry a quiver on a bow without mounting holes?
Not with a standard screw-on model. Bow quivers need compatible mounting points on the riser, sight mount, or quiver-mounting holes. If your bow has none, a hip, side, or back quiver sidesteps the problem entirely — those attach to your body and leave the bow untouched.
Is a back quiver good for target archery?
It’s workable but rarely the best choice. Drawing arrows from behind your shoulder slows every shot, which becomes frustrating during fast, repeated target sessions. Most target and 3D archers prefer a hip or side quiver because arrows sit within easy reach while walking.
How many arrows should a hunting quiver hold?
Most bow-mounted hunting quivers carry three to seven arrows, and that’s usually plenty. Carrying more can throw off bow balance and stability, so it’s smarter to match capacity to your bow than to cram in every arrow you own.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia. “Quiver” Supports the core definition, placements, and main quiver types.
- 3Rivers Archery. “How to Choose the Best Arrow Quiver” Supports bow-mounted mounting points, hood and gripper function, and capacity ranges.
- Hattila. “Everything You Need to Know About Quivers” Supports hip, back, and ground quiver use cases and capacity figures.