Field Quivers
Field quivers are more popular than ever. Andrew Smith takes a look.
Andrew Smith shows us what is on offer around the back
The most popular quivers for target archery are forward facing, but at major international shoots we have noticed a distinct new trend, a rise in the use of field quivers. At least a third of the archers were sporting them at the World Cup Finals in Samsun and looking along the lines of local shoots they are clearly gaining popularity. Maybe I can claim to be a trend setter, as I have been using one for years!
A field quiver can be loosely defined as a short quiver that attaches round your waist, but the arrows face backwards. It usually means you are reaching for arrows 'blind', in that you can't see which arrow you are selecting (not much fun if you are looking for the bareshaft). The main advantage is keeping the quiver and arrows completely out of the way, along with less bulk – but at the expense of not being able to store quite so many accessories, although all the essentials will fit. Finally, they do reduce the rattling of arrows when walking back and forth to the target.
As the name implies, they were originally designed for field archery, having the arrows facing backwards meaning less chance of them snagging on trees and bushes. Some have eve suggested that the change was prompted by budget airlines' recent policies on luggage, as they are smaller and easier to pack.
We caught up with some of the elite archers at the Samsun World Cup final to hear their thoughts. Sjef van den Berg said: "I prefer it because it’s not banging around against your leg every time you walk back and forth to the target - and I do a lot of walking. It just sits against you better."
Fashions occasionally change in the world of archery gear. Denmark’s Stephan Hansen said: "I don’t know, I think it’s like clothes. Some fashionable people start wearing some clothes and then it gets popular and everybody does it. Here it is the same, some top archers start doing it and then everybody does it." Some point to Brady Ellison, perhaps the highest profile recurve archer of all and a long-time field quiver user, as an influence on the line.
"For me is just convenient, it feels easier, it’s a smaller quiver, it’s lighter." said Hansen. "You can have more stuff when you have a big one and you want to have more stuff. When you don’t have much space, you won’t have much stuff of course. But it’s convenient for me." Many archers combine a rear field quiver with a front pouch for their tab or release aid.
Field quivers are not universally popular though – the most common complaint is usually about using them in tight tournament lines (especially shooting indoors) when it is very easy to pull out an arrow and jab the person behind you – so a more little attention to your shot cycle may be in order.
Around this time of year, manufacturers launch their new quiver designs, although because of the nature of a quiver there is little scope to radically change the intrinsic design. Changes are mainly cosmetic and limited to the materials used, shape of the pockets, rings to hang things off - and the all important colour.
Here are some of the best field quivers available in the UK today, including a couple of custom-made leather beauties which are a serious long-term investment. (Easton have a further model, the Deluxe, coming out in 2019). Who knows – perhaps someone very close to you deserves an extra Christmas present?