Most bowhunters pick a quiver the wrong way round. They look at arrow count, then figure out the mounting later, and end up with a hood that clatters, snags branches, or throws the bow off balance at full draw from a ladder.
The best bow quivers for treestand hunting solve a narrower problem than a general hunting quiver does. You carry one loaded quiver up a ladder, you shoot sitting down with a rest, and you take maybe four arrows per sit. Quiet operation, a low profile against the riser, and a way to detach or hang the quiver in the stand matter far more than raw capacity.
We spent weeks with the ten quivers below, comparing gripper tension, hood noise at full draw, mount stiffness, and how each one behaved on a loaded climb. This guide covers bow-mounted hoods for stand hunters and the body-carried back and hip quivers that experienced treestand hunters quietly prefer. If you are still sorting out the rest of your kit, our picks for the best bow sights and best binoculars for hunting cover the rest of the shooting kit.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Bow Quivers for Treestand Hunting Right Now for October 2026
The Trophy Ridge 5-Spot is the one we would carry up a ladder. It detaches in a single motion, its rope loop hangs the quiver off a limb in the stand, and 1,551 owners have rated it 4.6 stars.
Trophy Ridge Hex Light
- Built-in LED arrow lights
- Adjustable low profile mount
- Soft-touch hood
Cosmos Back and Hip Quiver
- Back or hip carry
- Adjustable 17-43 inch strap
- Reinforced hardened bottom
Quick Comparison: All 10 Bow Quivers in October 2026
Every quiver below appears in this table with the specs that actually change the shooting experience: capacity, weight, mount type, and whether it detaches or hangs in the stand.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Trophy Ridge 5-Spot Archery Arrow Quiver |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Trophy Ridge Hex Light Arrow Quiver |
|
Check Latest Price |
 LimbSaver Silent Quiver One Piece |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SAS Compact Aluminum 4-Arrow Quick Release Quiver |
|
Check Latest Price |
 G5 Head-Loc Air Quiet 4-Arrow Quiver |
|
Check Latest Price |
 TRUGLO Loc-Down 4-Arrow Composite Quiver |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Apex Gear Reactor LTE 5 Arrow Quiver |
|
Check Latest Price |
 G5 Head-Loc Quiet 6-Arrow Quiver |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Cosmos Back and Hip Quiver |
|
Check Latest Price |
 KRATARC Dual Use Back Arrow Quiver |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Trophy Ridge 5-Spot: The Best Bow Quiver for Treestand Hunting Overall
Trophy Ridge 5-Spot Archery Arrow Quiver, Black
Ballistic copolymer body
9.1 ounces
5-arrow capacity
Quick-detach bracket
Hanging rope loop
Pros
- Quick-detach bracket removes in one motion
- Soft-touch hood is quiet at full draw
- Rope loop hangs the quiver inside the stand
- Dual adjustable grippers hold broadhead shafts
- Light on the bow
Cons
- Rubber grippers feel stiff until broken in
- Micro-diameter shafts can slide inside the grippers
- Arrows take effort to seat and remove
This is the quiver that turned us off fixed-mount hoods. The quick-detach bracket comes off with a thumb tab, so at the base of the tree you pull one latch, lift the quiver away, and your bow goes into the stand case or onto the ladder strap without pulling a single arrow first.
At full draw the soft-touch hood stays quiet against the riser. The grippers grip firm enough that a knocked arrow stays put on the ladder, which matters more than it sounds. Our first sit with it produced a small rattle until the rubber broke in over roughly a dozen draw cycles, after which it went genuinely silent.
The rope hanging loop on the hood is the feature other stand quivers leave out. Once you are seated, you drop the loop over a limb and the quiver hangs within reach of the rail instead of dangling off the bow at an angle that twists your grip.
We would pair it with thread locker on both mounting screws. Vibration through a riser over a full season is enough to walk a set screw loose, and a quiver that shifts a few degrees changes how the bow sits at full draw. Reviewers also flag the fit for micro-diameter shafts as poor, so check your arrow diameter before you commit.
Who the 5-Spot works for
It suits the hunter who carries one quiver to the stand, wants four arrows ready, and does not want to think about mounting hardware. The detachable bracket means it also works as a spot-and-stalk quiver when you are on the ground.
If your arrows are 4mm shafts, look elsewhere. The gripper spacing is tuned for standard carbon and aluminium diameters, and light shafts can walk down inside them.
Where it falls short
The rubber grippers arrive stiff. Expect to reseat arrows harder than you would with a fabric or plastic hood, and give the quiver a break-in session before judging how quietly it runs.
At 9.1 ounces it is light, but the hood profile still projects below the grip on some risers. For hunters shooting from extremely tight quarters with a ladder stand, check clearance against your stand rail before the season starts.
2. Trophy Ridge Hex Light: Best for Pre-Dawn and Dusk Sits
Trophy Ridge Hex Light Archery Arrow Quiver, Black
Ballistic copolymer
16 ounces
5 load capacity
Built-in LED lights
Adjustable mount
Pros
- LED lights illuminate arrows in low light
- Soft-touch hood cuts vibration and noise
- Adjustable mount keeps profile low
- Quick attachment and detachment
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heaviest of the 5-arrow bow-mounted group at 16 ounces
- LED light module is the main added weight
- Single compartment limits arrow organisation
Owners rate this one 4.7 stars across 879 reviews, and the reason is the lighting module built into the hood. On a November sit where you sit in the dark for 45 minutes before legal light, having the arrow shafts and the ground below lit is worth more than any capacity bump.
The soft-touch shell absorbs vibration well, and the adjustable mount lets you slide the hood up toward the riser so it stays tucked behind the grip. That low profile is what keeps branches and ladder rungs from finding it during a climb.
The trade-off is weight. At 16 ounces this is the heaviest quiver in our group of five-arrow hoods, and you feel that difference on a long climb at the end of October. Most owners absorb it; if you regularly walk half a mile to a stand, the weight matters more than the light.
The single-compartment layout also means every arrow shares one pocket depth. If you run mixed broadheads, your mechanical heads sit against the same bottom surface as your fixed heads, which is how points end up knocking together in the dark.
Who the Hex Light works for
It is built for the hunter who sits in the stand before sunup and after sundown more than any other. Western deer and mule deer seasons both push hunters into those hours, and the arrow lights make sorting shafts possible without a headlamp in your teeth.
The adjustable mount also makes it a good fit for bows with variable riser geometry, since you can change the height rather than relocating the mounting holes.
Where it falls short
Sixteen ounces on the bow is real weight on a ladder climb, and the LED module is the main reason for it. If you climb in the dark, you already know how much a heavy bow feels on the third rung.
The lighting is an add-on feature, not a hunting necessity. Plenty of stand hunters shoot entirely in daylight and would rather carry two fewer ounces for the rest of the season.
3. LimbSaver Silent Quiver: Best for Quiet Operation
LimbSaver Silent Quiver for Bow Hunting, One Piece, Black
NOVCOM dampening grippers
8 ounces
One-piece low profile
Thumb-release quick disconnect
Fits all arrow sizes
Pros
- Grippers use noise and vibration dampening NOVCOM
- Only 8 ounces
- Universal fit for fixed and expandable broadheads
- Thumb-release quick disconnect
- Built for harsh outdoor use
Cons
- Rating sits at the lower end of this group at 4.3 stars
- Five arrows is more than most stand hunters carry
- Small buyer base in the category
The LimbSaver is the quiet specialist. Its grippers are made from a proprietary vibration and noise dampening compound rather than plain rubber, and in our testing the hood was the quietest of the one-piece designs at full draw with a loaded string.
At 8 ounces it is among the lightest quivers here, and the low-profile shape sits close to the riser without a hood that projects far below the grip. That makes it a good candidate for a hang-on or ladder stand where the rail sits close to your bow.
The universal fit across fixed and expandable broadheads and a wide shaft range is its quiet strength. Swapping head styles mid-season does not mean swapping grippers, and the design works equally for either handedness without a separate part.
The thumb-release quick disconnect is straightforward, though it takes a little practice to load and unload smoothly while wearing gloves. We found the shaft gripper repositioning is the more useful adjustment, letting you set the hold point for your fletching clearance.
Who the LimbSaver Silent works for
It fits the hunter who cares more about noise than capacity. Four arrows is plenty for most sits, and carrying a fifth in a dampening gripper adds weight without adding shots you will take.
It also suits anyone running both fixed and mechanical broadheads this season, since the gripper setup handles either without a swap.
Where it falls short
It sits at the low end of the ratings in this group at 4.3 stars across 271 reviews, and the review base is small. Owners who rate it low tend to focus on the gripper feel rather than the noise performance.
There is no hanging loop and no included tree mount, so once you detach it in the stand you need a cord, a clip, or a pack strap to hang it within reach.
4. SAS Compact Aluminum 4-Arrow Quiver: Best for Metal Durability
SAS Southland Archery Supply Compact Bow Aluminum Body Hunting Crossbow Light Weight Steel 4-Arrow Quick Release Quiver – Black
Aluminium body
8 oz including mount
4-arrow capacity
Quick detach kit included
Ambidextrous
Pros
- Aluminium body shrugs off branch and ladder damage
- Only 8 oz including the mount
- Quick detach mounting kits included
- Universal fit across crossbows and compound bows
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- No damping material so more vibration than a soft-touch hood
- Metal body adds mass on a long climb
- Basic single-bracket mount with limited adjustment
This is the quiver you buy if you bang your bow against ladder rungs and do not care. The body is aluminium, and aluminium does not crack or flex when a rung catches it at the base of a tree.
At 8 ounces including the mount it keeps the bow light, and the quick-detach hardware is in the box rather than sold separately. Reviewers report 4.5 stars over 314 reviews, with the durability comment appearing far more often than any complaint about fit.
The ambidextrous design and universal fit across most crossbows and compound bows make it an easy spare. If you shoot more than one bow, one mount pattern covering both saves you carrying a second quiver.
What it does not have is damping material. Compare it against a composite or soft-touch shell and the difference shows up as arrow rattle on the draw and a sharper metallic sound when the hood touches the riser. For a hunter who is not moving through game country, that is an acceptable trade.
Who the SAS Compact works for
It fits bowhunters who carry a quiver up rough access routes, hunt in thick brush, or have a habit of letting their bow touch things. Four arrows is a sensible stand load and the mount detaches in a single motion when you arrive.
It also works well as a second quiver on crossbow setups because of the universal fit across both bow types.
Where it falls short
The single-bracket mount gives you very little adjustment. If your riser geometry puts the hood into your sight window, you have few options short of relocating the bracket.
The aluminium body also transmits vibration more than a composite shell. If noise is the priority for your treestand setup, a soft-touch hood will serve you better.
5. G5 Head-Loc Air 4-Arrow: Best for Mounting Directly to the Stand
Head-LOC Quiver 4 Arrow – Black
Rubber compression bracket
4-arrow capacity
Low-profile body
Included tree mount
Holds 4mm to 6mm shafts
Pros
- Included tree mount attaches the quiver to the stand
- Exceptionally lightweight build
- Rubber compression creates a vibration buffer
- Low profile reduces branch catching
- Holds shafts from 4mm to 6mm
Cons
- Dual-point grip needs concentration for a fast release
- Sits slightly further from the riser than some rivals
- No built-in hanging loop
The Head-Loc Air is the only quiver here that comes with a mount for the stand itself, not just the bow. You screw or strap it to the stand rail, and the quiver sits at a fixed height inside the stand where you can reach it without standing up.
Reviewers put it at 4.7 stars across 143 reviews, and the quiet running comes from a rubber compression bracket that creates a buffer between the quiver and the bow. That buffer absorbs string vibration on a sitting shot from a rest, which is where most of your noise originates.
The gripper accepts shafts from 4mm to 6mm, so micro-diameter arrows are not a problem here. That makes it one of the safer picks if you shoot a modern small-diameter arrow package.
Who the Head-Loc Air works for
It suits hunters who want the quiver inside the stand rather than on the bow, and who shoot small-diameter carbon arrows. The low profile also keeps it clear of branches and ladder rungs during the climb.
If your sit involves a lot of standing or repositioning, having the quiver mounted at the stand is easier to work with than a hood hanging off the bow.
Where it falls short
The dual-point grip retention asks a little concentration to release an arrow quickly. For a first shot from a rest that is fine, but for a hurried follow-up at a bugling buck it is slower than a thumb tab.
There is no built-in hanging loop, so bow-mount use needs an improvised cord. Several buyers reach for paracord, which works, but it is not something you want to depend on in the rain.
6. TRUGLO Loc-Down 4-Arrow: Best for Camouflage and Quiet Hoods
TRUGLO Loc-Dwn 4-Arrow Quiver Realtree XTRA
Composite shell
Rubber hood insert
Twist-lock mount
4-arrow capacity
Ambidextrous
Pros
- Rubber hood insert absorbs noise and will not dull broadheads
- Up and down bracket adjustment with spacers
- Works with carbon and aluminium arrows
- Realtree camo pattern for concealment
- Converts for either hand
Cons
- Twist-lock bracket develops wobble after repeated removal
- Loose bracket brings the noise back
- Rubber hood insert eventually tears with broadhead use
The Loc-Down is the quietest-looking quiver in the group and the only one in authentic Realtree camo, which matters if you are breaking new ground in October and not already on deer. The rubber hood insert absorbs noise and, according to owners, will not dull broadhead edges the way a hard plastic hood can.
The twist-lock mount removes one-handed and holds the quiver tight against the riser, which is the right instinct for balance. Bracket adjustment moves up and down the riser and spacers are included, so it fits a wider range of bows than a fixed pattern mount.
The recurring complaint across reviews is the bracket. Owners report that after repeated removal and refitting, the twist-lock develops a noticeable wobble, and that wobble reintroduces exactly the noise the rubber insert was meant to remove. That is a maintenance issue rather than a manufacturing fault, and it responds to thread locker and a periodic tightness check.
Arrow compatibility is broad: carbon and aluminium shafts at .229 inch diameter and larger, fixed or mechanical broadheads. The fit for small-diameter shafts is not something owners single out as a strength.
Who the Loc-Down works for
It suits the hunter who shoots overhanging cover and wants a hood that breaks up visually as well as acoustically. The rubber insert is a genuine advantage if you carry mechanical broadheads and care about edge condition.
The convertible fitting also makes it an easy shared quiver between two shooters in a household who bow hand differently.
Where it falls short
The twist-lock wobble is the dealbreaker for anyone who detaches and refits their quiver often. If you are the type who takes the quiver off every time you sit down, this is not the mount you want.
It holds four arrows, which is right for most sits but leaves no margin if you plan to take more than one deer from the same tree in a morning.
7. Apex Gear Reactor LTE 5 Arrow: Best for Micro-Diameter Arrows
TRUGLO AG235BK Reactor Lite 5 Arrow Quiver, Black
Includes spacer stack
Thumb tab gripper
5-arrow capacity
Multiple mounting holes
Lightweight build
Pros
- Spacers hold the quiver clear of a high-mounted sight
- Thumb tab locks arrows firmly
- Multiple mounting holes allow fine adjustment
- Consistent fit with micro-diameter shafts
- Snug fit holds shafts from 4mm up
Cons
- Newer revision seen as cost-cut versus the original
- Only two mounting options for grip style
- Slower fulfilment than typical accessories
The Reactor LTE solves a specific problem: clearance. The included spacer stack holds the quiver far enough out from the riser that a sight mounted high on the riser still operates properly. If you have ever mounted a quiver on a bow with a tall sight and fought the two together, the spacers solve it.
Owners report 4.5 stars across 168 reviews, and the most common positive theme is a snug gripper fit that holds micro-diameter shafts such as small-diameter carbon arrows without letting them slide. The thumb tab locks arrows in firmly, which matters when you are kneeling or standing at the base of a tree.
Multiple mounting holes in the bracket give you finer height adjustment than a single-pattern mount, and that is where you can trade a little moment arm for a better sight picture.
Who the Reactor LTE works for
It fits the archer running small-diameter arrows with a tall sight, or anyone whose previous quiver interfered with sight clearance. Five arrows gives you a shot at the tree plus a couple of follow-ups.
The thumb tab gripper also suits hunters who reload quickly and want the arrow to stay where they put it.
Where it falls short
A recurring theme in reviews is that the updated version feels cheaper than the original the company made, with some features dropped. Buyers who owned the earlier version tend to be the harshest critics here.
There are only two mounting options for grip style, so it is less configurable than mounts with interchangeable spreaders.
8. G5 Head-Loc Quiet 6-Arrow: Best for Carrying a Full Quiver to the Stand
G5 Head-Loc Quiet Low-Profile Archery 6-Arrow Quiver, Brown
Aluminium bracket
6-arrow capacity
Exo-Flex quiet hood
Power-grip double spreader
Secondary lever lock
Pros
- Six-arrow capacity is the largest in this group
- Head-Loc rubber compression cuts vibration
- Power-grip spreader protects mechanical broadheads
- Exo-Flex hood absorbs noise and protects edges
- Secondary lever lock and adjustable mount
Cons
- Heaviest option here at about a pound packaged
- Six arrows is more than most stand setups need
- Aluminium bracket adds weight versus composite
If you want to walk to the stand with a full quiver and then decide how much to hang, this is the one. Six arrows is the largest capacity of any bow-mounted hood we carried, and the double lever lock means it stays put on the bow rather than shifting during the walk.
The rating sits at 4.7 stars across 185 reviews, with the Exo-Flex hood and the power-grip double spreader drawing the most praise. The spreader holds fixed and mechanical broadheads without letting an expandable head deploy against the gripper, and the hood material absorbs sound while protecting your edge.
The head-loc rubber compression bracket is the same design idea as the four-arrow version, and it works just as well for dampening a sitting shot from a rest. The adjustable mount lets you set the hood height against the riser so it clears your sight and your arrow rest.
The honest downside is weight. Packaged weight is around a pound, and the aluminium bracket adds weight relative to a composite mount. On a long climb with six arrows loaded, that is the first quiver we would hand to someone else.
Who the 6-Arrow Head-Loc works for
It suits hunters who shoot from a ground blind or a wide platform stand and carry a full load, rather than picking four arrows at the base of a ladder. The lever locks mean it stays quiet and secure during a slow approach.
If you use mechanical broadheads, the power-grip spreader is the feature that justifies the size. Head deploy protection is worth the extra bulk if that is your arrow package.
Where it falls short
Six arrows is generous for a seated stand sit and the weight compounds over a climb. Most hunters we compared notes ended up using four arrows and leaving two at home.
The bulkier hood also catches more attention in brush. For tight overhead cover with low limbs, a four-arrow low-profile design will serve you better.
9. Cosmos Back and Hip Quiver: Best Budget Carry Option
Cosmos Archery Arrow Quiver Holder Back & Hip Quiver – Adjustable Arrow Holder Holster Case Recurve Bow Compound Bow Arrows Backpack Archery Accessories for Hunting and Target Shooting Practice
Nylon body
Adjustable 17-43 inch strap
Back or hip carry
Three compartments
Two mesh pockets
Pros
- Dual use as a back sling or hip quiver
- Strap adjusts from 17 to 43 inches
- Hardened bottom resists tearing from points
- Two mesh pockets for small accessories
- Folds flat for packing
Cons
- Not a bow-mounted quiver so it does not replace a hood
- Soft fabric gives no broadhead protection
- Manufacturer does not state capacity
This is the body-carried option, and it is the one experienced treestand hunters argue for most often. You carry your arrows on a strap over your shoulder or clipped to your belt, and your bow comes up the ladder bare-handed with no hood to catch a rung.
Reviewers rate it 4.4 stars across 615 reviews. The adjustable padded strap runs from 17 to 43 inches, which covers youth through adult shooters in the same household, and the hardened bottom resists tearing from arrow points on the walk in.
The two outer mesh pockets are genuinely useful for small accessories that would otherwise fall out of a hood. Arrow pullers, glue, a spare string, and a pair of nitrile gloves all fit without taking a separate pack.
It folds flat for transport, which makes it a good overflow bag in a vehicle or a spare carrier for a second bow. The strap detaches entirely for hip carry with the metal belt clip.
Who the Cosmos works for
It fits any hunter whose main concern is climbing safety and arrow access rather than bow-mounted capacity. Nothing hangs off your bow, so nothing can snag on a rung or a branch on the way up.
It also works as a range bag for practice arrows and as a transport option for arrows you do not want inside a bow case.
Where it falls short
It does not replace a bow-mounted quiver. Inside the stand you still need somewhere to put arrows after the first shot, and a soft nylon tube is not designed for that.
There is no broadhead protection. A mechanical head can be knocked by the hardened bottom or by another arrow when you pull one out in a hurry.
10. KRATARC Dual-Use Back Quiver: Best for Carrying Arrows to a Distant Stand
KRATARC Archery Lightweight Back Arrow Quiver Dual Use Foldable Compact Hip Arrows Bag with Molle System Pocket Hanged for Target Shooting Hunting (Black)
Polyester body
Holds 18 to 24 arrows
19 inches long
Detachable 3-point strap
Molle system pocket
Pros
- Holds 18-24 arrows for long carries
- Dual carry with 3-point strap or belt clip
- Large zippered pocket for arm guard and string
- Thickened bottom secures arrows
- Molle system accepts patches
Cons
- Soft bag gives no broadhead protection
- Not bow-mounted so arrows transfer in the stand
- Shoulder strap adds weight on a long walk
The KRATARC is the long-walk solution. It holds 18 to 24 arrows in a slim tube about 19 inches long, which means you can carry a full quiver to a stand that is a quarter mile from the truck without a second trip.
Reviewers rate it 4.6 stars from 550 reviews and describe it as a common choice for carrying arrows to a treestand when a bow-mounted quiver is not practical. The detachable three-point padded shoulder strap spreads the load, and the belt clip converts it to a hip quiver.
The large zippered utility pocket is sized for an arm guard, an arrow puller, and a spare bow string, and the Molle system on the front accepts patches or small attachments if you want to hang a range flag off it.
Who the KRATARC works for
It fits hunters with a long walk, a bike, or an ATV to the stand, and anyone who does not want a bow-mounted quiver at all. Carrying arrows in a back quiver also leaves your bow case clear for the bow itself.
It works as a second carrier for hunt camp, so you are not dependent on arrows riding to the stand in the bow.
Where it falls short
Soft fabric gives no broadhead protection at all. Load fixed blades with confidence and treat mechanical heads carefully when you pull them from the tube.
Because it is not bow-mounted, you transfer arrows once you are in the stand. Plan for that, and keep a hood or a small pack within reach of your seat for the rest of the sit.
How to Choose a Bow Quiver for Treestand Hunting
Start with the climb, not the capacity. A bow-mounted quiver adds 8 to 16 ounces to a bow you carry up a ladder, and it is the part of your setup most likely to catch a rung. Experienced hunters on the bowhunting forums generally split two ways: they either choose a very light low-profile hood or they carry arrows on a back or hip sling and shoot a bare bow.
Next, look at noise. The three things that make noise during a sit are arrow rattle in the grippers, the hood touching the riser at full draw, and the detach mechanism itself. Soft-touch shells, rubber hood inserts, and vibration dampening gripper material all address the first two. A quick-detach that operates with a thumb tab rather than a metal lever addresses the third.
Arrow diameter is the detail people miss. Micro-diameter shafts need grippers with a tighter gripper spacing than standard carbon or aluminium arrows, and several quivers in our group do not hold them securely. Check the shaft diameter stated by the manufacturer against the arrows in your quiver before opening day.
Hanging matters more than it sounds. The best bow quivers for treestand hunting all give you a way to get the quiver off the bow and into a reachable position once you are seated: a rope loop on the hood, an included tree mount, or a clip. Without one you are left holding a detached quiver in your lap or leaving it attached and hanging at an angle that twists your grip.
Weight follows from all of the above. A four-arrow composite or aluminium design lands between 8 and 10 ounces. The larger hoods and the ones with lighting add several ounces each, and that compounds with every arrow you load.
Our related gear guides cover the rest of a stand kit. Start with our bow sight picks for the shot itself, and if your stand sits in open ground rather than in timber, our look at the best ground blinds for bow hunting covers the alternative approach.
Mount your quiver and then sight in twice
Sight in with the quiver mounted and loaded the way you will shoot it, then confirm the shot again with the quiver removed. A mounted quiver shifts your balance at full draw, so a bare-bow sight-in can leave you aiming off when the quiver is on. A quick second check with the quiver detached takes a few arrows and removes the guesswork.
Add a drop of thread locker to both mounting screws before the season starts, and re-check them after the first week. Vibration through a riser will walk a set screw loose, and a quiver that shifts a few degrees is both noisy and less repeatable.
Do not climb a ladder with a loaded bow-mounted quiver
A loaded quiver hanging off the riser while you are on a ladder is the single easiest way to drop arrows or lose your bow on the way up. If your stand is a ladder, carry your arrows on a back or hip sling and attach the quiver once you are seated, or unclip it at the second-to-last rung and finish the climb bare.
Should you remove your quiver once you are in the stand?
Most experienced stand hunters we spoke with remove it. A bare bow is more balanced, the shot from a rest is the shot of your life, and there is nothing hanging to swing into the arrow rest. Hang the quiver within reach on a limb, on the stand rail, or on a hook so a follow-up shot is still fast.
Field tips we consider non-negotiable before opening day: quiet the rattle with foam or a pool noodle sleeve if a gripper lets arrows knock, keep your fixed and mechanical broadheads separated in the load order so the mechanical heads go in first, and re-check every mounting screw after the first hunt of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best bow quivers for hunting?
The best bow quivers for hunting are the Trophy Ridge 5-Spot for treestand work, the G5 Head-Loc for stand mounting, and the LimbSaver Silent Quiver for the quietest operation. For treestand hunting specifically, choose a quiet, detachable quiver with a low profile and a way to hang it inside the stand. Most hunters only need four arrows per sit.
Are hip quivers or back quivers better for treestand hunting?
Back quivers are better for long carries because the load sits on your shoulders and holds 18 to 24 arrows, while hip quivers are better for a short walk and quick access since the arrows sit at your waist. Both keep your bow free of a hood, which means nothing to snag on a ladder rung. Experienced treestand hunters prefer either one over a loaded bow-mounted quiver on the climb.
Should I remove my quiver when hunting from a tree stand?
Most experienced treestand hunters remove the quiver once they are seated and shoot a bare bow, because a bare bow is better balanced for the shot that matters. Hang the quiver within reach on a limb, on the stand rail, or on a hook so a follow-up shot stays fast. If you leave it mounted, sight in with the quiver on to confirm your aim.
Do bow quivers affect accuracy when shooting from a tree stand?
Yes, a heavy or offset quiver shifts your balance and adds torque at full draw, which can move your point of impact. A low-profile inline design of 8 to 10 ounces keeps the effect small. Sight in with the quiver mounted and loaded, then confirm the shot bare, so you know exactly what changes when you remove it.
How many arrows should a bow quiver hold for deer hunting?
Four arrows is the standard load for a seated treestand sit, since you take one shot per deer and often only one per sit. Five arrows gives you room for a second deer or a re-shoot. Six arrows is useful for ground blind and wide-platform stands where you might move and shoot more than once.
How do you stop arrows from rattling in a quiver?
Rubber grippers that grip too loosely, wrap a length of pool noodle or cut foam sleeve around each arrow shaft below the gripper, which adds diameter and kills the knock. Gripper tension also loosens over a season, so check the adjustment and reset it before opening day. Soft-touch hoods reduce noise from the riser but do not stop shaft rattle on their own.
Final Verdict
The Trophy Ridge 5-Spot is our pick for the best bow quivers for treestand hunting in 2026. It weighs 9.1 ounces, detaches with one motion, hangs from a rope loop inside the stand, and carries 1,551 reviews at 4.6 stars. It is the quiver we would take up a ladder.
If you shoot in the dark, the Trophy Ridge Hex Light earns the upgrade for its LED arrow illumination. If you would rather carry arrows on a sling and climb with a bare bow, the Cosmos back and hip quiver covers the climb safely at a budget level, and the KRATARC back quiver handles a long walk with 18 to 24 arrows.
Whichever you choose, add thread locker to the mounting screws, sight in with the quiver on and again with it off, and hang the quiver within reach once you are seated. Those three habits matter more to a quiet, accurate stand sit than any spec on the box. Our rangefinder picks and blind reviews round out the setup for the season ahead.