Leather Side Quiver Archery: How to Choose and Mount One (6 Steps)

Updated November 2026

A leather side quiver archery setup holds your arrows within easy reach at your hip or on the side of your bow, freeing your hands for shooting. This guide walks you through choosing the right leather side quiver for your bow and arrows, mounting it securely, and setting it up so arrows draw smoothly every time. Most of the work comes down to matching the quiver to your arrow length and bow style.

Step 1: Match the Quiver to Your Bow Style

Side quivers are most common with traditional and recurve bows, where the quiver attaches to the bow’s riser or to a bracket on the bow’s side. Compound shooters more often use hip or back quivers, so confirm your bow can accept a side mount before you buy. Look for a quiver that lists compatibility with your bow’s riser or mounting system.

Shopping for one? See our guide: The Push Archery Quiver: 4 Best Picks for Every Need (2026).

Step 2: Measure Your Arrows and Choose the Right Size

Measure your arrows from nock end to tip, then add about 2 inches of clearance so the tips do not bottom out inside the tube. Quivers are sized by the arrow length they hold, and a quiver that is too short forces you to pull arrows awkwardly. Choose a quiver with a tube length that fits your longest arrow with room to spare.

Step 3: Check the Leather Quality and Construction

Full-grain leather holds its shape and resists wear better than split leather, which tends to stretch and crack over time. Check that the stitching is tight and evenly spaced, and that the rivets or snaps used for attachment look solid. Thicker leather stays rigid enough to keep arrows separated in the tube.

Step 4: Mount the Quiver Securely

Attach the quiver so the tube sits at a comfortable angle, usually slightly forward of your draw side, with the arrows angled to keep them within a short reach. Tighten all mounting hardware and recheck it after your first few shooting sessions, since vibration loosens bolts over time. A wobbling quiver can knock arrows out or snag your fletching, so do not skip this check.

Mounting checklist

1. Confirm the mounting bracket matches your bow’s riser holes or clamp points.
2. Set the quiver angle so arrows clear your bow arm during the draw.
3. Test-draw an arrow from the quiver ten times to confirm a smooth pull.
4. Tighten all hardware and recheck it after the first 50 shots.

Step 5: Set Up Your Arrows for Smooth Access

Arrange your arrows so nocks face the same direction and your fletching does not catch on the tube opening. Keep your arrows at roughly the same height in the tube so you can grab one without looking. Replace any arrow with bent shafts or damaged fletching before loading it, since a damaged arrow can snap in the quiver.

Step 6: Maintain the Leather

Wipe the leather down after shooting in wet conditions and let it air dry away from direct heat. Apply a leather conditioner every few months to prevent cracking, and store the quiver in a dry place rather than a damp garage or car trunk.

Common Mistakes

• Buying a quiver sized for shorter arrows, then having to force the longer ones in.
• Mounting the quiver too low, which drags arrows against your bow arm.
• Skipping the post-shooting tightness check on mounting hardware.
• Storing leather in a humid space, which encourages mold and stiffening.
• Carrying arrows with cracked nocks or loose fletching in the tube.

Recommended Gear

A leather conditioner suited to saddle or tooled leather helps prevent cracking and keeps the tube flexible through seasons of use. View on Amazon

A bow-mounted arrow holder or bracket compatible with your riser gives you a secure base before you attach the quiver itself. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I use a leather side quiver on a compound bow?

Most leather side quivers are designed for traditional and recurve bows, so check mounting compatibility before buying for a compound. Some compound shooters use dedicated bow-mounted quivers instead. Consult your bow manufacturer’s specifications to confirm.

How long should a side quiver tube be?

The tube should fit your longest arrow with about 2 inches of clearance at the top. Measure your arrows nock to tip and match the quiver’s listed capacity to that length.

How often should I condition leather quiver material?

Conditioning every few months is a common routine, and more often if you shoot in wet or dry conditions. Test a small hidden area first to make sure the product suits your leather.

Conclusion

A well-chosen leather side quiver keeps your arrows organized and within reach, which makes shooting smoother and faster. Match the quiver to your bow style and arrow length, mount it securely, and check it regularly. With basic care, your quiver should serve you for many seasons.

Related reading

• Leather Quiver for Archery: How to Choose the Right One (2026)
• Traditional Archery Bow Quiver: How to Choose and Mount One (7 Steps)
• Push Archery Pocket Quiver: 5 Best Picks for Every Need (2026)
• How to Make an Archery Quiver: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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