Has anyone every used a backpack type quiver like one of the models from Cat Quiver? The concept is interesting but I wonder how good they would be for hunting the woods here in Michigan. I'll spend 50% of my time stalking and 50% of my time walking to/from stands.

Thanks

I absolutely love mine and wouldn't hunt with anything else from now on !!

I have the CQ III and it has room for more stuff than I need to carry !!

CBM,

In looking at the Rancho website I get a better feel for what they look like and how they are constructed. The first question I had was how well does the quiver hold the arrows? I can't see what is under the hood where the fletching/vanes are held, but the bottom appears to hold the points by inserting them into some sort of foam/padding. It seems like this type of systme would mean that 1.) arrows can be pulled out easily by branches as you pass by; or 2.) arrows are difficult for the archer to pull out to prepare for a shot.

At the top, right of this site is a "search" button. Do a search for Cat Quiver and you will find a lot of posts about this popular quiver. Mine is over a decade old, and I've never had an arrow fall out in all those years of hunting. The foam does an amazing job of holding the arrows in.

That's all I use anymore, it can be kinda interesting carrying a climbing stand with it but its not a big deal, you set it up for your length arrows, once thats done arrows falling out is not an issue. Every now and then I try a bow mounted quiver again ( why I'm not sure) but I always end up back with my CQ. I even tried a hip mounted quiver once and to me they're kinda like carrying a rake through the woods.

Chase the 2 arms that hold the bottom piece on are adjustable .....so you move them to fit your arrows ! Once that is right ....you push your arrow up into the top foam and then let the bottom sink into the bottom foam ! As long as your arrows are all the same length.........they're snug as can be !! If you need one.....you just reach back and push up and pull out an arrow........after a few tries it is as easy or easier than snapping an arrow out of a standard quiver !

I am interested in trying one for hunting this year.
Do you reccommend any certain brand or features to look for?

It depends on how much stuff you take with you, I have the CQ1 and it's plenty big enough for what I take, the frame is the same, the size of the Pack is the difference. IMHO ( for myself) the models with all the extra pockets are overkill, I bet those are really interesting to carry with a climber. It is suprising how much stuff you can get in them.

I have used a Catquiver I for about 3 seasons now......before that a hip quiver that I pulled into the stand with me.
I got rid of a bow mounted quiver entirely after the 97' season, and I'll never go back.

I figure I'd be taking my bow quiver off and hanging it anyway so why not kill 2 birds with one stone and use a Catquiver. This way I don't need a fanny pack.

Just wear it up , and strap the whole thing to the tree........sits nice and tight, arrows are easy to get out and the pack is right there as well.
If I am using my Climbing stand I just strap it to the frame for hiking in.

They protect the arrows MUCH better than a normal quiver, especially good at protecting fletching from the elements.
I'll keep on using mine.....good investment.

Here in Washington, we typically don't hunt from tree stands, usually all spot and stalk. I have used my fathers CQ 1 that is about 30 years old and liked it well enough. The one thing I did do differently was to glue in a piece of high density foam in the hood and inserted my arrows with the vanes down. I didn't like the idea of reaching back to grab an arrow out and having the broadheads at about the same spot. Worked great, and I have thought about buying one with more room, I liked the one with the fanny pack attached, so the gear weight has a lower center of gravity. You can also detach the fanny pack and use either unit separately.