What Holds Arrows in Archery: Quivers, Arrow Rests and Holders Explained

By Ethan Brooks

Archers hold arrows in a few different places: on a quiver worn at the hip or back, on an arrow rest attached to the bow’s riser, or in a holder built into the bow or a bow case. This guide explains what holds arrows in archery, how each option works, and how to choose and set up the right one for target or field shooting. By the end, you will know which holding system fits your bow type and shooting style, and how to set it up so your arrows stay put until you release them. Worth reading next: Qad Mxt Arrow Rest: 7 Best Picks Compared for 2026.

The Three Main Places Arrows Are Held

Before you buy anything, it helps to separate the two jobs that arrow-holding gear performs. Some hardware keeps arrows stored and accessible between ends, such as a quiver. Other hardware supports the arrow at the moment of the shot, such as an arrow rest. Some products do both. The main categories are:

Shopping for one? See our guide: 9 Best Arrows for Traditional Archery (2026): Expert Picks.

Quivers: fabric, leather or hard-shell containers that hold a set of arrows, usually worn on a belt or attached to the bow.
Arrow rests: small mechanical or plastic devices mounted on the bow’s riser that physically cradle the arrow shaft as it leaves the bow.
Bow-mounted or built-in holders: clips, brackets or tubes that attach to the bow or are built into the riser, typically used on hunting setups and recurve or traditional bows.

How Quivers Hold Arrows

A quiver is the most familiar answer to what holds arrows in archery. Most quivers grip arrows in one of three ways: a tight fabric or foam collar at the top, a rigid tube with a closed bottom, or a set of spring-loaded clips that pinch the shaft near the nock. Target archers usually prefer a hip quiver with a rigid or semi-rigid body so the arrows sit at a consistent angle for drawing. Field and hunting archers often choose a back quiver with a hood that covers broadheads.

When you buy or adjust a quiver, check three things: the diameter of the arrow opening, the depth of the pocket, and how the arrows are retained. A loose opening lets arrows rattle or drop. A pocket that is too shallow lets the nock slip past the grip, which can make the arrow hard to pull cleanly.

How Arrow Rests Hold Arrows at Full Draw

Arrow rests work at a different point in the shot. They sit on the riser, just above or below the arrow shelf depending on the bow type, and they support the arrow until it leaves the string. There are several common designs:

Drop-away rests: spring-loaded arms that hold the arrow at full draw and drop away as the arrow passes, used mainly on compound and hunting bows.
Whisker biscuit or bristle rests: a plastic or polymer piece with bristles that brush against the shaft, common on recurve bows for target shooting.
Shelf rests: a flat ledge that the arrow sits on, typical on traditional bows and some recurves.
Launcher rests: a rigid arm that holds the arrow firmly, used on some compound and target setups.

Most rests are adjustable for windage (side to side) and height, and the rest must match the arrow’s diameter and the bow’s draw length. Manufacturers typically specify compatible arrow diameters and bow types on the packaging, so check that before you mount anything.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Arrow Holder

Whether you use a quiver, a rest or both, the setup process follows the same logic. Work through these steps with the bow unstrung or at a safe, low draw weight, and consult a qualified bow technician or pro shop if you are unsure about any adjustment.

Confirm the arrow diameter and length. Measure your arrow’s outside diameter and match it to the quiver opening and rest specifications.
Mount the rest or holder to the bow’s mounting hole, using the included screws and a torque setting that matches the manufacturer’s instructions.
Set the rest height so the arrow sits level with the nocking point and the arrow shaft is centered on the rest or shelf.
Adjust windage so the arrow clears the riser by a consistent margin, then recheck with the bow at full draw.
Test the quiver fit by inserting and removing a full set of arrows. If any arrow drops out or sticks, tighten the retention collar or adjust the clips.
Shoot a few arrows at close range and check for contact marks on the shaft, which suggest the rest or holder is misaligned.

Checklist: Tools and Supplies You Will Need

A bow square or a ruler to check nock and rest alignment
An allen key set matching the rest and quiver hardware
A torque wrench or a light hand to avoid stripping screws
A tape measure or caliper for arrow diameter
A soft cloth to clean the arrow shelf and rest contact points

Choosing the Right Option for Your Bow Type

Different bows suit different holding systems. The table below gives a quick reference, though exact compatibility varies by model.

Bow type	Common holding method	What to look for
Compound (target)	Hip quiver plus a launcher or drop-away rest	Adjustable rest with fine windage control
Compound (hunting)	Back quiver with broadhead hood; drop-away rest	Broadhead-safe quiver and a reliable drop-away
Recurve	Bristle or whisker biscuit rest; hip or back quiver	Rest that matches arrow diameter and spine
Traditional (longbow, recurve)	Shelf or rest; often a leather or back quiver	Simple, low-profile shelf or a rest that suits your shooting form

If you are shooting a traditional bow, you may find that a shelf with a small arrow rest gives you more consistency than a complex mechanical system. For a deeper look at arrow sizing and how it affects rest fit, see Types of Arrows in Archery: A Beginner's Guide to Shafts and Spines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mismatched arrow diameter. A rest designed for a narrow shaft will bind or fail on a thicker one.
Overtightened hardware. Stripped threads and cracked riser mounts often come from forcing screws past the recommended torque.
Ignoring nock height. If the arrow sits too high or too low on the rest, your groups will drift.
Skipping a post-setup check. Rests can shift after a few hundred shots, so recheck alignment regularly.
Using a field quiver for broadheads without a hood. Exposed broadheads can damage fletching and cut through fabric.

Tips for Better Arrow Retention

Keep a spare set of clips or a retention collar on hand; they wear faster than the quiver body.
Store arrows nock-up in a rack or case when not in use to protect the nocks and fletching.
Check the quiver and rest after transport, especially on bumpy trails or in a vehicle.
Look at Parts of Archery Arrows: A Beginner's Guide to Every Component to understand how nocks, fletching and inserts affect how arrows seat in a holder.

Recommended gear

A quality hip quiver with adjustable retention clips is the most useful single item for a target archer who wants reliable arrow storage between ends. Look for a rigid or semi-rigid body and a pocket sized for your arrow diameter. View on Amazon

A bristle or whisker biscuit rest suits recurve shooters because it provides light contact with the shaft and adjusts easily for windage. Choose one that lists your arrow diameter range on the package. View on Amazon

A drop-away arrow rest is the standard choice for many compound hunters, since it holds the arrow firmly at full draw and clears the shaft at release. Confirm compatibility with your bow’s mounting pattern before ordering. View on Amazon

A back quiver with a broadhead hood protects both the arrows and the archer when carrying hunting arrows through brush. Choose one with a secure strap and a hood that covers your broadhead size. View on Amazon

FAQ

What holds arrows in archery when I’m not shooting?

A quiver usually holds arrows between shots. Hip quivers and back quivers are the most common, and some archers store arrows in a rack or case at home.

What holds the arrow at full draw?

An arrow rest or shelf supports the arrow at full draw. Drop-away rests, bristle rests and shelf rests are the most widely used designs.

Can I use the same holder for every bow type?

Not always. Compound bows usually use drop-away or launcher rests, while recurves commonly use bristle or whisker rests. Check the manufacturer’s bow compatibility before buying. If you want more background, see Trophy Taker Arrow Rest: Setup, Tuning and Buying Tips for Beginners.

How do I know if my arrow fits the quiver?

Measure the outside diameter of the shaft and compare it to the quiver’s specified arrow range. The arrow should slide in and out with light resistance and stay seated without rattling.

Do I need a rest if I shoot a traditional bow?

Many traditional archers use a simple shelf or a small rest. Some shoot instinctively with arrows sitting on the shelf alone, so the choice depends on your style and your bow’s design.

Why does my arrow keep falling off the rest?

The most common causes are an arrow diameter mismatch, a rest set too low, or a worn retention clip. Check each of these and adjust the rest height or replace the worn part.

Is a broadhead hood necessary on a back quiver?

For hunting arrows with broadheads, a hood is strongly recommended. It protects the blades when you are moving and keeps your clothing and the quiver body from being cut.

Should I have a professional set up my rest?

If you are new to bow setup or working on a high-draw-weight compound, a certified bow technician or pro shop can check alignment and torque safely. This is worth doing before your first hunting season.

Conclusion

Arrows are held in a quiver between shots and supported by a rest or shelf at full draw, and the right combination depends on your bow type and shooting goals. Match the arrow diameter to the holder, set the height and windage carefully, and recheck alignment regularly. A few minutes of checking now prevents lost arrows and inconsistent groups later.

Ready to choose one?

About Ethan Brooks

Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our target archery guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.

About the author

Ethan Brooks

Ethan Brooks writes reviews and buying guides for Archery Society.