How to Carry a Bow Properly and Conveniently?
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Learning how to carry a bow properly and conveniently is just as important as knowing how to shoot an arrow like a pro. If you don’t handle your bow as you should, then all the time and effort spent for practice will be just put to waste.
Carrying your single cam bow, for example, by the string as you stalk your prey is going to do their work on the peep sight. And chances are when the right moment arrives, you’ll catch yourself making adjustments on a weapon that you would have supposedly mastered wielding already. Worse still, your target escapes!
Why? First, holding your single cam bow by the string causes your weapon to bounce up and down that causes the string to rotate, that causes your peeps to spin, and that finally throws off alignment as well as wastes time, opportunity, and effort. Second, lugging your bow by the string can cause it to stretch prematurely, especially in hot weather conditions.
What Are the Different Ways to Carry a Bow?
A bow can be lugged around in various ways. Here are a few of them:
On your back with a sling
If you want to move stealthily and with both hands free to climb, clear your path, balance, and of course, set the arrow flying straight to your target in a pinch, then it pays to learn how to carry your bow on your back properly.
When opting for this method, you need to put the sling appropriately on your back, adjusting it to the shape of your body so that it doesn’t flail around or slip off. For this, you will need a store-bought back sling or a make-shift one.
When you don’t have a store-bought sling, you may use a cotton towel. Wrap it around your bowstring, and place the sling over your back and under your shoulder. The angled bow will rest on your back.
Pros:
- Works great for traditional bows
- Allows hands-free operation
- More comfortable movement
- Lets you draw your bow fast, saving you time and making the most of the opportunity
Con:
- The bow is susceptible to damage since it’s unprotected. Consider bringing an extra string with you.
Using a case
Another way to carry a bow is with the use of a case. Doing so significantly cuts the chances of damaging your weapon while hiking, climbing, or when you just leave it inside the trunk of your car.
There are two types of crossbow cases to choose from, the hard and soft one. Soft cases are made with a layer of foam encased in sturdy fabric. This protects your weapon from physical impact. Hard cases, on the other hand, are usually made with a high-density plastic and foam combination that provides an extra level of protection for your gear. Besides guarding the bow against the usual bumps and scratches, a hard case is also anti-knock.
While hard cases seem to do better than the soft ones in shielding your weapon from the elements, a soft case is lighter and easier to carry around. This makes soft cases suitable in dense forests; whereas, hard cases are a sensible choice when you’re hunting in more open spaces like a valley or meadow.
But whether it’s soft or hard, a case affords you the protection you need for your weapon. One major downside to using one, however, is it doesn’t readily make the bow available when the perfect opportunity arrives.
Pros:
- Ideal for compound bows or any modern type of bow
- Keeps your weapon protected
- Adds appeal
Con:
- Requires extra steps and time to get you to a set position
Expert Tips on How to Carry a Bow Properly on Your Back
The most convenient yet tricky way to carry a bow is hanging it on your back. Here’s how to make it work:
- It should be snug, not too tight or too loose.
The bowstring should lie comfortably on your back, and at the same time, it shouldn’t slip and tug at your neck or throat. You should also be able to move around in any direction and without getting injured by your bow or sling. If it’s too tight, then it can result in the chafing of your skin. If it’s too loose, then it can cause annoying and distracting shifts of your weapon.
- Get the height of your bow correctly right from the start.
Ideally, your bow and sling should be the length of your chest to your fingertips with the arms extended outwards plus one inch. If you followed this, then carrying your bow on your back would be much more comfortable.
If a back sling doesn’t work for you, then try an over the shoulder type. Remember, what works for some may not work for you. So, if you find hanging your bow on your back inconvenient or uncomfortable, then you don’t have to force it. Explore other ways that make how to catch your prey your primary focus.
Weighing in on Carrying Your Bow on Your Back
The Advantages
Besides allowing you to operate hands-free, there are many reasons for mastering how to carry your bow on your back. These are:
- Feels lighter
Slinging your bow on your back feels less heavy than when you hang it over in one shoulder because the weight is evenly distributed. And carrying it by hand, especially the heavier types, can also get tiresome.
- Allows you easy access
With the bow on your back, you can easily draw it when a prey pops up.
- Lets you multitask
Ride horses, trek, and more when you have the full faculty of your hand and with the bow snugly hung on your back, ready for action.
The Disadvantages
As with almost everything, lugging around a bow on your back also has its disadvantages.
- Takes getting used to
Being able to carry your bow on your back and make it comfortable and efficient at the same time takes some trial-and-error and some getting used to. But once you’ve gotten the hang of it, it makes for a valuable skill that earns you a lot of benefits.
- May hurt you or damage your weapon
If you don’t do it right, then you might hurt your head, neck, back, or arms. Also, your weapon can become “out-of-tune” or incur damage on itself.
Final Thoughts
So, there’s your guide on how to carry a bow properly and a quick overview of the different tools you can use. Find one that will meet your requirements and priorities, from protecting your weapon to being able to access it fast and easy.
About the Author Pink Crossbow
Jen loves the outdoors and enjoys exploring a wide-range of activities. A mother of 3 whose seen far too many friends suffer from cancer, she believes Pink Crossbow reflects a sport for LIFE. It's a reminder that archery belongs to everyone regardless of age, size, or gender...and real enthusiasts aren't afraid to wear pink!