Archery is the skill of shooting arrows using a bow. Humans used the bow and arrow in ancient times mainly for hunting down prey and as a weapon. To get the target quickly and accurately, the tool (bow, in this case) should be ready and accessible. For that purpose, you should how to carry a bow on your back as it will be convenient and easy for you to locate and hunt down the target as quickly as you can!
The most common bows that the archers use is the Recurve bow which is one with limbs that curve away from the archer. This type of bow throws the arrow much faster and with high accuracy. Due to those curves it has, it can store more energy and deliver that stored energy more efficiently than the other straight limed kind of bows.
To keep your bow accessible and secure while carrying it on your back when you are out there hunting you should take the following preventive measures for your safety and your bow’s safety as well.
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Make sure your bow has the same height as yours!
To avoid any damages to yourself and the bow, of course, take the one that fits your height or has the same size or length as you. In this way, the bow when will be carried on your back, will not move haphazardly and it will not get stuck anywhere. To buy the perfect bow for yourself, you need to extend your arm outwards and start measuring from your chest to your fingertips. Then in the estimated readings add an extra inch to it. This combined measurement should be the ideal length of your bow. This step is significant as you will have to duck a little bit sometimes while you are out in the terrains, so the exact length is essential for the security of your back and the bow on your back.
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Using a Sling:
A sling comes in handy and allows you to carry your bow on your back. It is attached to your bow, and then you can wrap it over your shoulder and chest. In this way, your hands are free for other things, and your bow is secure and hanging around you at the same time.
A sling is very convenient as it can move your bow forward smoothly when you want to use it, and it can move it back again. It assists you in carrying a bow on your back, and you can always take it forward to perform your action. In this way, your hands will be free when the bow is not in use. Sling is convenient, and due to this, you can access the bow easily and quickly with one hand only.
Check the stability of the bow on the back:
Once you have got the perfect bow for yourself and carried it on your back, you need to see and check if it is stable or not. While you will be hunting you might have to jump, bend or hike, so it is our priority to check if the bow that we are carrying on the back is secure and is not vulnerable to any potential damages. Testing the stability is not only crucial for your bow and string but also for your back too. If the bow is unstable, it can hurt you very severely! To avoid this kind of hazard, make sure it goes along with your body when you move.
Carry your bow on the back at a certain angle:
To avoid physical injuries, you need to carry it in such a way that the bow stays at a specific angle away from your neck, head, and your arms. Another great way is using a shoulder sling.
Awareness is important:
You should be aware of the position of the bow and the direction you chose. If your bow carried at a certain angle, the ends or tips of it could get stuck in bushes, etc. To make sure that it does not you should watch your footsteps and the area you are walking in.
Avoid interference:
To avoid the bow coming in contact with your body while you are on the move, put some cotton towels or other cloth that does not scratch the bow. In this way, the bow will not be posing any difficulties while moving.
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Professional recommendations while carrying a bow on your back
Archers and hunters should be aware of all the Do’s and Don’ts while carrying the bow on their back. They should know that their safety is extremely important when they are out in the wild. Secondly, the safety of their bow should be taken care of. To avoid the unfavorable consequences and save yourself from inconvenience you need to keep the following tips given by the professionals;
- To be efficient at carrying the bows on your back and being as fast and present as you can in the wild, you need to practice it first. Practicing can reduce the risk of potential failures while carrying the bow on the back. So one must practice it before going on a hunt.
- Fastening your sling or however, you are carrying it securely should be your priority. If it is loose or not in a recommended position then it can hold you back when you are hunting.
- Before going for the hunting trip make sure to walk with the bow on your back for some time to get it right to avoid any shifting or chafing problems.
- Carrying the bow on the back is very convenient and effective yet tricky but once you get it right no one can stop you from being efficient and quick in your game.
- Use the method that suits your personal preferences. Sling or over the shoulder, etc. whatever suits you.
- Removing the bow and acting to target the prey should be as concise and careful as possible. To get it from the back and into your hands you need to be calm yet swift. Remove it by holding it from the bottom and then slip it over your head and arms. This process truly expresses your hunter’s instincts and swiftness, you might not want to let go of the prey and not get hurt at the same time too. So being careful and conscious about the things that you are doing is what helps here.
Pros and cons of carrying a bow on your back:
To carry a bow on your back is an extremely convenient and easily accessible way of taking your bow. It gives you your hands-free time to do other tasks while you are hunting. It makes sliding the bow forward and backwards easy due to the sling. This way saves time and energy.
On the other hand, carrying your bow on your back makes you and your bow vulnerable to damages or injuries. It can get stuck, and your bow’s life can get at stake due to this. If not carries or positioned safely, it can also hurt you badly.
So before choosing this way to carry your bow, you need to make sure you are doing this the right way!
Summing Up:
There are few different ways to carry a bow on your back. The first step is to consider what kind of situation you want the bow in. How much gear do you typically carry? How much weight can the pack system that you use hold? How much will it cost, and how well does it work for your needs? Once these questions have been answered, you’re ready to select the specific pack system that will be best for you.
The standard method for carrying a longbow or recurve on one’s back is with a bow sling. It is functionally similar to the way rifles were carried in World War II; one strap goes around the middle of your chest and another around your midsection (above below your backpack harness), where it is generally connected to the pack itself. The bow itself should be resting on your hips, while one hand grabs the grip (similarly to how it would staff-like weapon).
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The next step up in sophistication is a bow rack system. There are two types of these; backpacking and hunting specific. Backpacking style archery racks typically attach directly to your backpack or can be sewn onto the exterior of your pack for easy access. They work exactly like the sling described above, but they are generally attached to some form of padding so that you do not wear down your arrows over time. A downside is that they generally don’t allow you to shoot off the flat ground where you set up camp easily, or quickly.
Hunting specific bow racks attach to the straps on your backpack and can be moved as fast as you can remove or replace your backpack. Some models will only work with a specific pack, but many are universal and will primarily use hook and loop attachments (such as Velcro) to attach to the shoulder straps of any packing system. How much do these accessories cost? How well do they work? How quickly can you swap them from pack to pack without missing a shot? How badly does it weigh down your load, or affect your balance when carried either under-slung vertically against the vertical frame of the backpack, or over-slung horizontally alongside it? These questions should help determine what you need for your situation.
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