Back in episode 128 of the podcast, I wrote a review of the Push Alpha pack quiver and in that episode, I mentioned some 3D printed boxes that Sam a fellow club member has been producing for members.
I promised then I would be doing a full review of the boxes and explain how I’ve been using them, so here it is.
The cases come in 3 sizes, with the smallest and medium ones having sliding tops, the largest having a hinged lid. First lets look at the small box. This works really well for a few spare nocks, points and labels. I’ve given this one to my son as it fits perfectly in his little quiver pouch.
This size is ideal to fit into a pocket and would be really useful on camping or hiking trips to hold a few matches, etc.
The next is the medium pouch which has 3 sections, one long enough to accommodate a bow string.
The medium size box fits really well in the smaller mesh pouches of the Alpha pack and is large enough to house a spare string a few points, name labels, allen keys and spare plunger button.
Here you can see the medium and large box to give a comparison of sizes.
The largest box is ideal for your bow case and is large enough to accommodate bow string, plunger button, points, string wax and more. There is a small pull out draw (in green) that I use to hold my spare plunger.
Overall these work really well. I’m not sure how waterproof they are but so far there’s no complaints.
I know this is a review that many of my followers have been waiting for ever since I announced I had bought one of the Push Alpha packs a few months back. I said then I would do an honest review of the quiver and having used it now for several months I think I am in a position to do just that.
You can read the full review below and check out the video.
Like many I have traditionally used a large leather field quiver for years and whilst it has worked well, it’s now showing its age. It’s been patched a few times where the stitching has gone and now the zip for main pouch is broken. Whilst quivers like these are great for the number of arrows they can hold as well as looking good. The upside of the size is also a downside of the quiver, as it’s size and weight can make it quite tiring to carry over a full day or two of shooting a field course.
In contrast the Alpha pack is considerably lighter and appears quite small in comparison, but looks can prove deceiving.
So, what were my first impressions?
It is really well made, with strong double stitching throughout. It comes in a variety of colours, mine being red or wine I think is the official definition. I do love the colour (being Welsh that not surprising I like the red. If you don’t know the Welsh flag is a red dragon).
It’s worth noting there are some similar quivers on the market and I know a few people who have modified motorcycle leg pouches to do a similar job. This would imply that the core design must work well and based on my experiences with the Alpha pack I have to agree.
Second thing I noticed was how much it can hold. I was surprised at how much the pack can carry considering how small it appeared. It can carry lots without you feeling encumbered.
One concern I had was how well it would sit on the leg, but once you have adjusted your belt and leg strap it proved surprisingly comfortably.
Shooting at NFAS 3D championships
Another thing about the design is it’s very clever as it does not matter if you are a righthanded or lefthanded archer as you can wear it on the left or right leg easily. Unlike other quiver designs, you don’t have to have a left- or right-hand model.
One thing I have not been able to test is its waterproofness. I can’t testify to how water proof or water resistant it is as the UK has been encountering a warmer and dryer Spring and Summer, with temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s and little if no rain to speak of for several weeks.
Quiver fully open
I like the fact I can open the quiver up completely. Inside there is one large zip net pouch and 2 smaller pouches. You might notice a green box in the video as this is curtesy of one of my club members Sam, who has made a 3D printed box that fits perfectly in one of the smaller pouches. In this box I keep spare points, string etc. I’ll do a review of these boxes later, as he has created several boxes of different sizes that work incredibly well.
2 smaller inner pouches
One thing I have taken to do is leaving the quiver open slightly so I can easily reach in and grab the binoculars if I need them. To ensure the zip doesn’t accidentally open further, I’ve looped the cord loops through the pack’s top straps. This prevents the zip moving.
One modification I am looking at is some form of flap to go over the back to cover the large zip opening and could be easily lifted or rolled up when not in use. As I said earlier I tend to leave the zip open for ease of access to my binoculars and want to ensure the content is kept dry.
close up showing arrow tubes
I’ve made an arrow holder out of some plastic tubes, (shown in the above photo), so I can easily store my first, second and third arrow, it also makes it easier in selecting them.
I only carry the 3 arrows in the quiver, the rest are held in an arrow tube on my back as this keeps them out of the way and as I use feather fletching dry. I’ve used an arrow tube on my back for years. This isn’t to say the quiver can’t carry more arrows, as before I made the holding tubes I had 6 of the carbon legacy fit in. The only hassle was turning to pick the right arrow in sequence.
How does it cope in the field and woods?
Simple answer is really, really well. Once you have the leg strap adjusted to you, it sits really well and is comfortable on your leg and waist. Being quite a short quiver compared to my old one it doesn’t catch on undergrowth while walking round through the wood.
The only downside I’ve found is if I find any missing arrows or if collecting them the target for the rest of the group, I have to hold them in my hand as don’t fit easier in quiver, partly due to me fitting the narrow tubes in the quiver that only hold one 11/32 wooden shaft in each. That’s not a fault of the quiver design.
Price and shipping
I will be honest I was nervous about spending that much on a quiver I had not been able to get my hands on physically to look at and try on, but it was to be a present to myself following redundancy. It retails for £109 on the Push site plus postage.
From ordering it online from the Push store to it arriving, took only 10 days, yes 10 days to get across the Atlantic and to my door, which I was really impressed with, especially when you consider there was a UK public holiday included in the midst of this. I’ve had packages from the UK take longer.
In summary what would I say of the Alpha pack?
One thing I am a little disappointed in is I’ve not had the 10% increase in accuracy that Maddy on Instagram assured me would come with the Alpha pack. Then again maybe I just need a bit more time with it and a lot more practice. All joking aside let’s carry on with the review.
It’s fair to say I hate it, plain and simple. Why? It’s a love hate relationship, as I both hate it and love it at the same time. Well I don’t truly hate the quiver, I hate the fact I didn’t buy one far earlier in my archery career.
For the same reason I love having it and using it. It works really well for me and in my view and experience so far it is well worth the money. So it is most definitely a more Love than hate relationship.
Would I recommend it to other field archers?
YES, I would definitely. I’ve had several club members ask what my opinion is on it and I have to say it’s great. The build quality is excellent and it stores loads, while remaining comfortable to wear.
I feel I must give it a 10 out of 10 based on my experiences so far.
The other thing is I feel proud to wear it. This may seem strange thing to say about a quiver, but The Push podcasts and material they have produced over the years has been a huge help to me both as an archer and coach. By buying this not only have I got a great quiver, but I’ve also been able to help them continue producing material for the trad community both in the USA and here in the UK. Thanks
My Archery Experiences 