In this episode I give a brief update on how things have been progressing down at the archery wood with respect to the new half of the course. I’m delighted to say that targets 19 to 36 are now live and there are some really nice shots in that loop, many of which are completely new in their settings. In fact I think there are only 2 that are a similar shooting line to previous ones.
I then launch into a technique I’ve used myself which can how you build your stamina in archery, while highlighting a few things to consider about not pushing yourself too quickly.
When talking stamina it’s important to remember that there are 2 elements, the physical side of building muscle strength and endurance, along with the mental side or being able to shoot good, focused and controlled shots.
As always if you have any questions or queries you can drop me an email on or via this website. the episode is available on Spotify and amazon music.
There is my YouTube channel if you enjoy the content, where I will be hosting the shooting style outlines, I mention in the podcast. The Traditional Bowhunter is out now and the Barebow one will be out shortly. If you enjoy the content, please hit the Like button and consider subscribing to the channel.
Most of all remember to enjoy your shooting and as always thanks for listening, watching and supporting.
As always thanks for reading, listening and support this site. Enjoy your archery.
Several years ago I wrote a review of the Leatherman multitool I’ve been using for years. This is an update of that review. I’ve owned a few different multi tools varying from the bargain basement ones that come free with a torch at a service station, to the more expensive Leatherman models.
I’ve found them a useful addition to my archery belt and I’ve used them for camping, hiking and even skiing. Pretty much every scout leader I know carries one of these tools on a camp.
The two I have are the Wingman and Sidekick. Essentially the two are nearly identical and a full breakdown of the different features are shown below. The only real difference is the Sidekick has a small saw blade instead of the scissors that can be found on the Wingman.
Uses in the field
I’ve used the pliers countless times for extracting arrow points of piles from targets after the shafts have snapped in the boss, 3d targets or more often trees and need removing. A sharp knife is always useful if you spend any time outdoors whether it be camping, walking or archery. Quick note here is I wouldn’t use the blade to try and cut a wayward arrow from a tree though, as whilst sharp I would expect the tip to snap under the pressure. For removing of arrows I use an old flat headed screw driver that I have in my quiver.
It’s worth remembering that no matter how good a multitool is, it is by it’s very nature is a compromise, the pliers will never be as good as a true pair of full pliers.
The wingman comes with a small pair of scissors which I’ve found surprisingly useful for archery, when fitting servings etc.
The sidekick comes with a small saw blade, which isn’t going to chop down any redwoods but I have used to saw through branches of about an inch thickness with ease. For that reason I tend to have the sidekick to hand when camping or working in the woods. I’ve also used it to make impromptu walking sticks.
Tools breakdown
Here is a quick break down of the tools, both are made from stainless steel, are pocket sized and covered by the Leatherman 25-year warranty. The WINGMAN has these tools
420HC Combo Knife
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Medium Screwdriver
Package Opener
Phillips Screwdriver
Ruler (1 in/2.54 cm)
Small Screwdriver
Spring-action Needle nose Pliers
Spring-action scissors
Spring-action Wire Cutters
Wire Stripper Wood/Metal File Measurements: 2.6 in | 6.6 cm (blade length) 3.8 in | 9.7 cm (closed) 7 oz | 198.4 g
SIDEKICK has these tools , and mine came with a Carabiner Bottle Opener Accessory.
420HC Serrated Knife
Medium Screwdriver
420HC Knife
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Phillips Screwdriver
Ruler (1 in/2.54 cm)
Saw
Small Screwdriver
Spring-action Needle nose Pliers
Spring-action Regular Pliers
Spring-action Wire Cutters
Wood/Metal File
Measurements: 2.6 in | 6.6 cm (blade length) 3.8 in | 9.7 cm (closed) 7 oz | 198.4 g
Workmanship
The workmanship is good and the pivotal joints haven’t slackened off much after 10 years of use, which I have seen on cheaper multi tools. The finish on the back of the Sidekick serrated blade is a little rough which you notice more when folded up but that is the only criticism I have. The rolled metal handle makes using the pliers more comfortable in the hand, compared to some cheaper models you can find on the market.
I now make a point of always carrying one of mine when out and about.
So if you are looking for a Christmas present I’d say either would be a good buy and addition to a kit belt or pouch. If you are looking for something a bit more then have a look at what I think they call the expedition range.
If you like this content and would like to see more reviews then please let me know, either here on my YouTube channel. As always thanks for reading, watching and support.
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 