Bow sling. Yes or no? Recommendations

[d_wit22]

Good morning guys, so this coming fall in 2025 planning on doing a backcountry archery hunt. First one for me where I actually have the tag. My question is do you guys use a sling for your bow while hiking or do you just carry it? If you use a sling, do you have any recommendations on something that works well, affordable, and quickly removed.

 

[dfanonymous]

Alpine bow slicker

Do whatever gets you through it. It easier to carry hoyts, but I use bowtech. So you either carry by the handle or the slicker. Carrying it by the string is a no go here.

I'll carry it usually on short distances…meaning about 3-4 miles and on stalks obviously. For long straight hikes, say 7+ miles. I just put in on my pack. I rather use my trekking poles at that point.

 

[HSmithTX]

I use a sling, it's the Mathews sling that uses their sling points. It's ok for hike in and hike out, but I like to tie it to the pack if going long or steep.

 

[Rick Richard]

Why not attach it to your pack when trekking and hold it in your hand when actually hunting.

 

[HSmithTX]

Why not attach it to your pack when trekking and hold it in your hand when actually hunting.

Personally, my bow weighs a little over 8 pounds in hunting configuration and gets really old in the hand, having the sling is nice. Pretty much the same as a rifle.

 

[blksno]

I actually rest mine on my chest pack.

 

[Kernal1984]

I use a jakt gear sling and like it a lot. It's adjustable and when shooting it uses a magnet to stay out of the way. I tried the Mathews sling but the jakt was much more functional for spot and stalk type hunting.

 

[1wildcatfan]

Good morning guys, so this coming fall in 2025 planning on doing a backcountry archery hunt. First one for me where I actually have the tag. My question is do you guys use a sling for your bow while hiking or do you just carry it? If you use a sling, do you have any recommendations on something that works well, affordable, and quickly removed.

Sling by T&K Hunting Gear.
Strap the bow to your pack when hiking, then go to the sling. Ditch the sling when it's time to stalk.

 

[southpa]

My weapons are on my pack 90-95% of the time. I don't not use a sling but use a cover. Protecting your strings and cables is paramount in my experience. A petpeive of mine is trashy, frayed and un-cared for strings and cables. Carrying your bow in your hand with the string facing down is 100% a no go unless its covered. The last thing you want hitting the rocks is your string if you stumble. I recommend a lightweight cover/sling at all times until it's go time. It may not have happen to you yet but if you bowhunt enough you will damage a string unless you keep them protected. Ruining a hunt is one thing but extremely dangerous using bows with damaged strings/cables. So yes, I think a sling or cover is necessary as long as it protects the string/cables

 

[Critter Picker]

My weapons are on my pack 90-95% of the time. I don't not use a sling but use a cover. Protecting your strings and cables is paramount in my experience. A petpeive of mine is trashy, frayed and un-cared for strings and cables. Carrying your bow in your hand with the string facing down is 100% a no go unless its covered. The last thing you want hitting the rocks is your string if you stumble. I recommend a lightweight cover/sling at all times until it's go time. It may not have happen to you yet but if you bowhunt enough you will damage a string unless you keep them protected. Ruining a hunt is one thing but extremely dangerous using bows with damaged strings/cables. So yes, I think a sling or cover is necessary as long as it protects the string/cables

THIS^^^^

Protest those strings and cables. And check everything over after going through thick cover. A small twig derailing a string or cable can ruin your hunt. Don't ask how I know.

 

[d_wit22]

My weapons are on my pack 90-95% of the time. I don't not use a sling but use a cover. Protecting your strings and cables is paramount in my experience. A petpeive of mine is trashy, frayed and un-cared for strings and cables. Carrying your bow in your hand with the string facing down is 100% a no go unless its covered. The last thing you want hitting the rocks is your string if you stumble. I recommend a lightweight cover/sling at all times until it's go time. It may not have happen to you yet but if you bowhunt enough you will damage a string unless you keep them protected. Ruining a hunt is one thing but extremely dangerous using bows with damaged strings/cables. So yes, I think a sling or cover is necessary as long as it protects the string/cables

So what cover do u recommend?

 

[southpa]

The lightest one I could find was the bow cover set from kuiu. I don't particularly use kuiu but their bow cover is light and works great to protect your bow.

 

[southpa]

I just checked and it appears they no longer make them but this gohunt one looks comparable. Only 6 ounces

GOHUNT Compound Bow Sling

GOHUNT Compound Bow Sling The GOHUNT Compound Bow Sling provides ultralight protection while making it easy to carry your bow for long days in the elk woods. The durable Cordura cam ends are perfect for busting brush while keeping your cams and string safe.

shop.gohunt.com

 

[turbobrick]

I've got the SoloHntr cover/sling and been real happy with it.