Daniel Ebner, March –
Traveling with Archery Equipment: Tips for Protecting Your Gear
As an archer, there’s a good chance you’ll need to travel with your equipment at some point. Whether it’s a short drive to a local shoot, a road trip across several cities for a state tournament, or even flying to another state or country for a competition, how you pack, protect, and transport your gear can impact your success. Over the years, I’ve learned that the condition of your equipment matters—if it gets damaged, lost, or left behind, your entire tournament experience could change.
Traveling by Vehicle
For most archers, driving to tournaments is the most common form of travel. The best way to protect your bow and accessories in a vehicle is by securing them in a soft or hard bow case. Hard cases offer the most protection, while soft cases are more lightweight and convenient.
Proper arrow storage is crucial for both safety and preventing damage. Most bow cases include dedicated arrow storage, but if yours doesn’t, consider using a hard arrow tube or wrapping your arrows in a thick blanket or padding.
When loading your equipment into a vehicle, avoid placing it where it could fall or slide around. I once traveled to a tournament in Las Vegas and noticed that some archers strapped their bow cases to the top of their vehicles. While this may seem like a space-saving solution, it increases the risk of damage or even losing your gear. If possible, keep your equipment inside your vehicle to protect it from the elements, theft, or unexpected mishaps.
Flying with a Bow
Flying with archery equipment comes with its own challenges, but archers do it all the time. Here are the most important things to keep in mind:
- Bows cannot be carried on the plane and must be checked as luggage.
- Check airline regulations ahead of time to understand their specific policies on archery equipment.
- Use a sturdy, lockable case. Some locks are TSA-approved, meaning security officers can open them if necessary.
- Keep your bow in its case at all times in public places like airports and hotels unless TSA requests to inspect it.
- Handle your case carefully. Avoid dropping it or bumping it against hard surfaces, as even a well-padded case may not prevent damage from a strong impact.
Keeping Your Equipment Safe While Traveling
One of the biggest concerns when traveling with archery gear is theft. Leaving your equipment in a vehicle for long periods can make it a target, so take precautions:
- If you must stop while on the road, park in a well-lit area and keep an eye on your vehicle.
- Don’t leave equipment in extreme temperatures. Heat and cold can affect your bow’s limbs, string, and other components. Bring your gear inside as soon as you reach your destination.
- Do a post-travel equipment check. Once you arrive, take out your gear and inspect everything to ensure it made the trip safely. This not only helps prevent surprises but also gives you confidence as you prepare for competition.
Conclusion
Although traveling with archery equipment requires extra planning, following these simple precautions can help ensure your gear arrives safely and ready to perform. Whether driving across town or flying across the country, taking the time to properly pack, secure, and protect your bow and accessories will give you peace of mind—so you can focus on shooting your best.
