HOW TO PACK YOUR PIPE

Before lighting your pipe, it is imperative to acquire the skill for properly loading tobacco into the bowl. The technique used in loading, can significantly affect the smoking experience, including aspects such as draw and tobacco combustion. Therefore, it becomes a crucial skill to master. Below, we will try to provide you with some useful guidelines for packing a pipe correctly and achieving perfect draw and combustion.

Prepare your pipe and tobacco 

Before you begin, make sure your pipe is clean and free of any tobacco residues. Place a few grams of tobacco (around 3 or 4 grams, but the quantity can vary significantly depending on the size and shape of the pipe) on a clean surface and try to shred it to achieve a uniform consistency. If the tobacco is too moist, you can let it air for a few minutes before lighting (only with experience will you be able to determine the right level of moisture for the tobacco, but initially, it's better to start with tobacco leaning towards dryness, with just a slightly noticeable humidity, to facilitate combustion).

Also, consider removing any large pieces of tobacco that are sometimes found to ensure even combustion throughout the smoke.

First layer of tobacco 

Start by inserting a small amount of tobacco into the bowl (about one-third of the total), placing it at the bottom and avoiding exerting pressure, except for a very light.
 After each layer, perform a draw test. After the first draw, there should be minimal resistance. If you feel excessive resistance at any point, we recommend removing all the tobacco and starting again.

Middle layer of tobacco 

Now add another pinch of tobacco (about one-third of total) and press slightly with slightly more force than the previous layer, maintaining elastic resistance. At this point, the pipe should be filled to about two-thirds. A draw test should reveal just a barely noticeable resistance.

Final layer of tobacco 

Repeat the previous step, filling the pipe until the tobacco overflows. Exercise caution when pressing the last layer, applying more pressure but avoiding excessive force. After this final layer, the tobacco should be aligned with the edge. A draw test should have only slight resistance. If it feels too tight, start over to avoid an unpleasant smoking experience.

Additionally, consider checking, perhaps using a pipe cleaner, that the air passage is perfectly clear. In fact, even a small piece of trapped tobacco could disrupt the proper draw and, therefore, your smoking experience.

Now, if all the steps have been done correctly, you can light the pipe.