How to Pack a Tobacco Pipe: Windy City Cigars

First things first, you must know that when we mention “packing your pipe”, what you will actually be packing is the bowl. In truth, there are probably a hundred methods for packing a pipe. Nevertheless, there are only 2 principles you must apply for any method you use to work. These principles are:

1. The tobacco at the bottom of the bowl must allow for free airflow.

2. The tobacco at the top of the bowl must be packed firmly enough to stay

lit.

Once these two requirements are in place, whichever method you have applied in filling your bowl should work out seamlessly.

Now, in this post, we will be detailing the tried-and-true 3-layer method for packing and lighting a tobacco pipe.

The Three-Layer Method.

This method is exceedingly popular among pipe smokers because it ensures a consistent pack throughout the bowl which helps to reduce mid-smoke relights. A perfectly packed bowl like this will always produce a great smoke every time.

What You’ll Need:

A pipe
Pipe tobacco
A tamper
Matches or a soft flame butane lighter (Note: avoid torch lighters as these burn too hot and could crack the bowl).

The Process:

Start by sprinkling loose tobacco into the bowl until it mounds over the top.
Press the tobacco down with your finger until it is compressed to the bowl’s halfway point.
Repeat sprinkling the tobacco and then press it down to the 2/3 or 3/4 level.
Repeat sprinkling the tobacco one last time and press down till it is just below the rim of the bowl.
Take a draw on the stem.
If the draw has a similar resistance to sucking soda through a straw, you have packed your pipe correctly.
If the draw feels like an empty straw, you have packed it too loosely.
If the draw feels like a thick milkshake, you have packed it too tight.
Circulate a soft flame lighter or match around the top of the tobacco while blowing a firm, steady puff through the stem.
The tobacco will rise during this initial lighting causing the pipe to go out. This is called the charring light.
Re-tamp your tobacco lightly and re-light.
The pipe should stay lit with minimal effort. When the draw eventually loosens up, lightly tamp the tobacco to keep the pipe going.