Pipe-Up, Fourth & Fifth Congress, October 2012
Pipe Packing is a bit like sex. Everyone has their own technique and everyone thinks they know how to do it best.
The goal of any well packed bowl of tobacco is to smoothly burn through it all without requiring additional lighting. As noble an aspiration as this is, it is typically unlikely given the randomness of many factors including your tobacco, pipe, moisture content, wind, smoking style, packing style, etc. Before starting your packing, run a pipe cleaner through the stem clearing any ash or debris that might get in the way of a good burn.
The technique I’ve been subscribing to is the 3 tier technique. Scoop a full bowl of tobacco into your pipe and then pack it down firmly so that the top is below the halfway point in the bowl. Remember that the tobacco needs to be tightly packed enough so that touching bits can light each other as you are providing the oxygen. Using a tool is recommended to make it easier, cleaner and so that you do not look a cretin. Blow into the pipe to make sure you have not packed too tightly and air will be able to flow.
Refill the pipe again and this time pack it a little less tight to about three fourths full. You should be able still easily blow through the pipe. Finally, top it off with one last fill with the lightest packing so that the tobacco is just below the brim of the pipe. —Just remember: Firm, medium & light is the way to pack your pipe.
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