I'm always surprised at how little pipe smoking I do when I travel. When I plan a trip, I visualize myself stepping out on a balcony with a view of the shore, puffing gently on a tasty blend and surveying the scene. Instead, usually I am headed to the car, train, or plane, and hustling luggage, and doing or seeing whatever is on the agenda. Smoking is an afterthought, and frequently consigned to a hedge or bench adjacent to a parking lot or other less than ideal place. Nonetheless, I nearly always select at least three or four pipes to take along, including one cob and at least several briars, usually mostly mid-size, and mid- or lower-price, maybe one smaller bowl for shorter smokes. Likewise, I'll take along at least two or three blends, an already open tin or two, and maybe a pouch and or plastic bag as well, along with matches and some of my older, less treasured pipe tools, and pipe cleaners (always more than I'd need). Here's a list of likely suspect pipes: Kaywoodie author Ruff-Tone; PTM Greek red stain straight briar pot; Yello-Bole straight panel billiard Checker; Jerry Perry handcarved bent billiard (risking the artisan pipe is an indulgence); MM diplomat cob with Forever stem. I tend to use a Walmart nylon shaving kit as a pipe case, instead of a lovely leather Savinelli case, to discourage theft. I use a bandana for padding and to buff the pipes. All this said, I would consider taking one of my major pipes for a special situation where I was sure I'd have time and place to smoke; I'd risk it if the circumstances promised a great situation. When I've visited Queens, NY, at the home of a couple whose male partner is an avid pipe smoker, I'll take along at least two better big-bowled pipes, including one that is a gift from this couple. Special situation where we smoke in the living room.
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