I "lunt" about 99% of the time, at least in the winter. I don't smoke in the house, and it's too cold to sit on the balcony so, it is what it is. I do sit down in the summer though, outside, and almost always read. I found that I can handle wind up to 17 mph without any problems. (Yes, I have experimented). The pipe smokes faster, but it doesn't get too hot, etc. Never had a burn-out. I use a Zippo when it's windy.