Wind Cap and Packing Pressure

[scoboypipe]

Hello all,

I was doing some typical pipe multitasking, which is of course smoking (in this case some Irish flake) and letting your mind wander and I had a thought; does anyone pack a little lighter in anticipation of using a wind cap?

I exclusively smoke outdoors so I use a wind cap for just about every smoke and have this never given it much thought (which I'm assuming is going to be the most common answer). I'd imagine that a wind screen would increase the overall resistance of the pipe, albeit seemingly in a very small way, and this my mind did wander.

Thus I came to ask the collective pipe-mind if you will.

Edit: I accidentally hit post when I went to edit a spelling mistake mid-sentence.
Edit 2: spelling and grammar

 

[warren]

I pack my pipe and, if a cap is necessary, cap it. I try not to over think the pipe and keep the experience simple.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Never noticed a difference in smoking when I still used a cap.

 

[kcghost]

I couldn't use a wind cap on a bet.

 

[solideogloria86]

To echo Embers and Warren. I have never packed a pipe in anticipation of using a windcap. Just pack as usual and apply the cap when needed. Never noticed a difference with the cap on or off.

 

[cigrmaster]

I have never owned a wind cap. If I was smoking outside it would be in a light breeze. I wouldn't smoke my pipe outside in a strong wind as I was paranoid the pipe would get too hot and cause a burnout. I clench almost all the time so by the time I realized the pipe was burning way too hot it might be too late. Would a wind cap protect the pipe in a strong wind?

 

[jpmcwjr]

No, a wind cap is useless over about 15-20 Kts.

What folks can do when the breeze starts, er, "freshening" is clap a match book** over the rim and carry on. You don't even need to remove it when taking a draw; just loosen the clamp and smoke away.

** Doubtless there are many better "caps"- a piece of leather, cork, wood, etc. cut in a disk. And if the pipe has a layer of ash, it's probably not too hot for the hand.

HTH

 

[Casual]

I'd imagine that a wind screen would increase the overall resistance of the pipe

I’m not sure this is true. If it allows far more air volume through than the stem or the packed chamber, would It really add any noticeable resistance?

 

[sandollars]

I’m not sure this is true. If it allows far more air volume through than the stem or the packed chamber, would It really add any noticeable resistance?

If one’s draw is strong enough to add resistance when a cap is in use, you should rethink your technique.

 

[nolan613]

Never used a wind screen but have cupped my hand over the bowl until I could get to a sheltered spot.