Windy Days

[exbenedict]

So I was at lunch today at a Chipotle sitting on the patio, and after eating I fired up my pipe for an after lunch relaxation before heading back to teach the unteachable heathens on campus. I noticed that with it being a VERY windy day here in North Texas that not only was the pipe burning extra fast, it was getting WICKED hot to the touch. I found myself having to set it down every few minutes and let it go out intentionally to keep it from getting way too hot to not only handle but to smoke without having a jet engine in my mouth. So I guess my question is this, I know windscreens exist and are a thing, but before I go invest in a few to try out, do they really work, are they a pain to use, is it worth the investment and time to deal with? I have never used one so I have no clue. Thanks for the info!!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Not a pain, and they work wonders.

 

[akfilm]

Not a pain to deal with when it's windy! They are great, and super super cheap, I have gobs of them. $2 for a fancy one, and well worth $2 to save an expensive pipe from burning through.

 

[mso489]

A wind cap yes, and learning to use trees, buildings, berms, etc., to give you shelter from the wind to light and relight. Also, using a deep bowled pipe and filling it only partly full, and also cupping your hand around the bowl to extend the chimney helps too. It's sport to smoke in the wind, but fun when you get it right, kind of akin to flying a kite, interacting with the wind. I would take your expensive pipes out there, just the good old sturdies.

 

[warren]

The clip ons work fine but, in a gale the pipe can still get hot. I don't clench in the wind and carry the pipe with my hand shielding the bowl when the wind really kicks up.

 

[doctorbob]

Orlik hurricane pipe, I've got one and it works a treat in the wind.
Doc

 

[theloniousmonkfish]

I don't clench in the wind and carry the pipe with my hand shielding the bowl when the wind really kicks up.

Same here. The rare occasion I get to enjoy a pipe indoors it seems something is missing, the wind works for me.

 

[jpmcwjr]

If it's really howling, you can press a flat piece of wood, cardboard, or other non-flammable material onto the rim. When drawing, leave it in place, just relieve the pressure.

 

[theloniousmonkfish]

I use the matchbook when lighting to push the jumpers back down since my fingers are busy with a lit match and tamper. Haven't caught one on fire yet

 

[cortezattic]

Smoking a folded flake will help slow down the burn rate. Heck, being in the wind is the only way I can get a flake to burn satisfactorily! :lol:

 

[exbenedict]

Interesting. Thanks for the info!

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

It was indeed a windy day in North Texas, as is often the case this time of year. A wind cap does indeed help, but won't fit some pipes with a wide chamber.

 

[workman]

I definitely need one. Very windy out here in the Atlantic.

 

[ukbob]

Use them all the time when I'm out fishing.

 

[akfilm]

Yes, I will say, most of the time I have no idea where my caps are and I use a "cap of opportunity", sometimes this is a cupped hand, I've used small rocks, leaves, sticks, bark, a seashell...the list goes on.

 

[olkofri]

Stupid question: must you take the windscreen off to relight? (I have a couple of windscreens, and I'm one of those whose pipe is constantly going out. Mostly, I use the screens as a pipe cap when I must put the pipe out and go indoors.)

 

[unkleyoda]

Smoking a folded flake will help slow down the burn rate. Heck, being in the wind is the only way I can get a flake to burn satisfactorily! :lol:

In really windy conditions smoke Samuel Gawith folded flakes. That stuff has enough asbestos in it to make them wind proof.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Stupid question: must you take the windscreen off to relight? (I have a couple of windscreens, and I'm one of those whose pipe is constantly going out. Mostly, I use the screens as a pipe cap when I must put the pipe out and go indoors.)

You needn't, but it's a very good idea.
Constantly going out? Dry your tobacco more before loading.