Although different types of tobacco are packed slightly differently, the general rule to packing a pipe is to do so in three stages. As you start to fill your pipe, think of a family of three — a father, a mother and a child.

1. Fill the bowl to the top and then press down on the tobacco lightly, as a child would.

2. Fill the bowl again and press down on the tobacco more firmly, as a mother might.

3. Then fill the bowl once again to the top and then press down on the tobacco very hard, as the father might do.

After the third fill and the father’s touch, the tobacco in the bowl should be springy. You are now ready to light your pipe!