How to Properly Pack Your Pipe Tobacco
The right way to pack tobacco is to know that the density of the bowl must change as well: loose at the bottom, medium in the center and firm at the top. The gravity fill method is a good place to begin: Fill up the chamber until the pipe overflows, tap the sides of the pipe gently, add more tobacco and press down slightly until the bowl is half full. The first light pack establishes significant air flow channels near the draft hole. As for the second layer: Add more tobacco, MUXIANG push down a bit more, and press down so that the container is about three-quarters filled. The final layer requires gentle caress. Add just enough tobacco to form a thick cap that holds the ember with a sponge-like effect.

Many experienced pipers say you can do the "sponge test": after packing, press on the tobacco lightly and the tobacco should spring back a bit.