Cigarettes are consumed by almost every other person nowadays. 22% of adults on average smoke on a daily basis. But have you ever seen someone slap a cigarette pack against their hand before opening it? You might’ve wondered, what’s the point of that? If yes, then you must be curious. Is it just a nervous habit? Is it a smoker’s superstition?
Well, the act is called “packing a pack of cigarettes.” And yes, it has more purpose than just looking cool.
In this article, we will learn about how to pack a pack of cigarettes and the reason for it.
What Does “Packing a Pack of Cigarettes” Mean?

Packing a pack of cigarettes means that after you buy the cigarette box, you tap or slap it before opening. This helps the tobacco inside each cigarette settle and compress more evenly.
How Should You Properly Pack a Pack of Cigarettes? 5 Easy Steps

Packing a pack is easy. You don’t need tools, just your hand and the cigarette pack. Here are five simple steps to take:
- Purchase a Pack of Cigarettes
First, buy a new pack of cigarettes. Then, after purchasing, make sure that you always pack a new, unopened pack without removing the outer transparent covering. If it’s already open, the cigarettes can fall out when you tap it.
To remember: Packing a pack of cigarettes is only done right when the cigarette box dimensions are accurate and the box is made of cardboard.
- Hold the Pack in the Preferred Hand
Grab the pack of cigarettes in your preferred hand so that you can easily hit it with some force.
To Remember: The filter end (the side you smoke from) should be facing down.
- Tap the Pack on Your Palm of Your Hand or Some Object
This can be done in two primary ways:
- Hold the pack with your thumb and fingers and lightly slap the bottom against your open palm.
- Gently tap the filter end of the pack on a table or desk.
If you get confused, then let’s say if your preferred hand is your right hand, you can hold the custom cigarette box in your right hand and apply the force from your right hand. It is up to you, though, if you wish to strike it on a level surface. Do this 5–10 times. You don’t need to go overboard. It’s about firming, not crushing.
- Rotate the Pack Upside Down
Some people like to rotate the pack between taps or give it a quick shake. This is optional and varies by personal preference. - Open and Light Up Your Cigarette
Now open the pack, pull out a cigarette, and give it a try. You’ll likely notice it feels a bit denser and burns more evenly.
Why Do People Pack Their Cigarette Packs? Is There Any Specific Reason Behind This?

There are a few reasons people pack their cigarette packs, and they range from the practical to the personal:
- To Prevent Loose Tobacco or Burning Issues
Unpacked cigarettes can sometimes be a little loose, especially near the end. When you light it, bits of tobacco might fall out or burn unevenly. Packing helps avoid that. - To Get a Firmer Cigarette While Smoking
A packed cigarette feels sturdier when you hold it and usually smokes more slowly. That can make the experience last a bit longer. - To Ensure an Even Burn Till the End
Unevenly filled cigarettes might canoe or burn faster on one side. - It’s a Ritual Believed by the Smokers
Let’s be real, smoking has a ritualistic element to it. For some, this is just a ritual. - It Feels Satisfying for Smokers
There’s something oddly satisfying about the rhythmic tapping sound or the feel of the pack bouncing off your palm.
Pro Tips to Follow the Best Way to Pack a Pack of Cigarettes
If you’re new to this, here are a few helpful tips:
- Don’t overdo it. Too much tapping can make cigarettes too tight.
- Use a firm surface if needed. If your palm feels too soft, a table edge works just fine; just don’t smash the pack.
- Try packing just one cigarette. Some people prefer to pack a single cigarette by tapping just the tip against a table or flicking it lightly. It’s faster, especially for loose singles.
Is Packing a Pack of Cigarettes Necessary? Or Just Do it Without Any Purpose
No, it’s not required. Many cigarette brands today pack their cigarettes in custom cigarette boxes. However, some cheaper or loose tobacco brands may benefit more from packing.
Reality of Packaging Cigarettes Myths

Let us clarify some common misconceptions regarding this practice:
Myth: Some People Say That Packing Makes a Cigarette Stronger
Not exactly. Because packing makes it denser, it may burn more slowly and smoothly, but the flavor and nicotine content remain unchanged.
Myth: Some claim that packing extends the life of cigarettes.
Yes, its duration may be somewhat increased by tighter packing, which typically results in a slower burn.
Myth: Packing ruins the Cigarettes
No, it will be damaged only if you pack too hard. Gentle tapping is enough. Slamming the pack like a hammer can bend filters or crush cigarettes.
Possible Downside to Packing a Pack of Cigarettes
Although packing has its supporters, not everyone is a fan. Here are some possible drawbacks:
- If you go overboard, the draw can become stiff.
- If only one side of the pack is tapped, some cigarettes in the box may feel different than others.
- For some adults, it’s just an extra step that doesn’t make a noticeable difference. So they don’t prefer it.
Final Conclusion
Packing a pack of cigarettes might seem like a small thing. But for millions of people, it’s part of a daily ritual. They do it daily. Just to be sure that the cigarettes remain packed with tobacco and offer the best smoking experience to them.
FAQS
Is there a point to packing cigarettes?
Yes, packing helps compress the tobacco to prevent it from falling out or burning unevenly.
Does packing cigarettes make them last longer?
Not really in terms of quantity, but it can help them burn slower and more evenly.
How effective is cigarette packaging?
Cigarette packaging protects the product and serves as a powerful marketing and legal warning tool.
What is the correct way to pack cigarettes?
Hold the pack firmly and tap the bottom against your hand several times to settle the tobacco.
How to pack a cigarette?
Tap the filter side gently on a hard surface or flick it with your fingers to compact the tobacco.
What to do with a new pack of cigarettes?
Many people pack it by tapping it before opening to prevent loose tobacco and improve the burn.
Is It Still Useful to Pack a Pack of Cigarettes?
Packing compresses the tobacco, helping cigarettes burn smoother and stay intact.
Why do people hit their pack of cigarettes?
They tap it to pack the tobacco tighter so it burns smoother and doesn’t fall apart.
How to pack soft pack cigarettes?
Hold the soft pack firmly and flick or tap the top (filter side) repeatedly against your palm.
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