Summer — a time for BBQs, beach trips, and fun in the sun. But with summer fun comes summer heat, and a unique set of challenges for our beloved hobby. Our own Kayla Ivan explored this topic in a previous post, but now that we're deep in the dog days of summer, we wanted to discuss some additional things to keep in mind while enjoying your favorite blends this summer.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

It's important to stay hydrated at all times, but particularly in the blistering heat, and especially while smoking. Not only does the smoke itself dry out your mouth, nicotine's stimulant properties can lead to unexpected fluid loss, which, compounded with blazing summer temperatures, can cause dehydration. Keep a water bottle on hand or incorporate a refreshing beverage, like tea or lemonade, into your backyard smoking ritual to replenish your fluids.

Mind Your Tobacco

Elevated summer temperatures can wreak havoc on humidors and jarred tobaccos — high humidity can impart too much moisture to blends, and too much sunlight can rapidly dry them out. To combat this, check your tobacco's humidity levels regularly — ideal moisture levels being between 18 and 22 percent. Utilize Boveda and Humid-Start packs to stabilize and control your blend's moisture levels for optimum freshness.

Additionally, it's best practice to make sure your tobaccos are kept in an airtight jar, like a tobacco jar or CVault, and away from direct sunlight.

Mind Your Pipe

Heat can have catastrophic effects on pipes themselves as well — ruining finishes, damaging accents, and straining briar. Avoid leaving your pipes in direct sunlight or particularly hot environments, such as a car, glovebox, or uncovered porch.

Moreover, mouthpieces, especially those made of vulcanite, are particularly susceptible to blistering temperatures. Too much sun and heat can, at best, oxidize a vulcanite stem, leading to discoloration, and at worst, can completely warp the stem, rendering it unusable. It's best to wipe down stems after use, but it's paramount during the summer months. Pay extra attention to stem maintenance: Regularly clean your pipe's airway with pipe cleaners, wipe residue from the stem, and oil your mouthpieces with obsidian oil.

Mind Your Skin

While everyone enjoys a bowl outside, whether at a friendly get-together or alone with nature, the sun can blister more than your pipe's finish, so it's important to be mindful of the powerful UVs. Seek shade where available, and try to avoid smoking at peak hours — between 10 am and 4 pm — when the sun is at its most intense. Experiment with smoking at different times of the day — evening and morning, when temperatures are milder and the sun isn't as brutally oppressive. And remember to always use sunscreen and reapply it regularly.

Mind Your Smoke

Summer weather calls for a summer blend — a smoke that's appropriate for the heat and sun. We've written extensively about the best summertime smokes, and the variety of options available. Some of our summer-friendly favorites include: Cornell & Diehl's Sunday Picnic, a light Virginia blend with unparalleled flavor; Captain Black's Original, a vibrant Aromatic with a sweet flavor profile and a delightful room note; and G.L. Pease's Key Largo, a balanced English featuring Red Virginias with small-leaf Orientals and a measure of Cyprus Latakia.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, and your summer smoking. Sound off below on your personal summertime smoking habits, as well as your preferred summertime blends.