This aint rocket science guys… but for the people that are looking for a second opinion on tobacco storage here you go.

I’m writing this assuming you have read this : http://www.hookahreport.com/2012/02/acclimation-is-all-in-the-wrist/

There are two primary types of storage containers, air tight and not. You might be saying, “DUHH dude thanks for telling me that”. Depending on what you are smoking, you might find that different tobaccos do better in different containers. The Odessy Lounge, the one owned and operated by the guy who invented Tangiers, uses containers that are not air tight. This is done specifically for the NOIR tobacco. Since the container is not air tight, the tobacco is constantly acclimating it self. I personally think that this type of storage is best for non washed tobacco. Keep in mind that he tobacco can dry out and lose its flavor faster in these types of containers.

The other side of the sisha coin is the airtight containers. I prefer the ones that come from your moms house – those are free. If you don’t have a 1950’s house wife to rob, you have a few other free options.

Beyond being airtight or not, there are two subcategories, shallow and deep. Seasoned vets will tell you that shallow containers are the way to go. Since a shallow and flat container has a large surface area, the shisha sits in its own juices and the flavoring has less of an opportunity to separate from the tobacco. In a tall container, the juices can settle to the bottom leaving the shisha the top nearly dry while the tobacco at the bottom is trying to float away. I recommend, no matter what style of containers you choose to use, stir the shisha before loading a bowl. By stirring the tobacco, you prolong the life of the tobacco and prevent flavor loss.

The other Free Options

Save all those containers you get from the grocery store. Whether its the Cool Whip container or the salsa jar, they can all be reused again. Containers for Cool Whip and Cottage Cheese aren’t going to be airtight and are usually pretty big. Cool Whip containers are my number one choice of hobo container. The salsa and pickle jars are also very respectable recycled and air tight options . Though, they do fall short in my book because they have a small surface area making them hard to get a fork in them to stir the tobacco.

Sto’ Bought

The dollar store is the first place to go looking for this kind of a thing. I’ve seen the exact same containers in Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, and the grocery store ranging from $1 – $4.99.

I use something like this. They are airtight and shallow. If shisha gets into the groves around the side they will no longer be airtight but I like to think of it as the option to be airtight or not.

Finally there are mason jars. They can be picked up from random places like garage sales and antique malls. They are my least favorite type of storage system for two reasons. The first, is that the rubber seal around the top of the jar will absorb the smell of the tobacco and it takes a long time to dissipate. The second reason, is that they, like the salsa jar, are smaller and make stirring the tobacco difficult. If you find one for a dollar or two they make great back up storage.