420 is almost here—and if you're planning to make the most out of it, now’s the time to think about how you’ll enjoy your dry herb. Are you someone who loves the smooth, filtered experience of a water bong? Do you prefer the social ease of passing a joint around with friends? Or maybe you're all about keeping it simple and discreet with a compact pipe?
No matter your experience level, your choice of gear can totally change the vibe of your session. And with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we’ve pulled together a breakdown of the three most popular dry herb methods—bongs, joints, and pipes—so you can explore their differences, weigh the pros and cons, and decide which one fits your routine, lifestyle, and 420 goals best.
Whether you're looking for smoothness, simplicity, portability, or a social experience, this guide will help you find the perfect match.
Bong: Smooth, Potent, and Cool
A bong is a water-filtration device that cools and filters the smoke through water before inhalation. Bongs are especially popular among users who enjoy bigger, more potent hits with less harshness on the throat. With a wide variety of designs—from simple straight tubes to complex percolator systems—bongs cater to those who enjoy a smoother and more refined dry herb session.
Pros:
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Smoother Hits: The water cools down the smoke, making it less harsh.
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Stronger Effects: Bongs often deliver bigger hits, resulting in quicker effects.
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Reusable: Easy to pack and repack without needing new materials.
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Variety of Designs: Available in a wide range of sizes, materials, and percolator types for customized sessions.
Cons:
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Less Portable: Not ideal for on-the-go use.
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Needs Cleaning: Water chambers need regular cleaning to prevent buildup.
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Breakable: Glass bongs can be fragile without proper care.
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More Storage Space: Not as discreet or compact as other options.
Read more about our Ultimate Guide to Bongs Here.
Joint: Classic, Convenient, and Social
Joints are hand-rolled dry herb wrapped in rolling papers—easy, familiar, and great for group settings. This method is deeply rooted in dry herb culture and continues to be a staple for its simplicity and shareability. Whether you're enjoying a beach day or heading to a festival, joints are lightweight, low-commitment, and great for passing around.
Pros:
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Portable: Lightweight and disposable—easy to take anywhere.
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No Equipment Needed: Just paper, a filter tip, and your dry herb.
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Shareable: Ideal for social settings and group sessions.
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Customizable: Choose between flavored papers, cones, or blunt wraps for different experiences.
Cons:
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One-Time Use: Requires constant rolling and materials.
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Can Be Harsh: Especially if rolled too tightly or if the paper burns quickly.
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Less Efficient: Some dry herb is lost through combustion and side-stream smoke.
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Takes Practice: Rolling the perfect joint takes time to master.
Read more about our Pre Rolled Cones 101: Your Ultimate Guide
Pipe: Quick, Compact, and No Fuss
A dry herb pipe is a simple handheld device with a bowl and mouthpiece—perfect for a quick session. Pipes appeal to users who want something low-maintenance, discreet, and fast. They are excellent for micro-dosing or short breaks, and they fit easily into a pocket or bag, making them ideal for solo use and travel.
Pros:
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Ultra-Portable: Small and discreet, great for travel.
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Easy to Use: No rolling skills or extras required.
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Fast Sessions: Load, light, and go—no prep time needed.
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Durable Options: Available in metal, silicone, or thick glass for extra durability.
Cons:
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Harsher Smoke: No filtration like bongs or water pipes.
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Frequent Cleaning: Residue can build up quickly in the bowl.
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Limited Capacity: Smaller bowls mean more frequent reloads.
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Less Flavorful: May lack the enhanced flavor experience offered by water filtration or slower burns.
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?
| Style | Best For | Not Ideal If You... |
|---|---|---|
| Bong | Home use, smooth & strong hits | Need portability or travel-friendly gear |
| Joint | Social sessions, portability | Don’t want to roll or waste dry herb |
| Pipe | Quick solo sessions, minimal gear | Want smooth, filtered smoke or large bowls |
Ultimately, the best option comes down to how, where, and with whom you like to enjoy your dry herb. Many enthusiasts keep more than one option on hand, so feel free to mix and match based on your mood and setting! Trying different methods can also help you appreciate the subtle differences in flavor, intensity, and ritual that each tool provides.
Legal Disclaimer: The Green Box does not condone, promote or incite the use of any illegal substances or to get anyone in conflict with their region or state laws. The use of smoking products is only to be used for medicinal herbs, Tobacco, Souvenir, and Educational Purposes.
