9 Ways To Trash Your Vape In The Great Outdoors

If you're an ex-smoker who's turned to vaping, your e-cig could be the only thing standing between you and insanity. Trashing your device is the ultimate nightmare, especially when you're miles from civilisation.

The great outdoors can seem as if it's designed by a superior power specifically to ensure that you fall over and break anything that you might really need. So, what hazards are lying in wait for you when you take your next hike - and is there anything you can do to avoid disaster? Because not getting your nicotine fix or flavoursome puffs would be a genuine disaster!

1. Walking on rocky terrain

You know that old saying about bread always falling butter side down? Well, in a vaping context, devices that get dropped on mountain trails always hit rocks on the way down. You could be forgiven for thinking that there are magnets in craggy rocks that pull your device inexorably towards them. Sadly, this means that if you drop your vape on a mountain trail, it'll definitely hit a rock, and your tank will almost certainly break.

Never tackle rocky trails while holding your device. Keep it somewhere safe, and only vape when you stop for a breather. Place a protective band around your tank, and always carry a spare e-cig with you. Better still, invest in a shockproof device. A vape with a lanyard would also prevent you from dropping it.

2. Paddling in rivers

There's something so inviting about a crystal clear mountain stream that the temptation to paddle could be overwhelming. But if you paddle while vaping and then slip, guess where your vape is going to end up? Even if your device appears to be working after a trip to the wet stuff, it's dangerous to use an unprotected battery that's been immersed in water, and you can kiss goodbye to your device if it doesn't have a waterproof casing.

If you can't resist a paddle, put your device in a plastic bag and store it in your rucksack or pocket. You need the plastic bag because, on top of dropping your e-cig in the river, you might fall in yourself and then everything you're carrying will get wet.

You could also consider purchasing a waterproof device such as the Inookin Adept Zlide that could survive a dunking. It's worth noting that waterproof e-cigs may have one of three waterproof ratings, as follows:

IP66 (completely dustproof and withstand powerful jets of water.)
IP67 (completely dustproof and can withstand temporary immersion in water)
IP68 (completely dustproof and can withstand complete and continuous immersion in water)

3. Slipping on tree roots

Guess what? There are trees in forests. And that means there are exposed tree roots on forest trails. These become extremely slippery when wet and could cause you to take a tumble. If you fall over with your device in your hand, you never know where it'll end up. But sod's law dictates that it'll be somewhere where you can't see it or in a puddle that ruins your battery.

Don't be tempted to vape while walking in the forest. Keep your e-cig somewhere safe until you take a break. If you need to vape, stop for a minute and store your vape safely before continuing. Consider investing in a brightly-coloured device you can see easily, or a waterproof model. Red and orange are the most visible colours in undergrowth.

4. Catching walls and fences

If you're given to vaping while walking, take care not to wave your hands about. It is all too easy to catch your e-cig on a wall or fence and that can knock your mouthpiece off or crack your pod. The real trouble here is that you might not notice what you have done until a few minutes later and then you won't know where to look for your drip tip, if it has flown off.

Keep your device in your pocket and stop when you need to take a puff. Always carry a spare mouthpiece or spare device.

Getting wet in the rain

Batteries don't like water and so it's best if you protect them from rain. You should tuck away your device in wet weather, but even doing that can be problematic. As the Scandinavians say: there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing. And when it comes to vaping, they're right. You'll find that low-cost waterproof clothing isn't waterproof at all; it's water-resistant, and not very resistant at that. You could find that any hardware you put in your pocket gets very wet indeed and ceases to function.

When rain is forecast, put your vape in a plastic bag and place it in an inside pocket, if you have one. A waterproof device would also be a great idea.

6. Hiking at altitude

The higher you hike, the thinner the air and that can cause issues when vaping. If you're a cloud chaser, you'll find that vapour production is reduced. Therefore, you'll experience weaker nicotine hits. Of course, you need to reach high altitudes before you notice these issues, and a walk up Snowdon shouldn't cause you any problems. But if you're considering an assault on the Inca Trail or a hike to Everest base camp, then be prepared . Your device may not work at all at the highest altitudes.

These issues won't trash your e-cig, but remember that low air pressure can cause your tank to leak and that could impact your battery. Leaking juice may also result in an empty tank that leaves your wicking dry and prone to burning.

If your hike could take you to high altitudes, carry a spare device with an empty tank and if your primary device runs into problems, don't vape with the spare until you have descended to 2,500 metres or lower. Always carry a replacement coil in case you accidentally burn your wicking.

7. Walking on sand

Coastal paths, dunes and beaches are wonderful places for walking but aren't great for vapes. Sand will worm its way into any equipment, especially when the wind is blowing. You need to be careful when topping up your tank, as that's when sand is almost guaranteed to find its way in. It can also gather around the thread of a top-fill tank, making it hard to screw on your drip tip. Sand will start clogging your mouthpiece and will fill it completely if you drop your device. As such, it's best not to vape when walking on sandy terrain and it's definitely worth carrying your device in a plastic bag or a case as sand will also find its way into into your pockets.

A dustproof device would be an excellent investment, as would a cap for your drip tip.

8. Hiking in cold weather

Freezing temperatures can impact both your device and your e-liquid. A cold battery will not function well and will lose its charge more quickly than at room temperature. Your battery could also take longer to recharge. Condensation can easily form, and moisture may render batteries dangerous to use. To make matters worse, cold temperatures can cause the VG in e-liquids to thicken. This can result in it becoming difficult to pour juice into your tank. In addition, e-liquid might struggle to reach the wicking in your coil, and this will lead to your coils burning out.

Always keep your vape somewhere where it's protected from the cold, such as in an insulated pocket or a case. Never leave vaping hardware in your car overnight and try using e-liquids with a lower ratio of VG. Hiking in cold weather.

9. Adventuring in hot weather

Electronics and heat don't mix well. Lithium ion batteries can overheat and then fail in extreme temperatures. When you're out and about, it isn't always easy to keep your e-cig suitably cool.

Never leave your device in a car or next to anything that conducts heat, including metal tables and sand. Don't store your e-cig in your bag and then rest the bag on these surfaces either. Take care not to overcharge your device, as it'll heat up before you even set off. If your device starts to feel hot, stop using it and rest it somewhere shady where it can cool down.

Your battery might emit a high-pitched squeal when it is about to overheat and fail. Therefore, you should never use your device if you suspect your battery may be failing. If you throw your battery away because it's overheated, do so carefully, as it could start a fire.