How to Roll with Papers and a Filter

Quick Answer

If you have papers and a filter, use the filter as a support to hold the paper, then put your blend inside the paper. From there, pack it down slightly, tuck and roll, then lick it and stick it.

I started out rolling without a filter, and I quickly came to realize that rolling with a solid filter makes the whole experience infinitely better. The filter sets the diameter of the roll, directly impacts airflow, burn consistency, and how much the roll can hold.

What Does the Filter Do?

Filters improve both the rolling process and the smoking experience by providing structure and modulated airflow. They also set the size of your roll.

When you start your roll, you'll place the filter on the inside crease of the paper and pick them both up together. This gives you the space where you will place your blend for your roll.

The bigger the filter, the more capacity. We created a chart on how much fits in each filter size as a guide if you'd like to check that out.

Filters also give character to your rolls. There are many different types of filters you can buy, from single use to reusable. If you're looking to spice up your rolls, check out these reusable filters and their ultra unique designs.

Filters also naturally moderate airflow and keep loose bits out of your mouth. Paper filters tend to be less consistent at successfully filtering and moderating airflow, although they are still very helpful for rolling.

Step by Step: Roll with a Filter

Prepare your materials

• Break up your blend to a medium consistency
• Lay out your paper with the filter on your side of choosing (I prefer right side)

Pick up your paper with the filter inside the crease

• Hold the paper with the filter inside using your pointer finger and thumb
• There should be a space open that looks like a canoe where we will put the blend
  

Fill up canoe portion and shape the blend

• Pack your blend inside the canoe portion; slightly overfill the paper, then shape it evenly
• The goal is to have it slightly larger (10%) than the filter
• Shape the blend by packing it with your finger then connecting the paper over the top of the blend and rolling the tops together

Tuck and roll

• Start the tuck at the filter end first, since it acts as the anchor for the roll.
• Using your thumb and pointer finger, roll the paper up the filter until your thumb tucks in.
  
• Once you catch the roll, proceed tucking up the rest of the roll along the blend.

Lick and stick

• Stick the paper by lightly pressing your tongue along the sticky portion of the paper
• Check out this article on how to stick paper best if you're having issues with your paper sticking

Pinch the top

• Add a little more blend to pack the top in if there is too much space
• Most people twist; we recommend pinching the top, pushing in to the blend, then lightly twisting
  • This gives more of a flat top to light more evenly

Common Rolling Mistakes

As you learn how to roll, focus on fine-tuning the following:

• Packing density

  • Starting out, my rolls were always a little too loosy-goosey. The solution was to add more than I thought I needed.

• Weak spot right by the filter

  • Some rolls are weak right by the filter. This can be fixed by adding a bit more blend close to the filter and packing it down tightly.

• Filter slipping out

  • Try these; your filters will never slip out again.

• Roll burning unevenly/canoeing

  • I've fixed this in the past by very slowly lighting the roll as I twist it. Give it a few strong cigar puffs once it's lit.
  • Avoid filters with restricted airflow; they are more likely to cause canoeing.
  • When you first pack the blend down, make sure it is radially symmetric throughout.

Choosing the Right Filter Size

Choosing the right filter size depends on how much blend you want to use and how open you want the draw to feel. Smaller filters (8mm) are best for compact rolls, while larger filters (10mm-12mm) increase airflow and capacity.

Click here for our full guide to reusable filters, including how much fits in every filter size.

Why Rolling with a Filter Is Easier

Rolling with a filter gives you a structured starting point. The paper wraps around a fixed diameter, which makes the tuck easier and gives the roll more stable of a shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a filter to roll?

No, you do not need a filter to roll. However, just about any filter you choose will make rolling much easier and smoking more pleasant.

What size filter should I use?

Use an 8mm filter for smaller/individual rolls (1 gram); use a 10mm filter for daily use (2 grams); use a 12mm filter for larger, king-size rolls (3+ grams).

How do different filters affect airflow?

Paper filters offer less consistent airflow control so they can be a bit harsh. Reusable filters have varying airflow. Filters with an array of small holes are more likely to be clogged from resin buildup.

It's best if the filters have some air control and are tested to make sure they don't become clogged.

Wrap It Up

Filters make your rolling experience better, so if you're rolling with them, keep it up. Make sure you pack tightly by the filter, choose your filter size accordingly, and keep on rolling.