I smoke a pipe and find it very relaxing and enjoyable. Since most guys don't usually inhale when pipe smoking, the addiction level is quite low. Most pipe tobacco is low in nicotine compared to cigarettes. Cigarette tobacco is mainly made from Burley tobacco which has a mild taste, high in nicotine and has no sugar in it. Plus, cigarette tobacco has "fillers" and other "additives" that are not good. Cigarette smoking is also inhaled making it a lot more addictive. I used to smoke cigarettes for a long time but quit. I haven't noticed any addiction problems with pipe smoking since I don't inhale. I can go days without smoking and never notice any addictive problems, so it doesn't interfere with bow hunting.
Most pipe tobacco is usually a blend of two or more different tobaccos. I like English blends the most. Pipe tobacco is a lot cheaper than cigarettes and I buy it in bulk at a discount when offered. I just bought 2-pounds of Larry's Blend. Then, I cellar it in canning jars to keep it fresh and let it age a bit for better flavor. One can buy a couple good pipes without spending a lot of money and kick back, enjoy a 30-minute smoke and mediate on life.
There is an art to packing the pipe, lighting the pipe and smoking the pipe. It can be difficult at times to keep it lit but after some practice, it becomes easier over time. Some types like aromatics can be more difficult to keep lit due to higher moister levels. I don't usually smoke aromatics, so I don't have a lot of problems with moister. I stick with English blends mostly but will try most any pipe tobacco if offered.
