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Dabbing essentials: the best dab rigs and gear

Torches, nails, carb caps and more — a rundown of everything you need to launch yourself into the cannabis stratosphere

Dabbing seems much more intimidating than smoking weed. There’s a lot of stuff involved — compared to just flicking a lighter over a glass pipe, dabbing can feel like prepping for surgery at times.

Torches, dabbers, nails, carb caps… it’s enough to make a newbie just skip it entirely and go buy an overpriced $60 vape cartridge to scratch their concentrate itch. Don’t let this be you!

We have prepared a handy guide to everything you need to get the most out of your concentrate experience and help you understand what all the fuss is about. Here are the five essentials for dabbing:

1. A Dab Rig

This is probably the most important part of the equation, as there is literally no way to dab without it. When we say “dab rig” (a.k.a. oil rig), we are referring to the modified water pipe that has become the go-to for dabbing. Instead of a connector for a typical glass bowl like you’d have on a bong or bubbler, you have either a male or female glass joint (14 mm or 18 mm usually) which is intended to hold a nail (more on that later). This allows you to heat up the nail and place the concentrate onto it, which causes vaporization.

The most important things to consider when buying a rig are function, water volume, portability and durability. Whether you want a tiny little rig that fits in the palm of your hand or a hulking behemoth intended to sit on a coffee table as an art piece, it really comes down to personal preference. Smaller rigs with less water will give a more direct hit with lots of flavor, while larger, more ornate rigs with higher water volumes tend to provide smoother hits with a slight loss of flavor. Be mindful of the design of the rig, because anything top-heavy will likely take a spill at one point or another. So if you are dabbing in a higher-traffic environment, look for something low-profile with a heavy, sturdy base and thick walls.

You can find rigs at any head shop as well as a variety of online retailers. One suggestion: Go to a quality glass shop where they will let you try the piece with water inside of it. Although you won’t get to test it with a concentrate, you can actually see how it feels, because some people prefer a very easy pull and others like a little bit of resistance. Pricing varies, starting as low as $30 for the cheapest, tiny, Chinese-made production rigs (stay away from those if you can afford to). Mid-grade options run $75-$250 or so for most American-made production glass. Costs can run up well into the high hundreds, thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars for one-of-a-kind pieces by the leading glassblowers, many of which could sit in museums. One thing is certain: there is definitely a perfect oil rig out there for you, it just may take some trial and error.

2. A “Nail”

There are two main types of nail on the market these days, domeless titanium nails or quartz nails, often called “bangers.” Stay away from borosilicate glass nails entirely, as they break easily and can shatter under intense heat, which could be dangerous. The term “domeless” just refers to the early generations of nails, which required a glass dome to surround them and catch the vapor. The industry has since mostly moved away from this setup, which requires additional pieces and coordination, in favor of the domeless arrangement, in which the vapor is sucked through a hole or slit down into the rig.

There is definitely a debate in the concentrate community about whether titanium or quartz is the better choice for dabbing. In my opinion, they are mostly interchangeable, but many connoisseurs swear by quartz as the surface of choice for the best flavor and also because of concerns about titanium oxidation at high temperatures as titanium nails degrade with improper use. Also available are more advanced composite versions that are both titanium and quartz, which seem to be getting rave reviews for truly being the best of both worlds. In general, though, titanium is more durable than quartz, which can break if it was improperly made or was just dropped onto a hard surface — if you’re spending $50-$150 on a nail, maybe opt for titanium if you’re extra clumsy. Quartz nails are more expensive in general ($75-$200). Again, there are Chinese options that can be as low as $30; if you go that route, buy a few of them because they will break eventually.

3. Carb Cap Dabber

The days of the cheap artists’ clay-sculpting implements or dental tools used as dabbers are long past — the carb cab + dabber combo is the way that most veteran concentrate consumers have gone in the last two years. The dabber part of the equation is simple: You just need an implement to get your concentrate onto the surface of the hot nail.

The dabber of choice depends on whether you consume dry, crumbly concentrates or those that tend to stick to the dabber (i.e. sap, shatter, soft budder). Dry concentrate is easier to scoop, so opt for a wider, spoon-like dabber; if you primarily dab shatter or oils, you can get one that is more like a flathead screwdriver or a ballpoint tip.

The carb cap is an essential piece for those looking to maximize their flavor retention when dabbing. After heating up the nail, it’s best to allow it to cool a bit before dabbing so you’re not sucking down 900-degree vapor. The carb cap allows you to let it cool more than you would be able to otherwise because when applied, it serves to cover the nail’s surface, creating an oven-like environment in which the concentrate will vaporize more easily. This means you can dab at 550-600 degrees instead of at 700+, which allows you to capture more of the volatile terpenes (i.e. smell and flavor) which would be lost at higher temperature.

4. Dab Rag/Mat

Though you can certainly dab without these things, your house will possibly become a sticky nightmare, coated in oil that spatters off the nail, stray dabs that fell and immediately stuck to the table, etc. These days, many companies make custom-designed dab mats that can also serve as a place to wipe off your dabber.

Getting a washable one is advised (you’ll probably need to soak it in isopropyl alcohol to really clean it fully) and make sure it’s large enough for your rig to sit on top of while having enough elbow room to accommodate dabbers, containers of concentrate, etc.

The mat (which is generally an oversized mousepad) is primarily to keep your rig from breaking in the event it gets knocked over, but it also can protect the surface underneath from stains. A silicone baking sheet from a housewares shop would also do the trick.

5a. Torch

This is probably the scariest part of the dabbing experience for the uninitiated. Heating a piece of glass or metal with a torch conjures up unsavory images of all kinds of other drugs, but it is a begrudgingly necessary part of the experience for those who don’t have $250-plus to spend on an e-nail. Go to your local head shop or home store and look for a culinary-style torch that stands up on its own, generally of medium size, with a strong enough flame to get the surface red-hot but no giant metal barrel (those get extremely hot to the touch). Torches run $30 to $100 depending on size and quality. Remember to purchase some refill butane, as they are not filled at the stores. Perhaps the primary and undeniable bonus of going the torch route is you can caramelize the top of a crème brûlée and then enjoy it after a dab sash.

5b. E-Nail

This is only essential for those who really love concentrates and the incredible flavors they can provide and are willing to invest a little bit more to get the best experience possible. Instead of using a torch to heat the nail, an e-nail (a.k.a. “electronic nail”) works as a consistent, adjustable heat source that keeps your nail at a constant desired temperature.

The key advantage of an e-nail over a torch is that you can truly customize your dabbing experience — if you are looking to get every last morsel of concentrate in a strong, supremely potent vapor, you can leave it around 700 degrees, while if you are looking for a smooth, super flavorful hit, you can set it as low as 500 degrees and use a carb cap. Keep in mind that lower temperatures often mean you don’t fully vaporize your concentrate, so if seeing a puddle of oil being wasted kills you and your wallet, make a compromise and go to 625 or so.

The only real disadvantage of an e-nail — aside from the extra price and limited compatibility with existing nails — is that it is not portable and has to be plugged into an outlet. Resourceful stoners have now started using backup batteries (like the ones you would take on a trip to charge your phone between stops) to power their e-nails. So, if you see some guy in the woods, crouched with a backpack blowing out giant vapor clouds, that’s what’s up.

A variety of companies make these, and you can now find them for as cheap as $150 for a made-in-China version — you generally get what you pay for with these, though, and the recommendation is to go with a model from a reputable company, which will set you back more like $250-$300.

Now, Get to Dabbing!

So whether you are looking to go the cheapest, easiest possible route to dabs or take the longer, more satisfying road that involves added equipment and expense, there is an answer out there. If you’re lucky enough to have friends who dab regularly, get their opinions on the rigs and nails that they’ve used and look at it through your own lens. Dabbing is as personal and customizable as a smoking experience gets, so feel free to experiment and you’ll surely find a combination that meets your needs.

Ten best hikes in Alberta

DON’T BE ONE OF THOSE tourists who sees a province through a car’s windshield. The best way to explore Alberta’s landscape is on two feet. From short, easy walks around blue-green lakes to demanding treks up muddy paths, these hikes have the best eye-candy the province can offer.

Crypt Lake – Waterton Lakes National Park This popular six-hour hike near the Canada- U.S. border starts with a 10-minute boat ride across Waterton Lake. Once on dry land you’ll travel up switchbacks as you graduate 700 metres. Before reaching turquoise Crypt Lake, you’ll test your climbing skills as you hoof up a short ladder and shimmy into a 40-metre rock tunnel, making your way forward by holding a steel cable. Make sure you’re back in time for the return boat!

The Valley of the Ten Peaks – Lake Louise During mid-summer, hikers cross meadows filled with wildflowers. In the fall, the larch trees turn a brilliant gold, looking magnificent in the sunlight. But the real payoff on this full-day, moderately difficult hike is the sight of the 10 mountain summits, all more than 3,000 metres.

Aylmer Lookout – Lake Minnewanka area You’re about to enter grizzly country. This moderate to difficult 22-kilometre hike starts at Lake Minnewanka and ventures through spruce and lodgepole pine trees, delving into the furry beast’s territory. Don’t forget your bear spray — it’s mandatory on this trip. From the Aylmer Pass Junction, take the left trail toward Aylmer Pass. Follow the signs to Aylmer Lookout (once a forest fire lookout), where views of mounts Inglismaldie, Girouard and Aylmer await.

Bow Summit Lookout – near Banff Don’t let the crowds scare you off. This sixkilometre hike is well worth the throngs of people at Peyto Lake. From there you’ll head uphill to a three-way junction: take the middle path and continue up the mountain. From the top, panoramic views of Peyto and Bow lakes and the rest of the valley are sure to delight.

Grassi Lakes – Canmore/Kananaskis Climbers rejoice! This one-to-two-hour hike features views of waterfalls, shallow caves and people hanging off a rock-climbing wall. Skip the easy route and navigate the dense forest of the difficult trail. You’ll be glad you did when stunning views of Ha Ling Peak, Canmore and two stunning aquamarine lakes greet you. Watch out for chipmunks and squirrels, which target hikers’ packs for easy pickings for food.

Geraldine Lakes – near Jasper You’ll be scrambling up steep walls and hopping across rocks on this challenging hike up the narrow Geraldine Valley. For advanced hikers only, the route also involves climbing beside waterfalls and bushwhacking across fields with not much to guide you other than occasional cairns or markers. Keep an eye out for porcupines, which have been known to nibble on hiking boots left at rest sites.

Lake Agnes – near Lake Louise This three-hour moderate hike winds through forests, with scenes of Lake Louise and the Rocky Mountains peeking through the trees. Watch for horses and riders on the trail — if it’s muddy, the animals can slip and slide into you. Once you’ve reached the quaint, electricity-free teahouse, enjoy some homemade soup and hot chocolate. Those who want to continue up to the “Beehive” summit are rewarded with sights of Lake Louise and the Bow Valley.

Johnston Canyon – near Banff Catwalks and staircases get hikers close to the limestone bedrock deep within Johnston Canyon. At the Lower Falls, a short tunnel gives hikers a close vantage point of the waterfalls, though not a dry one. Continuing past the Upper Falls, you’ll find the Ink Pots — mineral springs that are a constant 4 C, with a basin made of quicksand. It’s best to make the trek in the early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds at the waterfalls.

The Plain of Six Glaciers – Lake Louise This full-day, moderate-effort hike pays off in a big way. From the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, follow the shore to the back of the valley. Have your camera ready to snap shots of hoary marmots and mountain goats. If the teahouse is open, snack on some homemade baked goodies and listen for thunderous avalanches rumbling down mountains. One more kilometre farther, at the lookout, you’ll see glaciers and peaks galore.

Great Divide Trail – Maligne Lake to Jasper This strenuous, 55-kilometre journey will have you dropping calories while admiring dramatic landscapes, with 25 kilometres of the route above the trees. Wolves, mountain lions and woodland caribou make the area their home, so occasional animal sightings are expected. More likely, you’ll spot a grizzly bear off in a distant meadow. Book well in advance — this hike is very popular.

Proper Cannabis Storage

Storing medicinal quality marijuana correctly keeps it fresher longer. It’s up to you to protect your precious pot from natural enemies, such as mold, humidity and exposure to light.

Nothing beats a freshly cured batch of sticky buds, perfectly ripe and ready to smoke or vaporize. The problem is that, over time, that same stash can go bad in a number of different ways. How you approach this process and choose to stash your stash will be the difference in whether you’re still enjoying those same nugs months down the road. Cheap plastic sandwich bags are no place to keep your medicine. First of all, the buds will get crushed with any movement of the bag in your pocket, bookbag or purse. This creates a powdery mess of shake at the bottom of the bag and breaks apart the flowers you’re hoping to keep intact. Also, odors permeate easily out of plastic baggies, even sealable ones. Aside from the issue of security and stealth, this permeation is also indicative of your buds losing scents and flavors, both obvious and subtle, to the air. If odors are getting out, that means moisture is released as well, resulting in dried out buds that lack flavor and burn harsh and unevenly. A small amount of moisture is essential to long term cannabis storage and buds that dry out completely taste unpleasant as well as being less potent. Envelopes and tin foil have no place in cannabis storage. Never.

Jar It Up The best storage solution is to use airtight glass jars. These are available in almost any hardware or container store and are typically used by homesteaders for canning fruits and pickling vegetables among other things. The sealable kind are always better than ones that don’t close securely. Be sure to select an appropriate size for the amounts of cannabis you plan to store. You don’t want too much extra space in your jar because extra space means extra air, which will end up drying out your buds faster. Always store your jars in a cool dark place such as a cabinet, closet or drawer. Light degrades TH (the main active ingredient in your medicine) reducing the potency of your pot drastically, so don’t leave jars meant for long term storage out on countertops or coffeetables. Small opaque or dark colored jars will protect your buds from light, which makes them ideal for your smaller amounts of table weed.

Fridge/Freezer? Never store your cannabis in a refrigerator as temperatures and humidity levels fluctuate too much and aren’t set at ideal levels to begin with. The freezer’s even worse, as temperatures below freezing can separate trichomes from you pot – and trust me, you want to hold onto those. A cool dark place is always better for long term storage than these household appliances. Also remember, heat rises and heat will quickly dry out your cannabis. So don’t store your jars in cabinets that are above appliances that produce heat like an oven, microwave or refrigerator. Now that you know how to properly store your cannabis, get growing so you can have something of your own to put away sometime soon!

BEST 5 WEED HIKES IN VANCOUVER

One of the most amazing things about living in Vancouver is its proximity to so much natural beauty. Nestled in a unique corner of the world, this city has beaches, forests and mountains, and all of it within a short drive of the city. This affords Vancouverites lots of opportunities to get out of the city and into nature, even if you only have a few hours to spare.

We’ve compiled a shortlist of some of the our favourite hikes near the lower mainland for a quick escape, ranging from easy jaunts to more challenging day hikes.

*Please remember that any of these hikes are prone to being less accessible during winter months, and you should always consider weather conditions before any hike. Also, bring food and water, tell someone where you’re going, wear appropriate clothing etc. Basically, just come prepared and don’t be a dummy.

Quarry Rock

Located in the picturesque waterfront community of Deep Cove, this hike is only about a half hour drive from downtown Vancouver, and is very manageable. Deep Cove is located at the beginning of the Indian Arm, a glacial fjord that feeds into the Burrard Inlet, and the community is situated around a beautiful harbor. A public beach park hugs the water, a great spot for a picnic, getting your feet wet, or having a discreet puff before or after your hike. When you drive through North Vancouver to arrive in the sleepy village of Deep Cove, you will see this park along the water on your left. There is a parking lot where you’ll find free parking, but this tends to fill up quickly, especially on the weekends so get there early if you want a spot!

The trailhead for Quarry Rock is located on a residential street just above the park, a block or two past the aforementioned public parking lot, on the left-hand side (if you’re confused, just Google it, or ask someone). The hike is about 4km, and the trail is very well maintained. It’s a popular spot, so expect to see quite a few people on the trail, particularly during peak times. It’s dog friendly (provided you keep your pup on a leash), and ends at a gorgeous lookout point over the Indian Arm and the harbor.

After your hike, we recommend checking out Honey’s Donuts for a donut and a coffee. It’s a great little spot that makes donuts in-house, and if you’re lucky yours will still be warm. It’s an unbeatable cherry on top of a really pretty hike, but be advised, they close at 5!

Dog Mountain

This slightly more challenging hike begins at the parking area for the Mt. Seymour ski area, and offers a spectacular view of the lower mainland. It’s about a 5 km round trip, and speaking from experience, we recommend real hiking boots for this one, as there are lots of exposed roots and rocks on the trail that can make it a bit tricky in a pair of Vans.

To get to the trailhead, park in the Mt. Seymour parking lot, and walk to the far northwestern corner of the parking area. You’ll see a BC Parks sign with trail information and maps, then follow a wide gravel trail for about 20 meters, where you’ll see a smaller sign indicating the trailhead going into the trees on your left hand side. The trail is well-maintained but can get slippery after a rainfall, so be aware of your surroundings on this one. On your way up, you’ll come to a small lake, aptly if unimaginatively named First Lake, after about a kilometer. Further up, the trail begins to get a bit steeper, and finally the trees open up to an impressive vista. On a clear day, you can see all of the greater Vancouver area, and even as far as Mt. Baker in Washington. It’s a beautiful spot for a well-deserved joint, and you can’t beat the view.

Eagle Bluff

If you’re looking for something a bit longer, Eagle Bluff also offers a great view with a little more challenge. This hike begins at the parking lot of Mt Cypress’ ski area, and is about 8 km round trip. This trail will take you through some beautiful scenery, including Black Mountain and Cabin Lake.

After parking in the ski area’s highest parking lot, walk past the lodge and you’ll see a wooden sign that outlines Cypress’ hiking trails. The trail you’ll follow to Eagle Bluff is actually called the Black Mountain Trail, and passes by Yew Lake, so this is a good point of reference on the map. Once you feel you’ve successfully gotten your bearings, walk towards the nearest ski lift, and look for a trail leading into the trees on your left side; this is the Black Mountain Trail. You will follow this trail’s clearly marked signs, taking a left at the first junction, then a quick right and another left (this is not as confusing as it seems, just follow signs for Black Mountain and you should be fine), and the trail will begin to ascend up a series of switchbacks, and then back into the woods. There are a few junctions at various points along this trail, so we recommend taking a look at the full directions over at Vancouver Trails for a more in-depth synopsis if it’s your first time on this route.

When you finally ascend the final section of trail, you’ll find yourself above West Vancouver’s Eagle Harbour, and on sunny days you can see Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. It’s a truly gorgeous perspective. On the way down, there is an option to take a different return route by following signs to the downhill ski area on your right as you descend. This is only a good option in the late spring and summer months when the ski area is closed and snow has melted, as it leads you onto the ski slope itself.

BCMC Trail

In an effort to cover all three North Shore mountains, our third recommendation is located on Grouse Mountain, also easily accessible from Vancouver. You can even take public transit to the base of this trail fairly easily; just catch the seabus at Waterfront Station which will take you across the inlet, and then hop on the #236 bus from Lonsdale Quay.

You may have heard of the Grouse Grind, a grueling 3 km uphill climb consisting of wide wooden stairs (it’s sometimes referred to as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”). Well, the BCMC trail is its lesser known sibling, located just east of the Grind and beginning in the same parking lot, at the base of Grouse Mountain’s Skyride gondola.

The BCMC trail is steep and challenging. Expect to take a few breathers on the way up, and make sure you stretch before and after, because it’ll give your legs a serious workout. It’s less popular than the often-congested Grind, though, so you can sweat your way up the slope in relative peace, without jostling with too many spandex-clad competitors.

One of the best features of this hike is that after the 3 km climb to the top, you’ll find yourself at the Grouse Mountain Chalet at the top of the Skyride gondola, where you can get a coffee, or a burger and a beer and sit on the beautiful patio surrounded by a view of downtown Vancouver and the surrounding area. It’s an incredible way to celebrate after a demanding trek. Even better, you can take the gondola down to the parking lot for only $10, enjoying the view all the way down while you take pity on your poor legs.

The Chief

If you have a bit more time and want to get further out of the city, try taking a trip to Squamish to the Stawamus Chief, a beautiful hiking area and world-renowned destination for rock climbers. About an hour from Vancouver on the Sea to Sky corridor (Highway 99), the Stawamus Chief offers incredible views of Squamish, Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot so be aware that it can be quite busy on weekends, particularly on days with good weather.

The Chief is another fairly challenging hike, with some quite steep sections. Be prepared to spend a good portion of your day getting up and back down. There are three peaks here, and you can do all of them in a day if you choose, or for a shorter hike you can climb only the South Peak, which still offers some pretty wonderful views.

The hike begins at the parking lot for Shannon Falls, just outside the town of Squamish. You’ll begin the hike on a wide gravel road, then up a few flights of steep wooden stairs until you reach the falls. After taking in the falls, which are quite beautiful, the real hike begins. Walk in the opposite direction of the falls until you reach a clearing, then go right. The trail is mostly dirt, with some sections of stairs along the way. There will be a couple of junctions along the path for different peaks. The trails are marked, but it pays to do a bit of research on Vancouver Trails before starting this hike. If you choose to to all three peaks, the hike takes about 5 hours, but the South Peak alone only takes about 3 ½.

Towards the top of the Chief, there is a section where you’ll have to use chains and ropes fastened into the granite to assist you in the final scramble to the summit. Be prepared for this; it’s not too difficult but it should be undertaken carefully and with the proper footwear as it can get slippery with rain or moss. The payoff is absolutely worth it, though, as the peak of the Chief affords hikers a phenomenal view from wide outcroppings of rock. It’s really a magnificent sight from the top, and you can see for an incredible distance on a clear day.

Well, that’s it, our top 5 hikes near Vancouver; we encourage you call a friend, fill up your Nalgene, grab some trail mix and get out there (and maybe roll a celebratory joint for the summit)!