Join us for a deep dive into the world of cloud chasing and competitive vaping. Our helpful guide has everything you need to know in one place, including what it is, why vapers enjoy it, and how to do it. Additionally, explore our product recommendations for cloud chasing, all in one easy-to-find place.

Cloud chasing is where vapers use specific techniques and equipment to create large, thick clouds of vapour. Since originating in the US West Coast in 2012, the practice has garnered many fans, who hold official competitions to find a champion cloud chaser.

Equipment

When trying to cloud chase you need to make sure you have the right equipment to produce dense vapour:

• E-liquids: In order to cloud chase you will need a high VG e-liquid, as it is a thicker consistency, which produces denser clouds. We recommend going for a VG content of 70% or over. Your e-liquid should also have a low nicotine content as high concentrations can be overly harsh directly on the lung.

• Device: To cloud chase you will need a sub-ohm device which is compatible with DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping. The wattage of your vape is also important when cloud chasing. You will need a high wattage device as this heats your coil quickly and to high temperatures which produces more vapour.
  
  

• Airflow: To cloud chase you need adjustable airflow, the more airflow you allow the bigger your clouds of vapour will be. Airflow is also important for temperature control, as although higher temperatures create more vapour, this can sometimes cause discomfort. To avoid this make sure you set your airflow to high when you are vaping at higher temperatures, as this will cool the vapour.
  
  

• Coils: Opt for a low resistance, sub-ohm coil, this provides a higher wattage, allowing you to heat your e-liquid to higher temperatures. Hotter e-liquid allows for faster e-liquid evaporation and bigger, denser clouds.

Before adjusting your resistance settings/ customising your own coil you will need a basic understanding of Ohm's law. This is a formula used to determine the relationship between the voltage, current and resistance in a closed electrical circuit. In short, ohms law is the voltage of your device divided by the resistance equals the current. Ignoring this law can cause overheating and short-circuiting and can be dangerous. You should also install a safety chip to help prevent overheating.

• Mods: Many cloud chasers find adding a high power mod to their vape levels up their cloud production. Make sure you get a regulated mod with high wattage capabilities ( 100W and over).

• Tanks and RDAs: Sub-ohm tanks and RDAs, aka rebuildable dripping atomizers can also help you with cloud production. 
  

Advanced Equipment

• Wicking: Cloud chasing requires specialised coil wicking techniques to produce bigger clouds while avoiding dry hits.

• Coil building: Some advanced vapers build their own heating elements using resistance wire and wicking materials like cotton. This allows them to heat their e-liquid to even higher temperatures. Again, when building your own coils it is important for safety to have a basic understanding of Ohms law.
  

Step 1. Adjust your airflow: For cloud chasing it is best to fully open your airflow as this cools the vapour, allowing you to inhale more into your lungs.

Step 2. Inhale directly into your lungs: You will need to inhale directly into your lungs (DTL). This will help you inhale more vapour, producing bigger clouds. It is important to ensure you inhale directly into the lungs rather than letting it sit in the mouth. 

Step 3. Control your exhales: ensure you are exhaling in a controlled and gradual way. This allows more vapour to gather, creating thicker clouds. 

• Direct-to-lung inhalation: This creates more clouds as you fill your mouth, throat and lungs with vapour.

• Smoke rings: Exhale O shaped rings of smoke. To do this create an O shape with your lips as you exhale. You need to push the vapour out using your throat, not your lungs, many vapers think of it as a slight cough.

• French Inhale: Exhale the vapour out of your mouth and then inhale it through your nose. To do this take a deep drag into your mouth, then slowly push the vapor out of your mouth. As you do this, inhale deeply through your nose. This trick will take some practice.

• The dragon: Exhale from both your nose and mouth at the same time.

The Vaper Expo UK

Hosted in Birmingham, The Vaper Expo UK has a range of cloud chasing competitions, as well as freebies from all your favourite brands. This year the event runs from the 8th to the 10th of may.

Local Gatherings

Many cloud-chasing competitions are less organised, meaning you can't get official tickets. To find a local cloud-chasing competition try facebook vaping groups.

Everything you'll need to begin your cloud chasing journey.