Cloud chasing transforms vaping from a simple nicotine delivery method into a form of expression and performance art form. Whether you’re curious about those massive clouds you’ve seen online and in the streets or ready to start your own cloud-chasing setup, this guide covers everything you need to know.
TLDR: Cloud Chasing in 30 Seconds
- Cloud chasing is the art of producing the largest vapor clouds possible, requiring a high-power setup and specific techniques
- You need a powerful mod, a Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer (RDA), low-resistance coils, and high VG (Vegetable Glycerin) e-liquid
- The technique involves a deep Direct-to-Lung (DTL) inhale, fully open airflow on your device, and a slow, steady exhale
What is Cloud Chasing?
Cloud chasing is the practice of creating the largest, densest vapor clouds from a vaping device. Unlike standard vaping that focuses on flavour or nicotine satisfaction, cloud chasing treats vapor production as either a hobby or competitive sport. Success requires specific hardware, high VG e-liquids, and proper inhalation techniques working together to maximise vapor output.
Nicotine content is usually of lesser concern when discussing cloud chasing, as the e-liquids used are always low-strength or 0mg out of necessity from the massive inhalations.
How to Cloud Chase: 4 Steps to Bigger Clouds
Step 1 – Use a Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Inhale
Take one quick, deep breath directly into your lungs for 3-5 seconds, bypassing your mouth. Think of it like breathing in fresh air rather than sipping through a straw.
Step 2 – Maximise Your Airflow
Open the airflow vents on your atomiser completely to allow more air to pass over the coils, creating larger clouds. More airflow means cooler vapor and bigger clouds.
Step 3 – Perfect the Exhale
Exhale slowly and steadily. Keep your mouth slightly open and do not purse your lips to let the cloud expand naturally. Push the vapor out gently rather than forcing it.
Step 4 – Maintain Good Posture
Stand or sit up straight to ensure maximum lung capacity for a deeper inhale and bigger cloud. Poor posture restricts your breathing and limits cloud size.
The Essential Cloud Chasing Setup
Vape Mod/Box Mod
Your cloud chasing setup forms the foundation of your success. High-wattage, dual-battery regulated box mods provide the power needed whilst offering safety features crucial for beginners. These devices protect against shorts, overheating, and battery issues that could otherwise pose risks.
Geekvape Z200 Mod
Dual 18650, 200W maximum output, AS-CHIP 3.0 chipset, five user modes including Power, Smart, TC, VPC, and Bypass modes
RDA
Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers (RDAs) excel at cloud production thanks to their large build decks and wide airflow channels. RDAs allow direct dripping onto the coils, ensuring maximum vapor production without the limitations of tank systems.
Deathwish Modz ReGenesis
28mm diameter with unique inverted-crucifix dual posts, includes squonk pin, Ultem components for temperature control, designed specifically for massive cloud production
Geekvape Talo X
24mm with postless deck design, dual-coil capability, includes squonk pin, Ultem drip tip for temperature comfort, wide workspace for easy coil installation
Wotofo STNG
Advanced dual-post build deck with optimized airflow channels, precision-engineered for maximum vapor production
Low-Resistance Coils
Low-resistance coils, particularly Fused Claptons or similar designs, provide the surface area needed for massive clouds. Quality builds ensure both performance and safety. Poorly built coils can cause hot spots or shorts, ruining your cloud chasing experience and, in the worst-case scenario, damaging your vape mod.
UD Pre-Built Clapton Coils
0.6Ω resistance, 10-pack design for DIY builders, engineered for enhanced surface area and vapor production
Tip: If you don’t want to be fiddling around with finicky vape components, potentially causing a mess or worse, and carefully applying e-liquid every time you want to vape, then sub-ohm kits are for you.
Best E-Liquid for Clouds: A High VG Guide
VG/PG Ratio Explained
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) creates thick, dense vapor clouds due to its molecular structure. For cloud chasing, use a minimum 70/30 VG/PG ratio, though “Max VG” juices (typically 80-90% VG) produce the best results. The higher the VG content, the thicker your clouds.
Optimal Nicotine Level
Stick to 0-3mg nicotine strength. The DTL inhale style delivers large amounts of vapor directly to your lungs, making higher nicotine levels extremely harsh and potentially overwhelming. Many cloud chasers use 0mg e-liquid to focus purely on vapor production.
Our E-liquid Recommendations for Cloud-Chasing
Bombo Remaster Crema Santa
A rich and deliciously sweet dessert vape juice with a very smooth inhale that’s perfect for clouds, 70VG
Dr. Vapes Dessert Series Unicorn
A sumptuous and smooth fruity dairy plunge of flavour, 80VG
Supergood Uncommon 2
A unique blend of tea and fruit flavours for those less keen on pudding blends, 70VG
How to Practice Safe Cloud Chasing
Master Battery Safety
Only use high-drain batteries from reputable brands with intact wraps. Understand your mod’s battery requirements. Damaged batteries pose serious risks, including venting or thermal runaway.
Know Your Ohm’s Law (Or Use a Regulated Mod)
Use a regulated mod with built-in protections. Regulated mods calculate safe operating parameters automatically.
Stay Hydrated
Vaping, especially cloud chasing, can be dehydrating. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sessions. VG absorbs moisture, so proper hydration prevents dry mouth and throat irritation.
Keep Wicks Saturated
Always ensure your wicks are wet with e-liquid to prevent a “dry hit,” which is harsh and can damage your coil. Check your wicks between inhales and re-drip as needed.
Your Path to Bigger Clouds
- Successful cloud chasing combines the right technique, a purpose-built setup, and high-VG e-liquid
- Always prioritise safety, especially regarding your batteries and coils, over cloud size
- Start with the basics and make small adjustments to your technique and setup to find what works best for you
Cloud chasing rewards patience and practice. Focus on safety first, then gradually improve your technique and equipment. With the right approach, you’ll be producing impressive clouds whilst enjoying this unique aspect of vaping culture.
FAQ Cloud Chasing
What makes cloud chasing enjoyable?
When compared with conventional MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping, cloud chasing is a wildly different beast! While the former is often used as a more affordable, healthier alternative to smoking (replicating the “hit” of cigarettes with added flavour), the latter prioritises the amount and quality of the vapour you inhale and exhale.
As you are drawing a lot of thick vapour directly into your lungs, the duration of each individual vape is considerably longer than, say, what you get from an MTL starter kit. This all makes for a much “fuller”, more flavoursome vaping experience.
Not only this, but, due to the amount of vapour users can manipulate, cloud chasing allows for a plethora of vaping skills and tricks—hence it being considered a sport!
Ultimately, it’s difficult to properly convey the pleasures of cloud chasing with words. It is such a unique experience that you really have to try it for yourself to appreciate how enjoyable it can be.