Made for the Moment: Crafting Your Signature Setup
Your setup tells your story through the rolling accessories you carry and the hemp wraps you reach for most. We have spent more than 140 years around rolling papers and accessories, so we have seen how a simple kit can say a lot.
A signature setup does three things well. It keeps your gear organized, it supports a smooth and steady roll, and it reflects your personal taste. In this guide, we walk through the pieces that matter most, share how they work together, and use some of our own favorites as real examples of how a kit can come together without feeling overdone.
The Core of a Signature Setup
A strong setup starts with a simple core: grinder, rolling tray, rolling tips, paper cones for smoking, and hemp wraps you trust. Once those pieces feel dialed in, you can layer in extras like cases, ashtrays, and stash storage that match your routine.
Grinder
A grinder gives you an even texture, which helps every other accessory do its job. If your grind is clumpy or too uneven, cones and papers can crumple or pack in unexpected ways, slowing you down.
We like a grinder that feels solid in the hand and easy to twist. A piece like the Zig Zag Flower Mill grinder keeps the look minimal while delivering a consistent grind with minimal effort. The compact size fits in a small bag or on a tray, and the multi-piece layout helps keep everything in place.
Helpful details to look for in a grinder:
-
Teeth that feel sturdy instead of flimsy
-
A lid that closes smoothly without wobbles
-
Easy access to every section for quick cleaning
-
A size that fits your hand and your storage
Once you have a grinder you like, you stop thinking about it. It just works whenever you reach for it, which is exactly what you want from a core tool.
Rolling tray
A good rolling tray gives you a clear surface so you are not chasing loose bits across a table or couch. It also keeps your rolling accessories in one place instead of spread over a counter.
Our trays range from compact pieces like the Small Black Rolling Tray to larger options like the Large Vintage Blue Rolling Tray, each with raised edges that keep everything contained. If you like a tray with more personality, the Small Vintage Lanterns Rolling Tray or Large Tie Dye Rolling Tray can add color without changing how the tray works.
Practical reasons to keep a tray in your setup:
-
Keeps surfaces tidy so cleanup is quick
-
Gives tips, papers, and cones a home
-
Makes it easier to roll in small areas
-
Adds a flat base if you are on a couch or bed
Rolling tips
Rolling tips add structure at the end of your roll and keep the shape more consistent. They also protect the paper from getting crushed in a pocket or case.
If you like to shape your own, Original Rolling Tips come in slim booklets you can slip into any pocket or tray. For quicker setups, Pre-Rolled Tips remove that extra step so you can focus on the paper or cone itself. When you prefer a wider grip, Wide Rolling Tips give your roll a bolder base that still packs neatly.
Tips help your setup feel complete because they bridge the space between the paper and your grip. A small booklet of tips takes almost no room, but it changes how solid your finished roll feels.
Key reasons to keep rolling tips nearby:
-
Keeps the end of the roll from folding
-
Adds a steady grip so paper holds its shape
-
Helps papers and cones keep a round opening
-
Fits easily in any case or stash book
Once you have a grinder you like, you stop thinking about it. It just works whenever you reach for it, which is exactly what you want from a core tool.
Paper cones
Paper cones for smoking skip the shaping step, and let you focus on packing and finishing. For anyone who wants consistency and speed, pre rolled cones are a smart base to include in a signature setup.
Our collection of organic hemp cones gives you different sizes and pack counts so you can match them to how often you roll. If you keep things compact, the 1 ¼ organic hemp cones stay discreet and easy to share. For longer sessions, king-size organic hemp cones give you more room in the same familiar format.
Cones work especially well when paired with a tray and grinder, since a steady grind and surface help you pack each cone evenly from top to end.
Why cones belong in many setups:
-
Pre-shaped forms speed up the process
-
Consistent size makes packing more predictable
-
Great for people who like repeatable results
-
Easy to store in a stash book or tin case
Hemp wraps
Hemp wraps sit at the center of many signature setups because they change the entire feel of the roll. The material has a heavier hand than standard paper and often works well with slower, more deliberate sessions.
If you want to keep things organic across your kit, pairing hemp wraps with items from the all-natural organic collection page keeps your setup simple to shop and easy to restock.
Reasons many people keep hemp wraps in rotation:
-
Heavier material changes the feel of the roll
-
Works well for unhurried, social sessions
-
Pairs nicely with organic-focused accessories
-
Easy to carry flat in a stash book or case
Style Meets Function
Your setup works best when it feels like you. Style and function do not need to fight each other when you pick pieces that look good to you and make the rolling process easier at the same time.
Some people lean into a classic art-forward kit. A Zig-Zag Record Player on a shelf next to a Zig-Zag Old Pal Mini Tray and Glass Ashtray Vintage turns a simple corner into a low-key rolling zone. Others prefer a more minimal approach with a single Black Drawstring Bag that holds a grinder, tips, cones, and a lighter in one grab-and-go pouch.
Think about how your day looks. If you spend a lot of time at home, a larger tray like the Large Classic Rolling Tray or Large Paper Mix Rolling Tray can live on a coffee table and give you room to lay out everything. If you are always out, a smaller tray and a compact tin like the Old Pal case may make more sense.
Little style choices that matter more than people think:
-
Matching artwork across your tray, case, and skateboard deck
-
Keeping color tones similar for a calmer look
-
Mixing one loud piece, like a tie-dye deck, with simpler accessories
-
Choosing gear that fits in your usual bag or jacket pocket
Function should guide the final call. You can love how a tray looks, but if it never fits inside your backpack, it will probably live in a drawer. Your signature setup is the one you reach for often, not the one that only shows up in photos.
The Zig-Zag Approach to the Moment
A good setup saves you time without taking away the hands-on parts you enjoy. Convenience and craft can live side by side when you mix tools that automate small steps with tools that still feel manual.
For example, a Cigarette Roller 70MM can help you keep consistent shapes when you are in a hurry, while a larger Cigarette Roller 100MM supports longer formats. The Cigarette Roller 78MM sits in the middle for anyone who changes length often. Many people keep one roller in their main kit, then still roll by hand when they feel like slowing down.
Cones and wraps give you a similar balance. Cones handle days when you want precision without extra effort. Hemp wraps let you take your time, fold, and shape more by hand. Rolling tips and a solid grinder bring both sides together, since every roll benefits from a steady base and even grind.
Simple ways to balance convenience and craft:
-
Keep at least one shortcut tool like a roller or cone pack
-
Leave room for manual steps when you have more time
-
Use the same grinder and tray for both fast and slow setups
-
Store everything in one bag or stash so you are not hunting for parts
Your signature setup should feel ready for both moods. Some days you want quick and simple, other days you enjoy taking the longer route. A good kit never forces you into one pattern.
Turn Routine Into a Personal Ritual With Zig-Zag
Routine becomes ritual when your setup feels personal, consistent, and thoughtfully arranged. Zig Zag rolling accessories are built to support that feeling through reliable tools and art-driven designs that still earn their place in your everyday rotation.
A simple checklist for curating your ritual:
-
One grinder that never leaves your kit
-
One reliable tray for home, one smaller tray for travel
-
A steady supply of hemp wraps and cones in sizes you actually use
-
At least one stash solution like a Zig-Zag Stash Book, tin case, or pouch
-
A few pieces that show your taste, like specific tray art or a skateboard design
We think of a complete moment in three parts. First, your preparation tools like grinders, trays, and rollers. Second, your rolling materials like hemp wraps, cones, and tips. Third, your storage and lifestyle pieces like cases, bags, ashtrays, and even skateboards that show up in your room or on your wall. When those three layers fit together, your kit feels intentional instead of random.
Most people can build a solid setup with four main pieces. A grinder, a rolling tray, a pack of rolling tips, and either papers, hemp wraps, or paper cones for smoking cover almost every situation. Everything after that is a bonus. Cases, ashtrays, and bags make your life easier, but you can add those slowly as you learn what you reach for most.
Some people like separate trays for home and travel. A larger tray on a coffee table gives you plenty of room to lay out cones, wraps, tips, and a grinder. A smaller tray in your bag keeps things organized when you are out. Having more than one tray also lets you keep one cleaner and ready for photos or guests while the other takes the daily wear.
Size depends on how long you usually sit with a roll and how many people are sharing. Shorter wraps or cones work well for quick solo moments or short breaks. Longer or wider formats feel more at home in small groups where you have time to pass around the roll. If you are unsure, starting with a medium size like 1 ¼ gives you flexibility without committing to something too small or big.
Pre-rolled tips save a little time and keep each roll more consistent. If you often rush out the door or roll in low light, having a stack of pre-rolled tips can feel surprisingly helpful. Regular flat tips still have a place since you can fold them into custom shapes or sizes. Many people keep both, using flat tips when they feel like shaping and pre-rolled tips when they want to keep things quick.
A stash book hides in plain sight on a shelf or table. From the outside, it just looks like a hardcover, which can feel better for people who share a home or have limited storage. Insid,e you get compartments for papers, tips, cones, and sometimes a grinder. A tin or box is easier to toss into a bag, but a stash book works well as the main home base for your entire setup.
Skateboards are technically not rolling accessories, but they do say a lot about your taste. Many people hang Zig Zag decks on their walls as art next to their trays, ashtrays, and stash books. Others actually skate them, so their board and rolling kit share a style and color story. If you like a certain graphic, adding a deck can pull your whole setup together visually.
Each roller size supports a different format. A small roller fits compact papers that feel right for solo use or short breaks. A mid-size roller suits everyday rolls that you share with one or two people. A large roller helps form longer formats that stay consistent and straight. If you change formats often, owning all three sizes means you never have to force a paper to fit the wrong roller.
Glass ashtrays usually feel heavier and stay put on tables and counters. That weight makes them harder to knock over and gives them a more solid presence among your other accessories. The clear or tinted glass also catches light in a way that flat metal does not, which is nice if you leave your tray and ashtray out all the time. Metal still works well for travel or outdoor setups where durability matters more than looks.
Grinders tend to slow down when residue builds up around the teeth and edges. Giving it a simple brush after every few uses keeps things moving freely. Some people also tap the grinder gently over a tray to knock loose material out of tight corners. When the grind starts to feel sticky, that is your signal to give it a more thorough cleaning instead of forcing the lid.
