Choosing rolling papers and filters is one of those things a lot of people only really notice once they try a different brand from the one they're used to – and suddenly the difference is unmistakable. A thin paper that burns slowly and evenly, a filter that holds its shape without filtering too aggressively, or, on the other hand, a thicker paper for a beginner's less steady hand. In the HealthyGarden range, you'll find the three best-known European brands – OCB, RAW and Gizeh – each with its own world of products, its own approach to materials, and its own philosophy of what proper smoking accessories should be like. In this article, we'll look at how they differ, what they're made from, which filter types make sense with which paper, and when it's worth reaching for pre-rolled cones instead of rolling by hand. You'll find the full range of rolling papers and filters clearly laid out on the rolling papers and filters page – for now, let's focus on how to find your way around it.
What are rolling papers and filters made from?
Before we get into the individual brands, it's worth knowing what rolling paper as a material actually is. The vast majority of quality papers are made from one of three basic raw materials: rice, flax, or hemp fibre (industrial hemp, which is grown for paper production in the same way as flax or cotton – it has nothing to do with intoxicating substances). Each raw material gives the paper different properties – rice paper tends to be extremely thin and almost invisible as it burns, flax paper is stronger and more resistant to tearing, while hemp paper has a greenish or brownish tint and burns more slowly thanks to the naturally higher density of the fibre.
Another important parameter is the paper's basis weight, given in g/m² – the lower the number, the thinner the paper and the faster it “disappears” as it burns, which is what most more experienced users look for. With cheap papers, there's often also the question of how the paper is bleached. Quality brands today, without exception, avoid chlorine bleaching and instead use either naturally unbleached pulp or chlorine-free bleaching, which is reflected in the appearance too – ranging from pure white to natural brown.
Filters follow their own logic. A classic paper (card) filter, which the user rolls themselves, primarily serves as mechanical support – it stops material falling through and holds the shape. Activated carbon filters go a step further, as they contain a layer of activated carbon that traps some of the microscopic particles and smooths out the draw. We'll cover this type of filter in more detail in a separate section.
OCB – the French classic among rolling papers
OCB is one of the oldest and most widespread European rolling paper brands of all, and even after decades on the market it maintains its reputation as a reliable “go-to choice” you can count on. It's characterised by a thin yet sufficiently strong paper structure that burns evenly and leaves minimal ash. The brand relies on a classic look – understated white or slightly yellowish papers with no unnecessary decoration, and an emphasis on functionality. You'll find the whole OCB range, including papers and filters, in the clearly laid-out OCB – world of products category.
OCB Slim Premium papers
Among the brand's most popular products are the OCB Slim Premium papers – thin papers in the Slim format that combine a low basis weight with very good strength when rolling. This makes them easy to work with even for less experienced hands, without the paper tearing or sticking unevenly. The “Premium” in the name refers to the quality of the paper itself – it's finer and burns more cleanly than the basic ranges.
OCB X-PERT Slim Fit long papers
For those who prefer a longer format, OCB also offers X-PERT Slim Fit long papers. This is an elongated paper in the Slim format that gives more room for working with a filter, and it's popular among users who want more control over the final shape when rolling. The longer format also means more even burning along the whole length, which is the main reason so many people have come to love this OCB format.
RAW – natural style and an unmistakable look
RAW is a brand that has positioned itself from the start as the opposite of the “over-bleached” aesthetic – its papers are typically unbleached, naturally brown in colour, and made from unrefined plant fibres. This approach also has a practical reason: unbleached paper contains no chemical bleaching agents, so it leaves no additional taste when burned. As a result, RAW has built a very strong and loyal community of users who value this “raw”, untouched quality of material. You'll find the brand's full range clearly laid out in the RAW – world of products section.
RAW natural rolling papers
RAW natural rolling papers are the brand's flagship product – unbleached, coarser to the eye, but surprisingly flexible and durable when rolling. The characteristic brown colour and slightly grainy paper texture are the brand's calling card, and many users recognise them at a glance. Thanks to the natural strength of the fibre, they hold their shape well even with a thicker fill.
RAW cone filler (cone loader)
Besides papers, RAW also offers practical accessories, including the popular RAW cone filler, also known as a cone loader. It's a simple tool that gets material evenly and cleanly into a pre-rolled cone without unnecessary spilling or waste. For users who prefer cones over classic hand-rolling, it's one of the handiest accessories you can have around.
Gizeh – German tradition and precision
Gizeh is a German brand that has been on the market for decades, known for its understated, pure white design and its emphasis on precise craftsmanship. Compared to RAW's raw style, Gizeh takes more of a traditional European quality approach – a thin, smooth paper with a very even structure that burns consistently, without unpredictable “cold spots”. Gizeh is a popular choice among users who want classic white paper without compromising on the quality of the craftsmanship. The brand's full range is available in the Gizeh – world of products section, where you'll find the current selection of papers and accessories.
Activated carbon filters – why choose OCB Slim 7 mm
A filter isn't just a piece of card that stops material falling through – with activated carbon filters, there's an added layer of function. Thanks to its porous structure, activated carbon has a large surface area that traps some of the microscopic particles flowing through the filter, which many users find results in a smoother, “cooler” draw compared to a regular paper filter.
In the HealthyGarden range, you'll specifically find the OCB activated carbon filter 7 mm (Slim), designed exactly for the Slim format – so it fits perfectly with thinner papers like OCB Slim Premium or X-PERT Slim Fit, but works just as well with papers from other brands in the same format. A 7 mm diameter is also one of the most common standards, so this filter fits the vast majority of Slim papers you'll find in the shop.
Another advantage of carbon filters is that, thanks to their structure, they hold their shape well throughout rolling, so they're less prone to collapsing than a thin strip of card rolled up on its end. For users who are just trying to move from a regular filter to a carbon one, the 7 mm Slim format is the most natural first step.
Atomic pre-rolled cones – a quick alternative to hand-rolling
Not everyone has the time or inclination to roll from scratch by hand every time, and pre-rolled cones exist exactly for these situations. They're ready-made paper “shells” with a filter already glued in, which you simply fill with material – ideally using a filler like the RAW cone loader mentioned above. HealthyGarden offers Atomic pre-rolled cones, in both a classic version and a RAW version, which keeps the characteristic unbleached, natural paper look even in pre-rolled form.
The main advantage of cones is speed and consistency – the cone shape is practically identical every time, so the result is predictable even for someone without much hand-rolling experience. It's also a solution that saves both paper and time, which is especially appreciated by people on the go, or anyone who wants a quick, reliable option on hand without having to roll anything themselves.
How to choose the right combination
Choosing between OCB, RAW and Gizeh is largely a matter of personal preference, but a few practical pointers can help narrow it down. If you want the thinnest possible paper that almost “disappears” as it burns, go for OCB. If you care about natural, unbleached material and don't mind a coarser-looking paper, RAW is the clear choice. And if you're after traditional white paper with very consistent, precise craftsmanship, Gizeh is the brand that best meets that need.
- OCB – thin, evenly burning paper, ideal for Slim formats and activated carbon filters.
- RAW – unbleached, natural look and texture, a strong community, and accessories like the cone filler.
- Gizeh – classic white paper, an emphasis on precise German craftsmanship and stable burning.
- Atomic pre-rolled cones – a quick and consistent alternative to hand-rolling, available in both classic and RAW versions.
The combination of paper and filter should also match how much control you want over the rolling process. Thinner papers like OCB Slim Premium pair beautifully with a 7 mm Slim carbon filter, while thicker, natural RAW paper also works well with a classic card filter or in pre-rolled cone form. If you're not sure where to start, the easiest approach is to browse the full range on the rolling papers and filters page and compare the different options directly on individual products.
Whether you prefer OCB's French tradition, RAW's raw naturalness, or Gizeh's German precision, in all three cases you're buying products backed by years of manufacturing experience and a clearly defined character. For a quick solution without hand-rolling, don't forget the Atomic pre-rolled cones. You'll find the full, up-to-date range of all the products mentioned in the rolling papers and filters category – we recommend trying smaller packs from two or three brands first, then choosing the one that suits you best based on your own experience. These products are intended exclusively for persons over 18 years of age.