Manufacturers love to throw numbers at you: puff counts, battery specs, "cold-proof" coatings. Here's how to read past the hype.

First, puff counts are estimates, not guarantees. They're calculated at room temperature with a standard draw. In the cold, you'll get fewer puffs because the battery works harder. That's not a defect; it's physics.

Second, be skeptical of "extreme condition" claims. No disposable vape is designed for arctic expeditions. If you see a product marketed as "all-weather," it probably just means it won't shatter in your glovebox. That's not a performance guarantee.

Third, trust your own experience over the box. If a device underperforms in the cold, that doesn't mean it's bad—it means you're using it outside its comfort zone. Adjust your habits, not your expectations.