If you are an Australian adult comparing cigarette cartons online, you will see two pack formats: hard packs (the rigid flip-top box) and soft packs (the flexible paper pack). This guide explains the difference in plain English and shows the live Vaqlino catalogue examples, so you know what to expect when a carton name includes “soft” or “hard pack”.
Adults 18+ only. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is addictive, and smoking causes serious health harm. This article explains cigarette pack formats; it is not health advice, a reduced-risk claim, or a recommendation to smoke.
What a hard pack is
A hard pack is a rigid cardboard box with a hinged flip-top lid. It keeps the cigarettes inside protected from being crushed, which is why hard packs are sometimes described as crush-proof boxes. The lid opens and closes, so the pack can be closed again after opening. Hard packs are the most common format in the Vaqlino catalogue: most cartons, including MEVIUS Mild 10mg Hard Pack, are hard packs.
What a soft pack is
A soft pack is a flexible paper pack without a hinged lid. It is opened by tearing along the top of the pack. Soft packs are less rigid than hard packs, so they do not protect the cigarettes from crushing as firmly, but some smokers prefer the way a soft pack feels in a pocket or in the hand. Two Vaqlino cartons carry soft-pack names: Double Happiness Soft and Double Happiness Soft Real. They are two separate catalogue records with different SKUs and different prices, so check the exact name before ordering.
Soft pack vs hard pack at a glance
Every Vaqlino carton contains 10 packs and prices are shown in Australian dollars. On 5 August 2026 these pack-format examples were live in the catalogue:
| Pack format | What it looks like | Vaqlino example | SKU | Current sale price | Regular price | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard pack (flip-top box) | Rigid box with hinged lid | MEVIUS Mild 10mg Hard Pack | SS-370 | A$229.50 | A$270.00 | In stock |
| Soft pack | Flexible paper pack, torn open at the top | Double Happiness Soft | SS-1049 | A$178.50 | A$210.00 | In stock |
| Soft pack | Flexible paper pack, torn open at the top | Double Happiness Soft Real | SS-1059 | A$195.50 | A$230.00 | In stock |
Prices and stock are live fields and can change. Use the Vaqlino shop to confirm the current figure before checkout.
Does the pack format change the product?
No. The pack format is about the packaging, not about what is inside. A soft-pack product is not automatically a different strength, blend or flavour from a hard-pack product of the same name; strength and flavour details are recorded separately on each product page. If you are comparing cartons and want to keep the records straight, match the exact product name and SKU on the product page before you order.
Which one should you choose?
There is no single right answer: the choice is a personal preference. A hard pack gives firmer protection against crushed cigarettes and a lid that closes; a soft pack is more flexible and can feel lighter in a pocket. Both formats are sold as cartons containing 10 packs, and every Vaqlino order is for Australian adults aged 18 and over.
Related reading
- Double Happiness brand category — the two soft-pack cartons listed side by side
- MEVIUS Mild 10mg Hard Pack product page
- Browse the full Vaqlino shop