How to Use Boveda Packs...Correctly!

Boveda is the leading manufacturer of humidity packs used in the cigar, food packaging, musical instrument, and cannabis industries. Boveda, which is Spanish for vault, is a patented two way humidity control device developed by retired General Mills chemist Dr. Al Saari and a packaging specialist Robert Esse in the 1990s. Dr. Saari was looking for an efficient and of course reliable method for humidifying his personal cigar collection that eliminated the mess and guesswork of traditional humidification devices such as trays of water, sponges and beads. Many of the "old school methods" require tedious monitoring and upkeep. Well that's all in the past and if you aren't using Boveda to properly maintain your personal cigar selection, you should be.

Spoiler Alert:  This is how to maintain your cigars if you purchase just a couple at a time, or a box purchase to get the discounts!

How to Use Boveda with Cigars

When you’re using Boveda to keep your cigars fresh, all you have to do is remove the pack from the cellophane sleeve it comes in and place it in your humidor. Wow! Pretty complicated right? Boveda releases humidity through osmosis and last anywhere from a couple of months to six months, sometimes even more. If you use extra Boveda packs, they last longer but don't worry, you can't over do it with Boveda. No you won't hurt your cigars if the touch the packs. 

How Boveda Packs Work

When salt and water are mixed together, they naturally regulate humidity. Boveda packs are made of a patented material that allows for purified water vapor to be emitted and absorbed around the clock. Inside each pack is a mixture of salt and purified water. Moisture is released through osmosis to achieve a predetermined RH in the environment the Boveda pack is placed in such as your desktop humidor or tupperdore. Boveda packs become stiff when their humidity is depleted, which happens gradually over the course of months as your cigars absorb moisture from them. When the Boveda packs firm up and are no longer soft and malleable, it’s time to replace them.

How Long Does Boveda Last?

That all depends on how many packs you’re using, how many cigars you’re humidifying, how tight the seal is on your humidor, and if you are using the correct number of packs (Hint...That's VERY IMPORTANT for cigars). Generally, a single 60gram Boveda pack will effectively humidify up to 25 cigars (in a 25 count humidor) for 2 to 4 months in a humidor with a reliable seal. Boveda lasts longer when you use multiple packs, but you should always use matching RH levels. Boveda packs last the longest in airtight containers like acrylic humidors, mason jars, Tupperdors, or any plastic container with a good seal. If you have a cruddy seal, your packs will not last as long. 

Most Popular Percentages for Boveda Cigar Use

69% RH - This is the most popular RH for keeping cigars fresh in both wooden and airtight acrylic humidors with an aggressive seal.

72% RH - Use this for slightly softer cigars or to compensate for moisture loss in a classic wooden humidor.

How Many Should I Use?

One (1) 60 Gram Pack for a 25 Count Humidor.

Two (2) 60 Gram Packs for a 50 Count Humidor.

Four (4) 60 Gram Packs for a 100 Count Humidor.

Even if you only have 20 cigars in a 100 Count Humidor you STILL use 4 packs. Boveda goes by the space being humidified when it comes to cigars. Not the number of cigars themselves. 

New Wooden Humidor or Need to Recondition the Current?

Boveda makes 84% conditioning packs for simple stress free conditioning. Simply toss in the correct number of packs again based upon the humidor capacity and close the lid for 14 days. Don't look! On day 15 open up the lid, toss those 84% packs away and drop in you lower RH packs and your cigars and you all set. 

Should You Recharge Boveda Packs?

You can soak them in distilled water and yes they will soak up the liquid, but you will lose the ability of them maintaining a proper RH level in your humidor. You spent good money on your cigars. After a few months just come and purchase more packs so you don't ruin your sticks.

Boveda is the leading way to keep your cigars in perfect condition, and the leading way to maintain that box deal you got a discount on when it might take you a month or two to get through them. Grab your next box deal and Boveda packs here!