There are many ways to store cigars - the most popular way is by using a humidor. A humidor is essentially an airtight box that keeps humidity inside (which you need when storing cigars). Another way to store your cigars is by using an airtight container like an acrylic jar or a “tuppador”. This is the none glorious way to look after your cigars but does the job too. Finally there is a travel humidor/bag, they are more robust and designed to be bashed around a little while keeping your cigars safe and humidified. But why do you need something to store your cigars inside?
Cigars need to be kept at a relative humidity of between 69%-72% and a temperature of between 18-20°C. If they are not kept in these conditions, you risk your cigars going dry and unsmokable. They also need to be kept away from any wildlife as they have the potential to damage them, so the best way to protect them is by keeping them in some form of box or bag.
Humidor
You should use a humidor to store your cigars because cigars are made of natural tobacco leaves that are highly sensitive to humidity and temperature. Here are the top reasons to use a humidor:
1. Maintains Proper Humidity (65–72%)
- Cigars need moisture to stay supple and flavourful.
- Too dry - cigars crack, burn too hot, and lose flavor.
- Too humid - cigars can swell, burn unevenly, or develop mould.
2. Preserves Flavour and Aroma
- Aged tobacco contains complex oils that give cigars their unique taste.
- A humidor prevents these oils from drying out, preserving richness and aroma.
3. Prevents Mould and Tobacco Beetles
- A regulated humidor keeps humidity from going too high (which can cause mold).
- Stays below 23°C to avoid hatching tobacco beetle eggs (a real problem in warm climates).
4. Ensures Proper Aging
- Like wine, cigars can age and improve over time if stored correctly.
- A humidor provides a stable environment for this slow maturation.
5. Ready to Smoke Anytime
- Cigars stored in a humidor are always in smoking condition.
- No waiting period to rehydrate or “revive” dried-out sticks.
Airtight Jar/ Tupperdor
While traditional wooden humidors are the classic way to store cigars, many cigar smokers now opt for airtight jars or tupperdors (Tupperware humidors) - and for good reason. Here are the main advantages of using an airtight jar or tupperdor instead of a traditional humidor:
1. More Airtight = Better Humidity Control
- Airtight plastic or glass containers seal better than most wooden humidors. This means less fluctuation in humidity, especially in dry or variable climates. Humidity packs (like Boveda) last longer in an airtight container.
2. Low Maintenance
- No seasoning required (unlike wooden humidors, which must be seasoned before use).
- There is no risk of wood warping or drying out.
- Easy to clean and less prone to mold or odor absorption.
3. Budget-Friendly
- A high-quality tupperdor or jar costs a fraction of the price of a wooden humidor.
- Perfect for beginners or casual smokers who don't want to invest £100+ right away.
4. Portable
- Easier to take with you when traveling or moving.
- Less fragile than wood or glass-top humidors.
5. More Humidity-Efficient
- Airtight jars and tupperdors lose very little moisture to the environment.
- Perfect for areas with extreme seasonal changes (e.g., dry winters, hot summers).
Travel humidors/Travel Bags
Using a travel humidor or travel cigar bag instead of a standard home humidor makes sense when you're on the move or need something compact and portable. Here are the top reasons to use one:
1. Portability
- Designed to be lightweight and compact — easy to pack in a suitcase, carry-on, or backpack.
- Ideal for road trips, flights, golf outings, or weekends away.
2. Protection from Physical Damage
- Travel humidors are often crushproof and waterproof (e.g., hard plastic or carbon fiber cases).
- They protect your cigars from getting squished, cracked, or bent during travel.
3. Humidity Control On-the-Go
- Most travel cases can hold a small Boveda pack or built-in humidifier.
- Keeps cigars fresh for several days to a couple of weeks depending on design and seal.
4. Humidity Isolation
- A travel humidor helps maintain a microclimate, shielding cigars from changing environments — like dry airplane cabins or humid beach towns.
5. Compact Organisation
- Usually built with foam slots or dividers to keep cigars from rolling around or rubbing against each other.
- Some bags also include pockets for accessories (cutters, lighters, Boveda packs).
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