Jan 12, 2026
Last Modified: Jan 12, 2026
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Boveda packs are considered essential for regulating the humidity of your cigars. The moisture-regulating packets are made from natural salts and purified water. They come sealed in a patented permeable membrane. Using them can even help age cigars too.
If you’re not sure what Boveda packs actually are or how they work, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we take a closer look at how to use Boveda packs to experience the full benefits.
What Are Boveda Packs?
In short, Boveda packs are humidity-control sachets. They use a saturated salt solution to maintain a specific relative humidity level inside a sealed container. Their goal is to keep moisture-sensitive items fresh by releasing or absorbing moisture as needed. This includes cigars, cannabis, and musical instruments.
‘Boveda’ is actually the leading manufacturer of humidity packs. Boveda packs were first developed by General Mills chemist Dr. Al Saari and Robert Esse in the 1990s. Saari sought an effective way to store his cigar collection. He wanted something that provided better regulation than a humidor.
The word Boveda, actually originates from the Spanish for vault. This makes a lot of sense once you understand how they’re built. The packs have a patented two-way humidity control. They contain a natural salt solution inside a vapor-friendly membrane. This membrane makes it possible for moisture to travel inside and outside the packs.
When humidity drops in the packs’ vicinity, they will automatically release moisture. Alternatively, if the air is too humid, the packs will absorb the moisture in the air. This will help regulate a standard PH level in the packs’ surrounding environment. It protects your products, preventing them from becoming too wet or drying out.
How to Use Boveda Packs for Cigars?
Cigars are made from tightly packed, bundled leaves. The leaves themselves are highly susceptible to changes in the environment.
If they’re subject to too much humidity, they can burn upon lighting, or become moldy. If they’re stored in too dry an environment, they can crack or even lose some of their flavor.
This is where Boveda packs come in handy. Below is our full guide on using Boveda packs properly to preserve the integrity of your cigars:
1.Choose the Right RH
Before you start using Boveda products, it’s important to make sure you choose the correct RH. RH refers to ‘relative humidity.’ For cigars, there are five primary RH levels to choose from:
These include:
- 65% RH: Use this when you prefer slightly firmer cigars, or you are storing and aging your cigars for several years.
- 69% RH: By far the most popular RH. It’s ideal for keeping cigars fresh in both acrylic and classic wooden humidors.
- 72% RH: You can use this if you have a wooden humidor that causes moisture loss. You can also use this for slightly softer cigars.
- 75% RH: Use this for humidors with poor sealage or softer cigars.
- 84% RH: This should be used only when seasoning a new humidor. Don’t use it for humidifying cigars.
2.Don’t Mix Packs
Once you’ve selected the Boveda Pack with the right RH for your humidor, take care not to use too many. You don’t want to overload your humidor, as this can result in an imbalance. Boveda recommends one 60-gram pack for every 25 cigars stored, two 60-gram packs for a 50-count humidor, and so on.
In addition, you don’t want to mix packs with different RH levels. For example, mixing a 75% RH with a 65%. Instead of increasing efficiency, the packs can actually work against each other.
As we mentioned above, storing cigars in too humid an environment can cause mold or burning.
3.Place Them Correctly
Next up, you want to make sure to place the packs properly in the humidor. Arrange them evenly inside the humidor, then close the lid properly. You need to make sure they’re tightly sealed inside.
4.Season Your Humidor
Allow them to season properly in your humidor for 14 days. This will create the proper environment for your cigars. Take care not to open the humidor, and allow the moisture to escape. After you’re done, remove the packs and place the cigars inside. Replace the old packs with fresh ones with the correct RH levels for your cigars.
How to Replace and Maintain Boveda Packs?
It’s inevitable that your Boveda packs will dry out over time. They’ll need to be replaced with fresh ones to maintain the proper environment for your cigars.
To check if they need replacing, feel the texture of the packs. If they’re dry or brittle, you’ll need to use some fresh ones.
To prolong the life of your packs:
- Always seal your cigar humidor properly.
- Season it before use.
- Make sure to use the correct number of packs.
Tip: We advise against recharging your Boveda packs. Doing so might result in a tear to the pack’s membrane. This could spill out and damage your collection. There’s also no guarantee you’ll be able to maintain the correct RH level upon recharging.
The Best Cigars with Your Boveda Packs
Now that you know how to get the most out of your Boveda packs, it’s time to buy some smokes. Here at Swiss Cuban Cigars, we sell a wide selection of premium, authentic Cuban cigars. Browse today to start your journey.
