How to Store Cigars Without a Humidor: 5 Methods That Actually Work

Method 01

The Tupperware Humidor (Tupperdor)

An airtight plastic food storage container with a small humidification element is the most popular and effective humidor alternative. Many aficionados actually prefer Tupperdors over entry-level desktop humidors because the airtight seal is more reliable than the hinged lid on most beginner-grade humidor boxes.

What you need: An airtight container (Ziploc, Rubbermaid, or Sistema), a small Boveda humidity pack (65% or 69% RH), and a digital hygrometer to monitor conditions. Place the Boveda pack in the container with your cigars, seal it, and check the hygrometer every few days initially.

Important: Do not mix cigars from very different blends without separating them with cedar sheets or individual cellophane. Strong-flavored cigars (infused, Maduro) can transfer flavor to nearby cigars over weeks of contact.

Method 02

The Ziplock Bag Method (Short-Term Only)

For short-term storage — a few days to two weeks — a sealable plastic bag with a Boveda pack works reliably. Place your cigars and a 69% Boveda pack in a large Ziplock freezer bag, press out excess air, and seal. Store away from direct sunlight and heat.

This method is ideal for travel or for storing a few cigars you plan to smoke within a week or two. It is not a long-term solution: the plastic can impart a faint odor to cigars over extended time, and the lack of a rigid structure means cigars can be physically damaged.

Method 03

The Coolerdor

A hard-sided cooler (Igloo, Coleman) with cedar trays and Boveda packs is the best large-scale humidor alternative available. The insulated walls provide exceptional temperature stability, the hard sides protect cigars from physical damage, and the cooler's airtight gasket creates a better seal than most entry-level wooden humidors.

Many serious collectors with hundreds of cigars use a coolerdor indefinitely rather than investing in an expensive cabinet humidor. Line the interior with unfinished Spanish cedar planks or trays (available from cigar accessory suppliers), place Boveda packs throughout, and monitor with a digital hygrometer placed inside.

Season the cedar before use: wipe the wood with a damp cloth, place a Boveda pack inside, and let it stabilize for 2–3 days before adding cigars.

Method 04

The Original Box Method

Cigars purchased in a box come with built-in cedar protection. If you plan to smoke a box within 2–4 weeks, the original box plus a Boveda pack placed inside the box is a viable short-term solution. Close the box lid tightly and store in a cool, dark location away from heating or cooling vents.

This does not work well in very dry or very humid climates — the cedar box is not airtight and will equilibrate to ambient humidity over time. In most North American climates at room temperature, it buys you 2–3 weeks before humidity drops below acceptable levels.

Method 05

The Travel Humidor Case

A hard-sided travel humidor is the cleanest solution for anyone who smokes occasionally and travels frequently. These small cases (often holding 3–10 cigars) include a fitted humidification element and provide both humidity control and physical protection. They are not a replacement for a full humidor at home but are significantly better than any improvised solution for travel.

Look for cases with an airtight O-ring seal. Cheaper cases with magnetic closures or simple hinges do not maintain consistent humidity and are not worth using.