If you just received a box of cigars and noticed the Boveda humidification pack inside is dry, your first reaction might be alarm. However, rest assured that a dry Boveda pack is often a positive indicator, suggesting that your cigars have been well-protected during transit. Let's delve into why this is the case and what it means for your cigars.

How Boveda Packs Work

Boveda packs are two-way humidity control packets designed to maintain a specific relative humidity (RH) level within a closed environment. They contain a saturated salt solution that naturally releases or absorbs moisture to achieve the desired RH. This unique property makes them ideal for preserving the quality of cigars, which thrive in a controlled humidity range.

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What Does a Dry Pack Mean?

When cigars are shipped, especially over long distances or in varying weather conditions, fluctuations in temperature and humidity can occur. A dry Boveda pack signifies that it has been actively releasing moisture to counteract any dryness that the cigars might have encountered during transit. In essence, the pack sacrificed itself to keep your cigars in optimal condition.

How to Rehydrate Your Boveda Pack

If you’re like me, you’ll want to rehydrate your Boveda packs and save them for later. These little packs are perfect for gifting cigars as well as traveling. To bring them back to life, simply place the dry packs in a Ziplock bag with a few generous drops of distilled water and they’ll bounce back in no time!

If I’m in a hurry, I’ll toss several Boveda packs into a bag of distilled water and they’ll be completely submerged. Afterward, I place them on the counter and flip them over to dry off over the course of an hour or so. This will leave the Boveda pack dry to the touch, yet fully capable of doing the job again.