How to Pack a Travel Case for 5 Cigars
By Ron’s Cigar Store | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the best way to pack a 5-cigar travel case so your smokes stay fresh and intact. Step-by-step tips for using a travel humidor like the Sikarlan or Volenx Elite.
Quick answer
Pack your 5-cigar travel case by selecting cigars of similar ring gauge, adding a humidity source, and securing them with foam dividers or padding. This keeps them fresh and prevents damage during travel.
Why a 5-cigar case is ideal for short trips
A 5-cigar travel case is compact enough for a weekend getaway or a day at the lounge, yet holds enough variety to share or enjoy over several days. Cases like the Sikarlan Travel Case for 5 Cigars and the Volenx Elite Travel Case are designed for this exact purpose—they fit easily into a carry-on or backpack without adding bulk.
The main trade-off is capacity: you can't bring your entire collection. But that limitation forces you to choose wisely, which often means you'll smoke better cigars rather than just more.
Humidity considerations for short-term storage
For trips under a week, a small Boveda pack (69% or 72% RH) inside the case is usually enough to keep cigars from drying out. The Brigham 14ct Travel Humidor has an airtight seal that helps maintain humidity, but even a non-sealed case benefits from a pack.
If your case doesn't have a built-in humidifier, just toss in a Boveda pack—it's the simplest solution. For longer trips, consider a larger travel humidor like the Brigham, which holds 14 cigars and offers more stable humidity control.
How to pack a 5-cigar travel case
- Choose your cigars wisely: Pick 5 cigars that you'll actually smoke on the trip. Consider ring gauge—if they're all similar in size, they'll fit more snugly. Avoid cigars with fragile wrappers if you're flying or hiking. Common mistake: packing too many large-ring cigars in a small case, which can cause crushing.
- Add a humidity source: Place a small Boveda pack (69% or 72% RH) inside the case before adding cigars. If your case has a built-in humidifier, make sure it's properly charged. For the Sikarlan or Volenx Elite, a Boveda pack fits easily in the lid or between cigars. Checkpoint: Don't over-humidify—a single Boveda pack is enough for 5 cigars for up to a week.
- Arrange cigars with padding: Place cigars in the case so they don't touch each other directly if possible. Use foam dividers (like those in the Brigham Travel Humidor) or a soft cloth to cushion them. For a 5-cigar case, lay them parallel and fill any gaps with a small piece of foam or a cigar band. Common mistake: leaving empty space that allows cigars to shift and crack.
- Close and secure the case: Make sure the lid is fully closed and latched. If your case has a lock or strap, use it. For the Volenx Elite, ensure the zipper or clasp is fully engaged. Store the case in a stable position (not under heavy luggage). Checkpoint: Give the case a gentle shake—if you hear movement, add more padding.
Products mentioned in this guide
- Sikarlan Travel Case for 5 Cigars: Accommodates up to 5 cigars This is the perfect size for a short trip—enough for variety without being bulky.
Sikarlan Travel Case for 5 Cigars - Volenx Elite Travel Case: Holds up to 5 cigars and is available in Red The Volenx Elite offers a stylish, secure option for everyday carry or travel.
Volenx Elite Travel Case - Brigham 14ct Travel Humidor: Holds up to 14 cigars with an airtight, waterproof, and crushproof construction If you need more capacity or extra protection, the Brigham is a rugged choice that also keeps humidity stable.
