Cigars and Camping

[junkman_56]

OK folks, I did my search and did not find the answers I’m looking for.
So here goes…

I will be camping for about 10 days when I go to my cave rescue training in late June. I’m expecting temperatures to be in upper 80’s to lower 90’s during this time. I have an Otterbox and ‘m planning on taking 15 to 20 cigars with me. I will have a cooler with me for beer and food (mostly beer…). I keep my cigars at 65% humidity and I want to try and maintain this as much as possible. I’m worried about condensation if I just toss the Otterbox in the cooler.

So here is my idea on keeping my cigars cool and dry. I will wrap my Otterbox in three or four large zip-lock baggies and store it in my cooler. I will keep a piece of cardboard to rest the Otterbox on, thus keeping it out of the ice. My thinking is that multiple baggies will minimize the condensation that will reach the Otterbox.

1) Is this a workable solution?
2) What other suggestions does anyone have for keeping my cigars cool and dry?

 

[Brickhouse]

This is a good question.

Ideally, you want one of those coolers that have the drawers on top that are separate from the actual ice. They make them to hold food and such in them to keep them from getting wet. I think with that system and an otterbox contained within a bag, you'd be fine as long as now and again you let the condensation out of the bag.

But I think you'll be ok if you use the multiple bag system. You just need to keep an eye on them, watch your hygro, and let those bags breathe as often as you can.

 

[JHolmes763]

I don't see the point in the bags. The water vapor in the otterbox is going to condense once the sides of the otterbox reach a certain temperature (that is, if it condenses at all). The bags won't really have any effect on that.

I'd put the cigars in a ziplock bag inside the otterbox and then throw the entire thing in the cooler. The ziplock bag should keep any condensation within the otterbox off your cigars.

---John Holmes...

 

[Rob_k]

I don't see the point in the bags. The water vapor in the otterbox is going to condense once the sides of the otterbox reach a certain temperature (that is, if it condenses at all). The bags won't really have any effect on that.

I'd put the cigars in a ziplock bag inside the otterbox and then throw the entire thing in the cooler. The ziplock bag should keep any condensation within the otterbox off your cigars.

---John Holmes...

to add to Johns suggestion, some of that silica gel packets in the bag may help you as well. I would imagine if you put the otterbox in a white bag and put a light color jacket on that, out of the sun that may help as well and avoid the cooler all together.

 

[junkman_56]

to add to Johns suggestion, some of that silica gel packets in the bag may help you as well. I would imagine if you put the otterbox in a white bag and put a light color jacket on that, out of the sun that may help as well and avoid the cooler all together.

The silica gel packets are a good idea. I will be camping for 10 days and I expect temps to swing from the 80'/90's during the day and 60's/70's at night. Keeping the cigars in a cooler will insure a stable temperature.

 

[AVB]

You folks are way too paranoid. Do you think the truck from Miami was air conditioned or the boat before that? 10 days in an Otterbox is fine as long as you don't leave it in the sun. If my otterbox worked in the desert, it'll work for your camping trip.

 

[MiamiCubano]

You folks are way too paranoid. Do you think the truck from Miami was air conditioned or the boat before that? 10 days in an Otterbox is fine as long as you don't leave it in the sun. If my otterbox worked in the desert, it'll work for your camping trip.

This is an excellent point. I would put the sticks in an Otterbox and, at most, ziplock the Otterbox and/or the sticks inside. I would then just carry the Otterbox, if possible, in my ALICE/MOLLE, not worry about putting it in a cooler at all. You'll be fine.

 

[jfields]

What about storing some that you do not plan on smoking that day or night hidden in or near the opening of one of the caves you explore. They stay a constant fifty five degrees don't they? Should be able to find a dry spot.

 

[junkman_56]

What about storing some that you do not plan on smoking that day or night hidden in or near the opening of one of the caves you explore. They stay a constant fifty five degrees don't they? Should be able to find a dry spot.

No, that is not an option for these 10 days of training.
We will not be visiting the same cave twice and some days no caves at all.
Our days will 12 to 16 hours long. When I get back to the campsite I'll want to sit down smoke a cigar, have a beer and hit the sack.

 

[mysterea]

Why not just stick the otterbox in your sleeping bag for the day, and at night take it out?

Your sleeping bag insulated both cold and warm, if you're smokes cool off at night (to 60-70) and you leave the box wrapped up in your sleeping bag during the day you shouldn't have trouble with the swaying temps.

 

[Shooter]

I don't think 10 days is gonna hurt yer smokes, just make sure you smoke em all. I don't see any problems with that. Ziploc bags, coolers, sounds like to much trouble to me. Takes away the enjoyment in my eyes.

 

[junkman_56]

Why not just stick the otterbox in your sleeping bag for the day, and at night take it out?

Your sleeping bag insulated both cold and warm, if you're smokes cool off at night (to 60-70) and you leave the box wrapped up in your sleeping bag during the day you shouldn't have trouble with the swaying temps.

Thanks mysterea, I like that idea.

I don't think 10 days is gonna hurt yer smokes, just make sure you smoke em all. I don't see any problems with that. Ziploc bags, coolers, sounds like to much trouble to me. Takes away the enjoyment in my eyes.

Never too much trouble to smoke a good cigar…
Nothing beats the enjoyment of running hard for 14 hours, then sitting down to a good cigar and a couple of beers with your compatriots.

 

[humboldtflyer]

I agree with shooter. 10 days isn't enough to get all stressed out about. Just be conscious of where they are and use common sense. No need to go through all the trouble and hassle of boxing, insulating, zipping, freezing, burying or anything else. Just enjoy 'em.

 

[badhangover]

To add a personal perspective, I have camped for about that range of time, and within that temperature range (if not higher), and have had great success at simply keeping my cigars inside of OtterBoxes.

Beetles don't hatch overnight. If they are that much of a concern for you, perhaps you could leave any remaining cigars inside your OtterBox when you return home and smoke those as soon as possible. Keep them quarantined from the rest of your inventory until they are gone.