Where Convenience Meets Compromise: The Lowdown on a Travel Cigar Humidor Set

If you’re mulling over a cigar gift that won’t break the bank—or your back—here’s the scoop on this travel cigar kit. It makes big promises with its “all-in-one” packaging, but let’s not kid ourselves about luxury. This is the kind of practical present you offer a buddy at work, not the master of ceremonies at your next black-tie gala.

Everything’s packed into a box made of good ol’ ABS plastic. Sure, it’s sturdy and won’t dent easily if it gets dropped in an airport lounge. You won’t mistake it for leather, though. It just looks like another utilitarian piece of luggage. If you were hoping for an award-winning display piece, probably scroll on.

Inside, you get the usual suspects: a punchy triple-jet lighter that can survive a blustery rooftop, a V-cutter that does the trick (but isn’t exactly a pleasure to hold), plus a squarish little ashtray and cigar stand. My favorite bit of the bunch? It’s portable and there if you ever desperately need it. Least favorite? All these bits basically tumble together in one main section, and it makes for a mildly chaotic experience if you like your accessories neat and dignified.

Then comes the main event—the “humidor” itself. The foam meant to cradle your cigars is thin, and once you wedge the accessories in, be prepared for some scuffing and movement. Don’t expect to pull out a pristine Cohiba at your destination; dents and flattening are real risks if you favor delicacies over bulk. This case is built for easy-going smoke breaks, not trophy collections.

Now about monitoring humidity—the included analog hygrometer is about as reliable as a weatherman in April. If you’re actually committed to preserving cigar flavor and avoiding cracks or dryness, you’ll end up double-checking things with your own trusted gadgets, or just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.

The lighter is, well, a mixed bag. It can fire up any cigar, no matter the headwind, but refilling and dial adjustments aren’t smooth sailing. The cutter’s sharp, but there’s nothing special in the feel—just functional.

As a gift, this set scores for the simple fact that it’s ready to go right out of the box. It carries enough cigars for a weekend jaunt or a business trip, and it packs away fast. It’s the sort of thing that says, “Congrats on your new job,” not “Welcome to the land of connoisseurship.”

Frank talk: if the person you’re shopping for frets about perfect relative humidity or travels with a stash of cigars worth more than your flight ticket, this isn’t the way to make them smile. Go for something with solid padding, a serious seal, and separate compartments. But if it’s a colleague who’ll just appreciate the effort, and maybe guffaw at the included mini-ashtray during a park bench smoke, then throw this set in your cart and don’t look back.

In other words, practicality wins here, but glamour and obsessive cigar care do not. If that fits—grab it. If not, save yourself the grief and aim for something with actual cedar and real organization.