Both levels keep the humidity in a closed container constant; they are only four percentage points apart. Choose 62% if herbs or flowers are to be stored for longer and stay supple, and 58% if you will be grinding the contents soon or keeping them in a rather humid room. According to Boveda, neither level is better than the other – it depends on how you store.
What is the difference between Boveda 58 and 62?
The only difference is the target humidity: in a closed container, a 58 pack sets the relative humidity to around 58%, a 62 pack to around 62%. Both packs work in two directions. Inside the paper sleeve is a solution of salt and water behind a membrane. If the air in the jar is too dry, the pack releases moisture; if it is too humid, the pack absorbs some.
Both values fall within the 55 to 65% range that the manufacturer refers to for dried plant material. Boveda itself describes 58% as suitable for material you will grind soon, and 62% for material you are storing for later. With 58%, the contents stay a touch drier and more crumbly; with 62%, a little softer.
When should I use 58% and when 62%?
Choose 58% if you open the container often, will use up the contents within the next few weeks or your room tends to be humid. Choose 62% if you store larger quantities for months or the heated air in winter is very dry. Even if the contents have already become a little too dry, 62% is the better choice.
| Humidity | Typical use | Pack sizes in our shop |
|---|---|---|
| 58% | Herbs and flowers you will grind soon; containers that are opened often; rather humid rooms | 4 g, 8 g, 67 g – Boveda 58% |
| 62% | Longer storage of larger quantities; dry heated air; contents that are already too dry | 4 g, 8 g, 67 g – Boveda 62%; included with every CVault |
| 65–75% | Cigars in a humidor; for most cases Boveda recommends 69% | not in the online range |
| 84% | Only for seasoning a new or empty wooden humidor, not for storage | not in the online range |
It is interesting to see how the manufacturer handles this itself: in its herbal line, now called Vivi Fresh, the small packs are 58% and the large bulk packs 62%. That matches the rule of thumb: small quantity, opened often – 58; large supply, sealed for a long time – 62.
Which pack size suits my container?
The pack size depends on the quantity in the container: the 4 g pack is intended for up to 15 g of contents, the 8 g pack for up to 30 g and the 67 g pack for up to 450 g. So the number of grams on the pack describes the pack itself, not the quantity it looks after.
Our CVaults already come with the right packs, each with Boveda 62%:
- CVault Twist X-Small (0.175 l): 1 × 8 g
- CVault Medium (0.5 l): 1 × 8 g
- CVault Large (0.95 l): 2 × 8 g
- CVault 2 l and 4 l: 1 × 67 g, CVault 8 l: 2 × 67 g
If your quantity falls between two sizes, it is better to choose the larger pack or two packs of the same size and level. According to the manufacturer, you cannot use too much: a larger pack lasts longer but does not make the contents more humid than the target value. However, you should not combine different pack sizes or other humidifiers in the same container.
How long does a Boveda pack last, and when does it need to come out?
Depending on the container and how often you open it, a pack lasts around two to six months; the manufacturer advises replacing it after about three months at the latest. A fresh pack is soft and flexible. If it becomes stiff and hard, the liquid is used up and a new one goes in.
According to the manufacturer, unopened packs keep for about two years in their original packaging. If the contents have already become too dry, add a fresh pack and seal the container. According to the manufacturer, it takes 24 to 48 hours for the humidity to level out.
What should I look for in a container?
The container must close airtight; otherwise the pack works against the room air and is quickly exhausted. Good options are jars with a rubber seal, airtight bags such as Grove Bags or the stainless steel CVault, which lets no light through and has a compartment for the pack in its lid.
- The pack stays in its paper sleeve – do not cut it open or pierce it.
- Only one humidity level per container and no additional humidifiers.
- Keep the container in the dark and away from direct sunlight or heating.
Common mistakes: what often goes wrong when storing with Boveda?
- 58 and 62 in the same jar: The packs work against each other, neither reaches its value, and both run out faster.
- Storing contents that are too moist: A Boveda pack is not a dryer. Freshly harvested herbs must be dried first; the recommendation is to store them slightly over-dried and let the pack do the rest.
- Leaky container: Without a seal, the pack constantly exchanges moisture with the room air and turns hard after a short time.
- Continuing to use a hard pack: A stiff pack no longer regulates. Give it a quick feel when you open the container instead of just looking at the calendar.
- Pack too small: A 4 g pack in a large storage jar cannot keep up.
- Leaving spare packs lying around open: Outside their wrapper, they get used up even without a container.
In our shop at Lorenzstraße 9 in Hof, we can show you the Boveda packs and all CVault sizes in person and advise you on which level and pack size suit your quantity and your container. You will find more storage accessories under Storage & curing and in the Boveda collection.
