Well i did a search before asking any questions and i found alot of useful info. Basically this is directed at Doc Barry, i am thinking of purchasing the sherman 18 deluxe and i saw where you use the 30 model. How do you like it and does it function as well as you would like it to? Any info is much appreciated.

I used to have a Sherman 18 but it was too small for long trips.

The Sherman 36 is a very tough, air tight case. So air tight that they actually built a purge valve into it.

When I first used it on a trip to the Caribbean back in 1999 I filled the humidification element, placed cigars in the foam trays and closed it up. By day 2 of my trip my cigars were all very damp and the ones on top were starting to get white mold.

I removed the humidification element and closed the unit leaving the purge valve open. This seemed to allow the cigars to dry a bit.

After that I never used the humidification element. I also keep a thin sheet of cedar on the top.

I have used a very small tube type humidifier when I traveled to the Colorado Rockies as it is very dry there, but the seal on a Sherman or an Otter Box is so good, and the travel humidor is made from non-breathable plastic, that extra humidification is not necessary.

Also I no longer use all the foam trays as then I could only take 36 cigars. Now I use a foam tray on the bottom, then I place a number of loose cigars in cellophane into the unit, then another foam tray over them with the cedar sheet. This way I can take up to 50 cigars (depending on the size) which usually keeps me busy for a 10-day vacation.

Doc, I experienced the same thing with my Otterbox; a 65% puck yielded an alarming 75% RH after a day! Now, I pre-humidify by leaving it open in a coolerdor, then leave the hudification element out of it when travelling.

I agree, if only for several days, there is no need for extra humidity if using an Otter Box.

Also, there's a company that sells 'humidi-sheets'(they take up less space) that may be an option for those longer trips.

Brother Narced,

I use an Otterbox but I have gotten creative and lined it with cedar veneers from boxes I've gotten over time. Where ever possible I've cut out the sheets and keep them snug in there with the sticks. Works for me.

Well after researching some more I decided to get the Sherman, alas they sent me a return e mail stating that they were no longer in buisness, think I might try the otter box. Thanks for all the replys.