The Tropics

[Dunas]

Gentlemen,

I've probably got a rather unique problem. I live in the tropics where the humidity is high.

Im looking for a way to store my tobacco in order to keep it from getting too moist.

Then I'm looking for a way to dry it when it's become too moist. ( Fridge seems to work but it's far from ideal)

Lastly, my pipes don't dry out well. Again, I'm looking for advice on how to store it and dry it in this otherwise wonderful climate.

Thanks!

 

[rushx9]

Welcome from Shelby, NC!
For storage, mason jars should do the trick.
As for drying, a coffee cup-warmer, potpourri warmer, desklamp, 7-sec microwave blast, and hairdryer/cloth covered bowl are all decent options.
Drying your pipes is a less commonly discussed topic... my best guess would be putting them in a Tupperware type container with desiccant packs, rice, or some other absorbent material.
Hope those answers are helpful!

 

[mso489]

Interesting problem. We have some members in Louisiana who may have some ideas, although that may not be as tropical as where you are. The fridge sounds like a practical solution, without resorting to some kind of special expensive device. I live with some humidity in central N.C., but with a.c., there is usually no problem with pipes and tobacco. Without a.c., mold grows in your shoes. Or can.

 

[rushx9]

Without a.c., mold grows in your shoes. Or can.

There's nothing worse than mold growing in your can! ??

 

[greeneyes]

The same methods for storing tobacco to ensure that it does not dry are equally valid for ensuring that it does not become too humid: a hermetic seal.

To dry your tobacco, microwave a plate (if you have a microwave) to warm it. Scatter your tobacco on the plate and the heat will gently drive the moisture from your tobacco. The degree to which you heat the plate and the time you leave the tobacco upon it will determine the extent to which your tobacco will dry. These variables must be determined empirically by you.

 

[shanez]

The same methods for storing tobacco to ensure that it does not dry are equally valid for ensuring that it does not become too humid: a hermetic seal.

To dry your tobacco, microwave a plate (if you have a microwave) to warm it. Scatter your tobacco on the plate and the heat will gently drive the moisture from your tobacco. The degree to which you heat the plate and the time you leave the tobacco upon it will determine the extent to which your tobacco will dry. These variables must be determined empirically by you.

I would think this. Or some other method of very gently drying your tobacco and then sealing it in a jar would work well. A jar (or mylar bag) should keep moisture out just as well as it keeps it in.

 

[mingc]

I used to live in Malaysia and Singapore. Temperature and relative humidity there are nearly the same as Mombasa, though lots more rain in Malaysia and Singapore it seems. To dry pipes and tobacco, as you know, the only way to lower humidity is air-conditioning. Without air conditioning, maybe try putting them outdoors during the day, in the shade? (Not vulcanite stems though. Light and humidity would tarnish them quickly).

As for storage, can you get glass jars with screw-on tops in Kenya? They are called canning or mason jars in the US and many of us like to use them for tobacco storage, because they are air-tight.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

It can be hard for me to dry pipes and tobacco. The humidity is high at my house. I use a hair dyer for tobacco and try to leave my pipes under the AC vent. Any time I leave pipes or tobacco in the center console of my car they dry quickly. The vents work ok, the heater is much better than the AC. This time of year it can be a crap shoot, whether the AC will dry my tobacco or not.