Abstract: A packaging arrangement is shown herein for protecting high voltage, pipe-type, impregnated paper insulated cable during long distance shipping. An annular channel is provided along the inside radial face of a cable reel to receive first and second vapor barrier blankets which may comprise laminated layers of polyolefin, aluminum foil and polyethlene. An adhesive is spread throughout the open portion of the channel. A first steel banding wire annularly secures the first two blankets within the annular channel and a synthetic rubber adhesive is disposed over the two blankets and wire. A third blanket comprising a laminate of polyvinyl chloride and Nylon is then disposed over the composite formed up to this point and a second banding wire is tightly secured about the overall composite. The second wire is so positioned as to bear down in a plane extending generally parallel to the radius of the circle described by the first wire so as to be axially spaced therefrom.