I am an oil painter who is adding/transitioning to pastels. My use is strictly in studio storage and moving them with me on a vacation or such. I am delighted with the quality of the travel box. It holds my current stock of pastels with room to grow. Handsome to look at and seems sturdy. I have high hopes this will last a long time.

Very nice case to have your pastels organized.

I am very pleased with it. Took about an hour and a half to organize the pastels, and the next day I did one of my best works! Everything was there and easy to find and easy to compare.

I love my new travel box. It’s beautifully made and holds tons of pastels. Can’t wait to get the portable easel and head out to try some plein air … when it stops raining ;)

THIS IS MY THIRD BOX FOR MY EVER-EXPANDING SELECTIONS OF PASTELS. I HAVE TRIED AT LEAST THREE OTHER STORAGE BOXES FROM OTHER VENDORS AND HAVE SETTLED ON THIS ONE FOR EASE OF TRANSPORTATION AND ABILITY TO SECURELY HOLD MY PASTELS NO MATTER IF I STAND IT UP, DOWN OR SIDEWAYS. I AM GOING TO OFFER MY OTHER STORAGE BOXES TO SOMEONE WHO MIGHT NEED THEM SINCE I NO LONGER USE THEM. A GREAT PRODUCT AND SO BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED - A WORK OF ART.

This is a wonderful travel case that keeps pastels safe and nicely cushioned. I use it as a studio box and in fact purchased two along with a smaller one for neutrals and Terry Ludwig intense darks. Makes it really easy to access pastels as well as store them since my “studio” doubles as a guest bedroom.

I purchased both the small and large travel case for use at home. I needed a way to organize my pastels by color and value instead of having to keep original boxes spread out in my small space. The boxes are well made and well padded. When closed the are easy to store. I am very happy to have them. I should have thought of this before.

I just received it and haven't taken it anywhere yet- but so far, so good. The smaller Dakota Travel Pastel Box that I have owned & used extensively for 10 years held up very well until 6 weeks ago when one of the latches broke. I am still using that one also & holding it shut with a belt around the box. It is well loved!!!!

Great quality, well made , delivered quickly and safely. Excited to set it up!

I love this product it is made by M.A.B.E.F. In Italy, you probably would sell more if you stated that in you bio .The box is heavy when full so be prepared.I can’t imagine a smaller one because I couldn’t get every thing I wanted in it. I already want another one.It would have got a 5 but two corners inside the box the laminate pealed off when I first opened it, that doesn’t a effect it’s use it’s just not perfect.

This is a quality made box, and holds many pastels, it’s a bit heavy when it’s full, but should be very nice for plein air. The cushions for the pastels inside the box are very good.

After having gone through at least 2 other pastel containers, I have settled on this Dakota product. It is the most portable and most SECURE storage I have found. I have two of them, splitting my collection into 2 more easily transported boxes. Other storage I have used required that the boxes be kept horizontal otherwise the sticks would get scrambled if carried vertically. With this product, I can carry each like I would carry a briefcase, and each stick remains in its place. Beautifully made and sturdy.

I’ve had this pastel box for a couple years. Recently I’ve been traveling quite a bit and this box is perfect! I can bring all my pastels with me on the road. It protects the delicate pastels very well and has ample room. I’m able to lay it open for use on the open drawer to my french box easel for use.

Really fine storage box. Perfect depth and size for my needs. Priced reasonably.

So pleased with my new box! It is exactly what I was looking for in order to organize my pastels. A must for all artists working with pastels. In addition the delivery time was amazingly fast. Quality products and quick deliveries, you can't beat that!

Perfect for my needs I needed to be able to fold up and store my pastels plus have a travel workshop box Absolutely recommend it

Beautifully made, sturdy and secure for my expanded number of sticks to complete my "set", especially when I travel. No sharp corners thank you.

This is such a good way to organize my pastels so that I can choose my colors. It's a great way to get my inventory to class. It's sturdy. I had a little issue with one of the panels and Dakota replaced it so quickly and graciously.

I am very impressed with this well-made pastel carrier. I would love one twice this size for use in my studio. Maybe some day my wish will come true.

Delivered when said Product was exactly as expected Mailing list is an encouragement

My need is to get my pastels in one place, rather than in boxes here and there and everywhere. . . .especially when the pastel project is in process. This box satisfies that need. It is sturdy enough and keeps the pastels secure which keeps me happy. If I should need to travel with my pastels, which is not my habit, it should work fine. The price of this box allowed me to finally get my pastels in one collection which liberates me while working on a project.

For some reason it was not as roomy as I thought from looking at the photos, but essentially a good product. I got most of my Terry Ludwig and Blue Earth pastels in it. I probably need a second one. Certainly good for making more room and not having to search each pastel box for a color. I think it will work…but I think I need two.

Holds all of my pastels safely. I love it!

Love it!

The box is great and the two main locks are good. The tiny clip things that hold the panels on the pastels are very rinky dink. Easy to bend and don't stay in place well. I picture opening the box on a flat surface, the panel on one side coming off, and spilling half the pastels. I will try to find better clips (like the Heilman clips) and replace them. Such a small thing, but "...for want of a nail ..."

I had been reluctant to pay what it costs for a pastel box like this, but none of my lower cost options proved satisfactory, so I finally took the plunge. I’m so glad I did! This is exactly what I needed. Bonus: It arrived right on time and in perfect condition.

This box is generally great - well made, holds a LOT of pastels, and offers good protection, which is what I needed. The only down side for me is that with all of the pastels in it, it is NOT light weight - not even medium weight! Too heavy for me - an older person - to lift and carry around. Also, you'll need a lot of surface space in your studio to have more than one of these opened. I will likely try the smaller size box next time, and get more of those.

I exchanged the smaller one for the larger one. I do not have a huge amount of pastels, but what I had would not all fit in the smaller one. For those of you with large pastel collections, the smaller one would probably be perfect for traveling to a class or plein aire, but I wanted all I have to fit in one location, as I am running out of room in my office/art room. It is sturdy, holds pastels securely, comfortable handle and only about 11 pounds filled. Just what I was looking for.

I am now the proud owner of each of these marvelous carriers. They are sturdy and handsome and should last for a long, long time. The only possible suggestion I could have at this point is whether there could be a way of devising a divider that would be transverse to the current design this would allow for smaller divisions for the users needs.

I have the Guerilla Painter pastel carrier, which I really like, but it's just a tad too small sometimes--so I was looking for a box that was larger, for plein air. I was concerned the Dakota Deluxe Travel Large would be too large (I measured the specs out to try and visualize)--but turns out to be just right. It holds much more than the Guerilla, but is not so large as to be cumbersome for plein air painting. (Too large to be supported by my easel, though--which I can do with the Guerilla.) The Dakota has superb quality. I'll use either/both boxes for plein air depending on circumstances, and I'm using the Dakota for at-home storage as well.

I bought the large case so I could use it to store and organize my pastels. I also wanted to be able to carry my pastels to classes. It does all that. It is beautifully made. However, one should be prepared for the weight of it

This carrier is great. It holds a ton of sticks on each side of the case. Padded “plates” hold the pastels in place and allow the case to utilize both sides. I use this in my studio and when I work in classes or traveling, I don’t have to change my system. I just put the plates in, secure them and go! No shifting of pastels so the stay protected even while moving or getting bumped around. This is a huge case and hold the entire Unison collection with room to add other brands as well. There are also plenty of separation spaces so you can organize your pastels by value and tint. It is a bit heavy so it’s not the best for long distances walking to plein air sites or for easels with rickety pastel holders. It folds out quite long. I’d recommend the smaller version for plein air.

I had so many pastels, I finally bit the bullet and got a Dakota pastel box. My colors were somewhat organized before but now I can see the colors next to each other to judge what I need to use. Can’t wait to use it!

I purchased the Deluxe Traveler primarily for at home use to organize and store my most used pastels. The carrier is exactly as described. Although I do not use it for plein air painting, I find it extremely handy for traveling.

I treated myself to the large Dakota pastel box. I had everything in the smaller version, but I grew out of it - but that's a good thing, right? The large box gives me room to grow. The box is extremely well made.

The wooden case is perfect for my needs. It's wonderful to be able to organize the colors. I use the pastels on my dining room table. It's now quick and easy to put away. It's made well. A little work of art in itself.

Perfect carrier storage box

This is great for organizing pastels by color and value. With 10 compartments it is now my main pastel box. I have a similar, smaller box, but in class I always find I am missing that "one pastel" I really need! This is easy to transport. The memory foam prevents pastels from rolling around. I wish I had purchased it 10 years ago.

Looks great. Well made. Perfect size for me. Can't wait to organize my pastels.

I finally treated myself to this wonderful pastel storage box! After much research (and saving money), I decided that this is the perfect pastel storage case and offered at an exceptional value! It is extremely well built with four clips on each side to safely hold and store the pastels under the lids. Quality materials are used in making this case. I am delighted with my purchase!

From placing the order for my Dakota Travel Wooden Box through shipping and delivery, I was very pleased. Excellent communication. Excellent product. Thanks

I am very pleased with this box. It is well made and will last a long time. I wish it was a bit bigger, but that is a small criticism. In every other way it meets my needs. I am so glad it was available for a good price. Thanks, DP.

I am truly delighted with this. It's listed as holding 300 sticks. I counted up the numbers on the boxes I have and it came to 400. I actually wanted something to store all my pastels...not to travel. Turns out it gives me way more room than I need. But I will grow in to it! It is sturdy, nicely finished, clasps operate perfectly. And if you travel it's not really heavy.

This box lets me organize my pastels and travel without breakage. It’s excellent quality for a reasonable price!

The Dakota Deluxe Travel case is everything I wanted to carry my pastels in. Well made, beautiful wood, secure, easy to store and carry my pastels. I'm looking at purchasing a second case.

Finally I have been able to organize my pastels in one space and now I can see all the colors in the rainbow (and in between)!

So excited about the arrival of my pastel box. I know it'll be great. It arrived quickly and aside from a small superficial dent on one surface, (which should be fine) it's lovely.

This pastels storage box is extremely well built with genuine finger joints in each corner, sturdy dividers which were fitted into place during the gluing process unlike most others I’ve seen that were dropped in after the fact. Good quality hinges and latches. It holds a nice, large quantity of pastels.

Quite heavy. Loved inside. Good to get organized. Weight is a factor. Wish it was lighter.

Received the box and just finished setting it up! It is just what I hoped for and is very well made. I especially like that it has 10 divisions. And the foam on top and bottom securely holds the pastels when the box is closed. I am very happy with this box.

I love this travel box, it holds lots of pastels! The partitions are great for organizing pastels and the foam lining prevents breakage.

I just received my new Dakota large travel pastel box and im very impressed by the quality and size. It is a bit heavy but at least i can fit a large quantity of pastels and feel safe traveling with them.

I don't know how I managed getting any work done before, working out of boxes my pastels were delivered in. This brings all those pastels together in one place. I had an initial concern when the box arrived because the padding seemed damp and there was a very strong odor. However, after leaving the box open a couple of weeks, the smell dissipated. Apparently it was shipped before the glue was dry, and many people I've asked had no odor when their own boxes arrived. So, other than the wait time before using it, I'd recommend this to any pastelist.

Great storage for pastels and sturdy transporting. You'll need to change out the bright yellow foam (seriously!? Bright yellow foam for artists??) that lines each tray. I wish they made it wider, the compartments need to be another inch or two longer to hold a better full value range of each color family, but this way it's very portable. Can fit in a backpack. Very well made. Until I someday have a studio where I can lay out a table sized pastel organizer, this box will serve my needs.

Yes it is large and necessarily a bit heavy, but it keeps my costly pastels safe on international flights. It also fits in my carry on suitcase. One short of a 5 due to weight only.

Very well made product for my precious pastels I have had the smaller size for years. Love them both

I purchased this pastel box for an upcoming pastel workshop. It is very sturdily made & a good price .I hope to enjoy it for a long time. A friend recommended it, as she has used hers for several years & is very happy with it.

This box is EXACTLY what I needed to organize and use my pastels! I previously purchased a different pastel case that kept the pastels completely separated from each other, and was very frustrated with that system. This box lets sort and efficiently use my pastels because I can SEE them in relationships to similar colors. I don't have to waste time finding a pastel and then holding it next to similar colors to compare. Organize ONE TIME and you are ready to work!

Beautiful box!! Will use as my studio box. Since I'm new to pastel painting, I'm Just beginning to fill with my pastels as I collect them! A wonderful new creative journey for me, as I've been a watercolor artist for many years!

This is the first pochade type box I've ever owned, even after 30 years as a full time pastelist, so I cannot compare it to anything except my needs, which it fills very well. I can't believe I have room for more than I own, which I thought was a lot!

Solid and just the right size and weight for organizing and transporting quite a lot of pastels.

Great box, holds a lot of pastels and organizes them easily. Wish it had hooks on the sides like the Hellman box to hold it open for ease of movement and to prevent spills! BUT it was ordered before Christmas, shipped on 12/26 and took until 1/4 to get here! Spent $14 on shipping costs! Other packages ordered around the holidays did not take as long.

I had been using a home made store solution using the drawer from my french easel and a masonite board with straps. It worked but not well. I needed a case for my studio and so I could transport to classes, etc. This case is built well, is beautiful and the pastels do not jiggle around when closed. I admit that I carry it flat rather than by the handle so have not tested if the pastels move when upright. But, I will probably at some point need to pack in a suitcase with padding around it. That should be the real test. I believe it should last me a good long time and it cost much less than other similar pastel travel cases. It is marketed as a travel case, which it is, but is too large for field art. I'll need to purchase something smaller for En Plein Air as I don't like carrying heavy gear into the field.

It's a great box--good size and sturdy. Seems a bit overpriced, but worth it for the long haul. My only 'wish' is that the steel tabs had rubber or plastic tips. They are hard on the fingers to close.

Exactly what I wanted—perfect size for me with room for all my pastels and room to grow. Not too heavy, not too big to travel with—just right. And customer service is a total delight! ( I had to amend my order). They were prompt, accommodating, and soooo nice!