Product Reviews

Dakota Pochade Box

Average: 5 20 Reviews
  • Lynda Hughes - Pastel Society of Southeast Texas2/10/2022 6:31 AM
    "Pochade Box"
    This is an excellent pochade box. It has all the qualities needed for an artist. I especially like the foam in it to keep safe while traveling.
  • Tracy1/21/2022 2:24 PM
    "Good bargain, love the flat painting surface"
    Dakota’s pochade box was priced right and I have been enjoying it for plein air painting since 2019. Like others, I find the latch a bit problematic. I got a wide velcro strap that I wrap around my box so I don’t worry about the latch coming undone. I personally prefer the flat design of the painting surface over other models with an inset painting area. I made a V-shaped dustcatcher that keeps pastel dust from mucking up my pastels (OCD much, lol). I bought an extra foam insert and have cut out some sections to turn it more ito a partitioning framework so I can put my pastels inside in clean color groupings. I have the version with the tripod mount which is totally the way to go! With a selection of supports always in a manila folder in the front pocket and a medium gladware container with supplies like handiwipes, etc, I am always ready to head out on a nice day. The style and value of the box for me outweigh the concerns about the latch.
  • Mary Aldrich5/26/2021 1:08 PM
    "Compact Pastel Box"
    I wanted a container that was compact, light and portable. This does it all. The box top could be used as an easel but it's a bit too tilted for me.
  • Carroll Durand1/10/2021 6:03 AM
    "Pochade box"
    In general it seems quite nice and usable for my soft pastels however I really dislike the color of the bottom surface. For me it affects my reading of the pastel color. I also am a little concerned about the foam divider layer and its tendency to pull up with the removal of pastels, Thanks for asking.
  • Pam Swegles12/17/2020 11:21 AM
    "Painting Box"
    This is my second Pochade Box that I have bought from Dakota. It can hold enough pastels, pencils, etc. to paint anywhere. I have used both to store a great supply of Girault Pastels and some other pastels and pencils.
  • Lise1/18/2020 7:50 AM
    "Nice little box!"
    This is a very light weight well-constructed box. When I received it it was smaller than I expected but it's just right for afternoon outing. I would only make a few changes to the box....first, it needs a more user friendly closure. It snaps shut well, but it's awkward to pull the very small knob to the side to open. A hook closure would make more sense to me. Also I would add a carrying handle. My husband installed one on the side edge so it's much easier to transport. And last, I would include a thin piece of foam to lay over the pastels before you close the lid...not only for protect of the pastels but to keep the underside of the lid clean since it doubles as an "easel". I took out the foam with sections and used just the solid sheet of memory foam underneath my pastels, I can put way more in the box this way. Otherwise it's a great box, nice wood, well made and lightweight.
  • Cathy Devine1/13/2020 2:09 PM
    "Great!"
    Well-made, lightweight.
  • Melissa Begay1/13/2020 8:12 AM
    "Great box for a beginner"
    I have been painting with pastels for 3 years now. I never owned my own carrying case and figured it was about time to do so. This carry case/box is great and has plenty of room for so many pastels. My teacher tells me I need more pastels to fill it. This box is compact which makes it easy to travel with.
  • Barbara Dick11/4/2019 4:23 AM
    "Dakota pochade Box"
    Not up to the usual quality of Dakota. Box was unfinished wood..I ended up giving it a coat of varnish to make it easier to keep clean. The latch on the front seems substandard and cheap. Was disappointed but kept as I needed a travel box. On the plus side, it is lightweight, a packable size and holds enough pastels for a workshop or vacation travel. I almost returned it but needed a lightweight, smaller box for travel..I would not recommend this for purchase to any of my friends.
  • Becky Chappell8/27/2019 1:46 PM
    "Perfect for my next travels"
    I have a similar box, same size except deeper and weighs twice as much. It's a great box but I wanted one lighter for my next travels. This box is perfect. It holds plenty of pastels, especially with the removeable foam cutout piece. I also love the strap that holds paintings on the back of the box. It seems also to be plenty durable!
  • Elaine Shortall8/26/2019 7:57 AM
    "Dakota Pochade Box"
    I have not yet had the opportunity to fill the box as I was in the middle of something when it came that needed another week to complete. Hope to begin today. I believe it will be just what I needed to lighten my load.
  • Kathleen Newman7/18/2019 5:48 PM
    "Dakota Pochade Box"
    Love the size and weight of this sturdy box!
  • Carol Dawkins6/6/2019 7:46 PM
    "Dakota Pochade Box"
    I always wanted this box but when it was on sale and no shipping I had to buy it. It’s a great size and has 90 slots for pastels it’s great for plein air and traveling. I can the lid as my easel. Love it.
  • Desley Stewart6/3/2019 7:02 PM
    "Dakota Pochade Box"
    Do you sell the mounts to enable it to be attached to a tripod?
  • Dr. Burton Finifter2/28/2019 7:23 PM
    "Pochade Box"
    Great box. Wish it was a little larger for more pastels.
  • Gloria Warren for the SWFPS1/28/2019 10:33 AM
    "Dakota Pochade Box"
    Donation for this year's Art Show in Marco Island. We will be taking photos of the reception's winners and forwarding to you. More info to follow. This is a beautiful box and the Group is very happy to have received, an incentive for quality work and sales Thank you again.
  • Marilyn H11/9/2018 8:35 AM
    "Another great Dakota box"
    Love this different type of pochade box. It is lightweight, thin, and holds a lot of pastels. The divider foam is nice, but it can also be used without. Lid holds the pad on the outside. Paper can be clipped or taped on the inside to paint. I gave it a 4 because the pastel dust will eventually fall onto the pastels when painting. It will help to put a dust catcher (foil I use or sticky tape up) to prevent this.
  • Johna7/16/2018 5:28 PM
    "Good choice"
    After comparing many boxes based on size, price and science, I'm glad I chose this one. It's well made, light, and flexible for pastel storage. And it's pretty. And I caught it in sale.
  • AnnikGunter7/9/2018 4:23 PM
    "pochade box from DAKOTA"
    it is light, cleaver in organisation, PERFECT FOR A WORKSHOP, with its 40 places
  • Helen Kleczynski6/21/2018 10:16 PM
    "Great travel box"
    I took this box to Scotland, filled with my own selection of pastels. The box was a nice size and shape. It was convenient to set up quickly. I taped paper to the inside of the lid prior to my outing, so all I had to do was open the box, and I was ready to paint. After completing my painting, it was easy to close the lid and pack the box. I had a piece of glassine taped to the foam/plastic lid to protect the painting. I also carried the Daler-Rowney Cachet 9"x12"portfolio, which fit perfectly in the outside of the lid. I added d-rings and a carrying strap, and plan on adding another latch, because sometimes the clasp accidentally opened when I slid the box into my backpack. I would prefer the lid to be more vertical when opened. Otherwise, it is a well designed box that was convenient to use. I plan on keeping it packed and ready to grab for an impromptu plein air outing!