[MC_Stitch]

While I am not offering "what to buy/use" I want to chime in from an event standpoint.

Remember everything you plan to use in a pit should be in a space that is 10'x10' or smaller. Some events provide 9'x9' pits. At Champs (should you make it there) the spaces are even tighter when you get to finals and are on the floor with the competition fields. Think 3 teams using a space that is 12'x12'.

Make your moveable chest(s) have only the most essential items in it. Remember somewhere to store batteries. Preferably with the charging system built in.

Pits can get crowded at events and you will have Judges, CSA's, and RI's visiting your pits. Not including visitors from other teams and people just coming out the the competition. So you will want to maximize how to set up your pit to provide organization for the pit crew, safety captain, and you want room for the drive team to tell you what happened to the bot on the field. And, you want/need room to display information about what makes your team great for FIRST, your school/organization, and community.

I recommend taking what you think the smallest space you can function in, taping the box on the floor and practice building your pit. Decide what is necessary and what is not necessary. Then tape a different box that is 4'x12' and practice putting only the most necessary items in it for a championship finals event. Also taking into account lighting for the Einstein fields. The overhead lights are usually turned off during Einstein making field-side pits very dark.

That's my 2 cents.