List of UNSC crates

Scattered throughout multiplayer and campaign levels on Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach are crates, or large boxes, that contain supplies for UNSC's ground-based forces. The contents of crates can be identified by their labels, and range from portable generators to armored boots. Although their only actual use in the game is cover from enemy fire, they do reveal a bit about the UNSC military, and play a key role in the environment of maps and campaign levels. They can also serve as cover or platform.

Crates
There is a range of different types of crates. This section contains information on all of them, ranging from smallest to largest. Kits are small crates that appear to be carried by Marine ground forces. Barrels contain liquid supplies. Small crates carry equipment used by ground troops, and large crates contain large pieces of equipment for use at fixed positions.

Rescue
The first crate can be found only once or twice in the game; it appears to be a small medical kit Marine medics would use to treat the wounded. It has the word "Rescue" along with the international medical symbol. It is likely able to be found in various campaign levels at Marine positions, but it can only be found once in multiplayer on the map Foundation.

Nerve gas
This container containing VX 7 nerve gas can be found in a Jiralhanae encampment inside the armory. It is placed under another crate so it is pretty difficult to find. There's another one on Metropolis on top of the building where Sergeant Banks and a turret are next to a medical crate. The crate has been spotted on the multiplayer map Foundation as well. Perhaps it is with a bit of dry humor that Bungie placed this small crate right next to a medical kit within the same room.  Type: VX 7

Blitz Can
This crate or barrel is for emergencies. You can also find blitz cans with Hydrogen fuel.  Item: Water - Pure

Water
This barrel can be found all over on multiplayer maps and Marine encampments in campaign. It appears to be a barrel of water for hygiene, cleansing, drinking, etc.  Type: Pure

Hydrogen
It is likely this is used by Marine ground forces to fuel various equipment, including generators and Warthogs.  Type: Fuel

Gas Mask
S90 Gas Masks are used by ground forces for protection against chemical or biological weapons.  Serial Number: 7880-53-413-1990 Type: S90 Item: Gas Mask/KR3/INF/BLK Quantity: 64 Weight: 112 LBS Lot: LYSE7Q409-53

Helmet
CH252 Helmet, the standard Marine armor helmet in Halo 2.  Serial Number: 9325-80-548-4127 Type: CH252 Item: Helmet/C-M/INF/W-OD Quantity: 26 Weight: 82.6 LBS Lot: TASA2G708-80

Body Armor
The M52B Body Armor is for use by Marine ground forces for protection from energy and ballistic projectiles.  Serial Number: 2580-55-270-4193 Type: M52B Item: Body Armor/C-M/INF/W-OD Quantity: 12 Weight: 173 LBS Lot: PILT4G312-55

Armored Boot
The VZG7 Armored Boots are the standard issue boots for UNSC Marines.  Serial Number: 5893-22-418-2524 Type: VZG7 Item: Armored Boot/INF/V-OD Quantity: 10 Pairs Weight: 81 LBS Lot: ROSW4C219-22

M6D Pistol
Perhaps the strangest box on Halo 2, it contains the Halo: Combat Evolved pistol.  REQ: Unknown Type: M6D Item: Pistol/M6D 12.7MM Rec. Op.  Quantity: 50 Weight: 204.5 Lot: PLTDN45145-81

Machine Gun
Used for base defense, the M247 GPMG machine gun turret crate is found only on Headlong and Cairo Station.  REQ: Unknown Type/Item: M247 7.62 Gas Op. Auto Linkless Quantity: 1 Weight: 893 LBS Lot: VOYN3PV25-71

Emergency Food Prep Station
The MK71 emergency food preparation station is used by UNSC Marines to cook food in field conditions.  REQ: Unknown Type: MK71 Item: Emrgncy Food Prep. Station Quantity: 2 Volts: 220 Weight: 716 Lot: ROSW4C240-92

Replacement Transfer Case
A transfer case is a part of the four wheel drive system found in the Warthog. The transfer case is connected to the transmission and also to the front and rear axles by means of driveshafts. The transfer case receives power from the transmission and sends it to both the front and rear axles.  REQ: Unknown Type: D90Z Item: Rplcmnt Transfer Case/M12LRV IDPG FT-DR Quantity: 16 Weight: 203 LBS Lot: LYSE7Q409-31

Security System
 REQ: Unknown Type: SL23 Item: Auto/Sec/Mon/System Quantity: 32 Optical: 8 Digital: 4 Weight: 305 LBS Lot: TASA26700-92

Portable Generator
This portable electric generator/hydrogen fuel cell is likely used at fixed positions for power.  REQ: Unknown Type: PG000E Item: Port EL Gen/HY F Cell 18 KV Quantity: 16 Gallons: 9 Hours: 24 Weight: 273 LBS Lot: PILT4G312-70

Resupply pod
Resupply canisters are dropped by Pelicans to quickly deliver ammunition and weapons to soldiers.  Type:C Capsule Lot:0722657

Halo 3
Halo 3 features most of the same crates as seen in Halo 2. Interestingly, the crates in Halo 3 have the exact same labels as in Halo 2, even though the pieces of equipment they represent have been changed.

Halo: Reach
There are several types of UNSC crates in Halo: Reach. The redesigned basic crates no longer bear labels describing their contents and are emblazoned with the UNSC emblem instead. Below the lid, there is a net presumably intended to keep the contents in place. However, all crates encountered in the game are empty. Additionally, the game features black ONI DR44 Transit Boxes, often stacked on 463L Master Pallets, and heavy JW Armory Storage Cabinets used to store weaponry.