Best Climbing Chalks of 2024
Fine, liquid, chunky, and ball: chalks for all kinds of climbers
July 1st, 2024
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Climbing chalk is a strange topic. For the longest time, we’ve wondered how there can be such strong opinions over the simple ingredient: magnesium carbonate. Shouldn’t something that’s chemically the same as all the other options be the same in practice? Well, it turns out that chalk isn’t quite that simple.
Some brands pump chalk full of additives. Others claim that their chalk contains only magnesium carbonate, but then they add fragrance to it. These are just a few of the reasons why we decided to put a bunch of different chalks to the test. We wanted to determine if there is a big difference between fine chalk and chunky chalk, and whether or not the packaging was the only factor that set these chalks apart.
No matter what chalk you choose, pairing it with a quality chalk bag can help improve your climbing experience. Be sure to check out our Best Climbing Chalk Bags guide to find the perfect bag for your chalk.
And if you are looking for more crag essentials, check out our Best Climbing Rope Bags review.
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Climbing chalk comparison table
| CLIMBING CHALK | TREELINE AWARD | WEIGHT/ VOLUME | TEXTURE | DUSTINESS | INGREDIENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bison Designs Competition Chalk | Best Overall Read why |
Half gallon, 1-gallon, 2-gallon | Super fine | High | Magnesium carbonate |
| Friction Labs Unicorn Dust Powder | Best Premium Read why |
2.5 oz, 6 oz, 12 oz | Fine | High | Magnesium carbonate, etc |
| 8B PLUS Powder | Best for Sensitive Skin Read why |
100g, 250g | Fine | Medium-high | Magnesium carbonate |
| Metolius Super Chalk | Best Budget Read why |
2.5, 4.5, 9 and 15 oz | Chunky | Medium | Magnesium carbonate |
| Black Diamond ECO Gold Liquid Chalk | Best Eco-friendly Read why |
150 ml | Liquid, fine | Low | Magnesium carbonate, ethanol, thickener |
| Metolius Chalk Block | Best Chunky Read why |
2 oz | Solid | Medium to low | Magnesium carbonate |
| Mammut Liquid Chalk | Best Liquid Read why |
100 ml | Liquid, fine | Low | Magnesium carbonate, ethanol, styrax benzoin gum, limonene, linalool, hydroxypropyl cellulose, colophonium, mentha arvensis leaf oil, benzyl benzoate |
The winners
Best overall climbing chalk: Bison Designs’ Competition Chalk
Weight/Volume: Half gallon, 1-gallon, 2-gallon
Texture: Super fine
Dustiness: High
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate
Packaging notes: Effective, sturdy, moisture-resistant
What we liked: Even coating, don’t need much of it
What we didn’t like: Dust clouds
Bison Designs’ Competition Chalk was a pleasant surprise. It’s not a climbing chalk that’s commonly available in local outdoor shops, so it wasn’t on our radar as a top chalk contender, but it should’ve been. This chalk is a premium chalk with a super fine, soft application and effective in even the lowest-friction environments. We took this chalk out to different crags across Colorado throughout the early spring and summer months. The chalk remained consistent, deliberate, and precise throughout every climb.
Compare prices of the Bison Designs’ Competition Chalk
The Bison Designs’ Competition Chalk comes in a variety of different sizes ranging from a quart pouch to a two gallon bucket. We used the half-gallon option and barely grazed the surface of the chalk. It came in a sturdy container which could easily be restored. Although it was first popularized by climbers, this chalk was eventually adopted by weightlifters and gymnasts.
Despite this chalk’s fine design, it’s really not actually that dusty, which we loved.
We couldn’t find many faults with this chalk at all. We thought maybe the packaging would end up being inconvenient since most people don’t take a half gallon of chalk to the crag, but we found that we preferred a sturdy container to a little one.
In many ways Bison chalk competes with Frictionlabs' Unicorn Dust, but one of the biggest factors that puts it in the lead is the cost. By weight, Unicorn Dust is nearly four times more expensive than Bison Chalk. Who doesn’t love a premium chalk for standard prices?
Climbers tend to be particular, which can make the search for the dream chalk impossible. Bison Chalk really simplifies this process by providing high-quality powder that swiftly does its job so you can focus on the route ahead. Overall, this is the top dog in the house because of its reliability, price, and consistency. Not even the beloved Unicorn Dust can dethrone this competition chalk.
Best Premium climbing chalk: FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust
Weight/Volume: 2.5 oz, 6 oz, 12 oz
Texture: Fine
Dustiness: High
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate, etc.
Packaging notes: Internal bag is not resealable
What we liked: Application
What we didn’t like: Packaging, price
Frictionlabs is best known for its Unicorn Dust climbing chalk. Climbers joke that it’s the magical piece of the equation that allows them to send, attaching their hands to the walls in critical moments. There are many reasons to appreciate the Frictionlabs Unicorn Dust including its soft texture and effective application. It’s easy to get an even coating every time you dip your hands into this chalk.
Compare prices of the FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust
This chalk comes in three different sizes: 2.5, 6, and 12 oz. There are two reasons why it comes in smallish packages. One reason is due to its effectiveness and longevity (we found ourselves chalking up less frequently when we used the Unicorn Dust compared to other chalks). The other is likely due to its price. It’s easily one of the most expensive chalks on this list if not the most expensive option.
The expense isn’t a small one, and this is one of two drawbacks we have with this chalk. Sure, it’s good at maintaining friction, but it costs about the same as actual unicorn dust, making most of us hyperventilate while we reach for our wallets.
The other reason is that the packaging is more prone to failing and it isn’t really designed to re-seal effectively (there’s no zipper on the pouch), which means that you end up losing chalk and chalk integrity more often than you should.
While the Unicorn Dust has a few setbacks, and we don’t love the packaging, we do appreciate that it’s fully recyclable. It also leaves the additives and drying agents to other brands, maintaining a pure concentration of simple magnesium carbonate.
Overall, we think this chalk is phenomenal in a high-performance environment. It’s skin friendly, it lasts a long time, and this is a perfect example of getting what you pay for.
Best climbing chalk for sensitive skin: 8BPlus Powder Chalk
Weight/Volume: 100g, 250g
Texture: Fine
Dustiness: Medium-high
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate
Packaging notes: Resealable bag with reliable zipper
What we liked: Gentle to the touch
What we didn’t like: Pricepoint
Chalk can do its job too well and suck all the moisture out of your hands while you are climbing. Those with sweaty hands might find that they like an aggressive chalk application. However, those with sensitive skin usually benefit from a gentler, additive-free option like the 8B Plus Powder Chalk, which is as effective at maintaining friction as it is at staying soft.
The 8B Plus Powder Chalk is competitive in price with other premium chalks like Frictoinlabs’ Unicorn Dust, and it delivers many of the same benefits while supporting a gentle application. This chalk does not contain fillers or drying agents, which are often the cause of skin irritation for those with finicky hands.
Compare prices of the 8BPlus Powder Chalk
Like most fine chalks, the 8B Plus Powder Chalk is prone to creating dust clouds, which can be problematic in closed environments like the climbing gym. This is its main drawback.
Yet the chalk’s general friction level, soft texture, and reliable application make it a standout and an obvious winner. Like Bison Designs' chalk, we were pleasantly surprised by 8BPlus chalk in that it’s not the most popular or readily available option but it’s easily a contender in the world of premium chalks.
Best budget-friendly climbing chalk: Metolius SuperChalk
Weight: 2.5, 4.5, 9 and 15 oz
Texture: Chunky
Dustiness: Medium
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate
Packaging notes: Resealable, eco-friendly packaging
What we liked: Available everywhere, great value, bulk options
What we didn’t like: Less consistent application than other chalks
Metolius chalk needlessly maintains a bad reputation. Some climbers are convinced that the chalk, itself, is more slippery than other chalks, and that you get what you pay for. Yet during our chalk study, none of our climbers found any evidence that supported this statement. In fact, it opposed it. We tested the SuperChalk on our own and found that not only is it effective in most climbing environments, but it’s also totally worth the purchase–especially if you're on a budget.
Compare prices of the Metolius SuperChalk
A large, 15 oz bag of Metolius Superchalk costs less than a burrito at your nearest Chipotle, and most climbers find that it’ll last them all year long (or even longer depending on the frequency with which they climb). Similarly, a 2.5 gallon bucket of this chalk costs about two fully loaded pizzas, and lasts for eons. We’ll probably take some of it to the grave with us.
The chunky texture of this chalk also provides a great starting point for climbers who prefer a specific fineness since it comes with clumps that can be ground into marble-sized chunks or smaller.
Despite everything we love about the Metolius SuperChalk, it does have one or two shortcomings. During the application process, for example, it tends to leave patches of your hands uncovered, requiring extra attention or a second coating. The other factor is that it seems to come off a little faster than other chalks, but we have no empirical evidence that proves this gut feeling.
Metolius has also made attempts to create more sustainable chalk options for climbers by developing chalk alternatives that are nearly clear, and we love supporting brands that support the planet.
Overall, we found that Metolius Superchalk provides an unrivaled amount of value. Although it may slightly underperform when compared with premium chalks, it generally gets the job done, and you won’t have to spend your life savings to keep your chalk bag stocked with this type of chalk.
Best eco-friendly climbing chalk: Black Diamond Eco Gold Liquid Chalk
Weight: 150 ml
Texture: Liquid, fine
Dustiness: Low
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate, ethanol, thickener
Packaging notes: Leak-resistant container with a snap lid
What we liked: Sourcing, application
What we didn’t like: Extra thickening agent could be problematic
Most climbing chalks come from mines, which are often created from open pits. Seventy percent of this material comes from China, where it’s then produced to be in its pure form. This process causes air pollution from dust contamination, and the energy sources that fuel the whole mining process are usually petroleum-based which isn’t great for the planet. Fortunately, there are a few companies, like Black Diamond, that are leading the way to the production of synthesized chalk. Black Diamond’s Eco Gold Liquid Chalk is produced through the desalination process (sea water).
This chalk comes in a 150ml container, and is mixed with ethanol to create its liquid form. The result is basically dust free, and it provides a great chalk base for powders. The cost of this chalk is also competitive with other liquid chalks.
View the Black Diamond Eco Gold Liquid Chalk
This chalk does contain a thickening agent, which is somewhat common in liquid chalks. While we didn’t have any skin sensitivity problems with it, this could be more difficult for some climbers’ skin to tolerate. Compared to Mammut’s Liquid Chalk, this chalk is more evenly applied and consistent in performance.
Black Diamond’s general sustainability policy is another reason why we love them. The brand operates under the idea that how we accomplish a task is just as important as the task itself. As a result, they became a founding member of Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps, as well as implemented a range of recycling strategies.
Climbers who prefer to use liquid chalk as a base will be quick to appreciate the Eco Gold Liquid Chalk for its sustainable background, smooth application, and performance.
Best chunky climbing chalk: Metolius Block Climbing Chalk
Weight: 2 oz
Texture: Solid
Dustiness: Medium to low
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate
Packaging notes: Paper packaging, not resealable
What we liked: Easy to crush, super affordable
What we didn’t like: Not built for longevity
Metolius is always a big name in the world of climbing, and the Block Climbing Chalk is no different. This chalk form simply takes the solution that Metolius uses in the rest of its Superchalk and allows the climber to determine how fine the chalk should be.
Made with 100% magnesium carbonate, this chalk bypasses fillers, additives, and scents to give climbers a simple tool to support them on those tough routes. Blocks come in packages of 8, which is fantastic for climbers who go through a lot of chalk.
Compare prices of the Metolius Block Climbing Chalk
The Metolius Block Climbing Chalk’s only shortcoming is that it seems to come off a lot faster than other chalks (even Metolius's pre-grated Superchalk), and it’s difficult to get it to spread out evenly on your hands.
Still, for the overall value that this chalk provides, it's worth taking a second look. Metolius Superchalk has been around for about 20 years, becoming an industry staple and a regular match for other chalk brands. There’s a reason why it’s one of the most stocked and easily found types of chalk in the world of climbing.
Best liquid climbing chalk: Mammut Liquid Chalk
Weight: 100 ml
Texture: Liquid, fine
Dustiness: Low
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate, ethanol, styrax benzoin gum, limonene, linalool, hydroxypropyl cellulose, colophonium, mentha arvensis leaf oil, benzyl benzoate
Packaging notes: Reliable, leak-resistant
What we liked: Only a tiny amount is required for effective use
What we didn’t like: Not ideal for sensitive hands
We generally have conflicted feelings about liquid chalk as a concept since it usually isn't a standalone chalk, but the Mammut Liquid Chalk has us reconsidering our viewpoint. This liquid chalk is fine and smooth to apply, it faintly smells of peppermint, which sort of helps to mask the scent of alcohol, and it creates a beautiful base for a secondary application of powdered chalk.
Compare prices of the Mammut Liquid Chalk
The Mammut Liquid Chalk comes in a small, leak-resistant container that easily fits in chalk buckets and some chalk bag pockets. It is much easier to transport than other chalks, since it doesn’t leave a trail of chalk everywhere you go. It creates a moderate amount of friction by itself, and it boosts the longevity of powder chalk.
The main problem with this chalk is that, like most liquid chalks, the alcohol can be really tough on your skin, leaving it cracked and irritated. This is one reason why it should be used sparingly. Another concern is the sheer number of ingredients listed on the label. While we do appreciate that transparency, and being able to see everything in the chalk (which not every company provides), we wonder if the solution is more damaging to the environment.
When compared to Black Diamond’s Eco Gold Liquid Chalk, the Mammut Liquid Chalk provides a slightly thicker consistency, though the application is less thorough than Black Diamond’s chalk. Both chalks aren’t particularly easy on the skin, since they contain ethanol.
Despite the Mammut Liquid Chalk’s drawbacks, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to performance. Instead, it creates a lasting base layer of chalk to keep your hands dry all session long, and it smells pleasant while doing it.
Other climbing chalks we tested
Frictionlabs Gorilla Grip
Weight: 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 oz
Texture: Slightly chunky
Dustiness: Medium
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate
Packaging notes: Not resealable
What we liked: Stripped and refined in Denver
What we didn’t like: Higher price point than similar chalks
The Frictionlabs Gorilla Grip has a similar performance to the Metolius Superchalk, yet it’s significantly more expensive. While Unicorn Dust has created a reputation for its fine texture and soft feel, Gorilla Grip doesn’t really seem to provide much more friction than any other chalk.
View the Frictionlabs Gorilla Grip
Weight: 1.5 oz
Texture: Fine
Dustiness: Low
Ingredients: Not available
Packaging notes: Resealable baggie, but it’s not required
What we liked: Great concept, absorbent
What we didn’t like: Lack of transparency
We love the concept of the Metolius Super Eco Ball, which uses some type of a chalk alternative that comes out nearly clear. This was a close runner up to the Black Diamond Eco Gold Liquid Chalk for eco-friendliness. Our main hesitation was that there’s no transparency surrounding the ingredients, so it's possible that the chalk alternative is problematic in its own right.
View the Metolius Super Eco Ball
Weight: 2.29 oz
Texture: Fine
Dustiness: Low
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate
Packaging notes: Resealable bag, but it’s not required
What we liked: It’s refillable, fully recyclable packaging
What we didn’t like: Tight mesh, hard to moderate amount of accessible chalk
We’re a big fan of 8B Plus, but the chalk bomb didn’t “wow” us. While it does have a reusable sock, and great chalk, the mesh is really tight and it can be hard to moderate the amount of chalk that remains accessible while using this bomb – a sock that holds your chalk in place to reduce dustiness.
View the 8B Plus Chalk Bomb
Weight: 125 ml
Texture: Liquid, fine
Dustiness: Low
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate, ethanol, mystery ingredients
What we liked: Thicker than some liquid chalks. Less is required
What we didn’t like: High cost
The 8B Plus Liquid Chalk is a great climbing chalk, but it has the price tag to match it. In fact, it runs about double the cost of Mammut’s Liquid Chalk. We also don’t love that this chalk has a scent that isn’t listed on the label.
View the 8B Plus Liquid Chalk
Weight: 100g
Texture: Loose, mildly chunky
Dustiness: Medium
Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate, fragrance
Packaging notes: Resealable bag
What we liked: Scent
What we didn’t like: Powerful smell
Joshua Tree Scented Chalk is something that you either love or hate. We happened to like the calming smell of the Flower-style chalk, but we found that those around us were sensitive to it.
View the Joshua Tree Scented Chalk
What is climbing chalk and why do you need it
Climbing chalk is a drying agent that is intended to keep your hands primed and ready to grab the next hold at any given time. Like gymnasts and weightlifters, climbers use chalk to reduce moisture while boosting friction for an overall better performance.
While the amount of chalk that is needed varies between climbers, most people find that chalk makes it easier to grab onto small holds and maintain grip. As a result, nearly every climber brings a chalk bag and chalk with them before attempting a route.
What to look for in climbing chalk
Most climbing brands sell some kind of chalk. As a new or even intermediate climber, it can be challenging to tell the difference between each one. Shouldn’t chalk just be calcium carbonate? Wouldn’t that make each package the same? Well, the answer is: not exactly.
Some chalks contain drying agents, meaning that they are not solely made with calcium carbonate. The consistency of each package of chalk also varies, which means that its application will vary. Then there are considerations like packaging, chalk color, and price.
Here are a few things to look for in climbing chalk:
Texture and consistency
Do you like to manage your chalk application? Or do you prefer to stick your hands in your bag and go? Climbing chalk comes in a wide variety of textures, with varying levels of consistency.
Friction Labs is known for producing extremely fine, soft chalk that can be blown out of a chalk bag with a light breeze, while companies like Metolius and Black Diamond are better known for block chalk, which can be broken up into pieces according to the climber’s liking. Loose, fine chalk is usually easier to apply with a more consistent covering, while blocked chalk is more likely to result in a patch job. However, being able to control the level of pulverization can better adhere to climber’s preferences than fine chalk, meaning that both chalk styles have their place.
Dustiness
There are few things as annoying as getting dusted by someone who’s applying chalk in the gym. Unaware, they stuff their hands in their bag and maybe even clap them to shirk off extra chalk before a route. Then you end up breathing it in. Not only is this frustrating for other climbers, but it’s also probably not good for their lungs, which is one reason why many people opt for low to moderately dusty chalks.
Using blockier chalks with a dense texture usually results in less dusting compared to super fine chalks. The former is advised for enclosed climbing environments like the gym. High dust chalks generally have a better application than other chalks, but using them must come with a bit of self-awareness and consideration.
Ingredients
Chalk often isn’t just chalk. While magnesium carbonate is always the main ingredient in climbing chalk, many versions contain additives, like drying agents, and artificial scents. Those with particularly sensitive skin tend to stay away from chalk that contains additives, since those versions seem to be more irritating than simple magnesium carbonate. Other climbers find that drying agents reduce the amount of chalk that they need to use, and some scents are nice to have. There isn’t currently a formula that points to the most effective chalk; instead choosing the right option comes down to evaluating personal preferences like ingredients.
Eco-friendliness
The production of chalk is inherently energy intensive, requiring mining like many other materials on the planet. Furthermore, even when the brand claims that it’s “environmentally friendly,” or “biodegradable,” the chalk can alter the local flora and fauna for the worse, which makes treading lightly really important.
While taking steps, like choosing a colored chalk that matches the local rocks or opting for a biodegradable version with eco-friendly packaging, can help to mitigate some of the risk that chalk presents (particularly in outdoor environments), it’s still important to operate with responsibility by reducing use and taking care not to spill it. Brands like Yosemite Gray offer colored chalk to match the granite of the region. Additionally, keep in mind that some brands source chalk more consciously, using things like sea water to reduce climber impacts.
Longevity
In light of the need to reduce environmental impact while climbing, one important climbing chalk consideration is longevity. Basically, how long does it stay on your hands assuming a normal rate of climbing? And how often do you have to purchase a new package?
In part, the longevity of climbing chalk is determined by the frequency of the climb, the environment, and the individual’s hands. Yet some chalks also simply last longer than others. A decent-sized bag of chalk might last two years for someone while it might last a month or two for another.
Key factors to consider when it comes to evaluating longevity include application (is it super fine and prone to dusting every time you stick your hands in the bag?), texture (blockier chalks tend to keep better than fine chalks), and packaging (keep it in a sealed bag or container for best results.
Packaging
While we love Friction Labs chalks like the Unicorn Dust, they don’t come in sealed packages, and they’re super fine compared to chalks like Metolius chalk, which is both sealed and textured. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one is superior to the other, but one likely does outperform the other in terms of longevity. Since unsealed packages usually permit more moisture and debris to enter into the chalk, it usually results in less reliability and long-term use.
Moisture absorption
Climbing chalk’s most important job is to absorb moisture. We’ve never come across chalk that doesn’t accomplish this task, but some options are more absorbent than others (e.g., liquid chalk). The average climber can get away with just about any type of climbing chalk, but if you know you have super sweaty hands, it might be worth grabbing an extra absorbent chalk like liquid chalk.
Price
Years ago, we conducted a blind chalk study amongst our friends, and the correlation between chalk performance and price was fascinating. While Metolius is generally seen as the affordable brand of chalk with less loveable qualities than others amongst climbers, our study showed that when you removed the brand’s name most people actually loved it. On the other end of the spectrum, higher-cost chalks like those from Friction Labs were appreciated but not favored in the same way as Metolius chalks.
All of this is to say that expensive chalks don’t necessarily yield better results. In fact, in most cases, the affordable option does the trick. However, new climbers should conduct testing of their own and find their personal preferences.
Personal preference
One of the most important factors that goes into choosing the right climbing chalk is personal preference. While it’s common for competition climbers to first chalk up with liquid chalk before grabbing loose chalk, many casual climbers just want a small layer of dust on their finger tips for most routes.
Are you someone who prefers to chalk up infrequently? Do you like the scent of lavender to follow you while you’re climbing? Are you sensitive to texture? These questions are all great guide tethers that help you reach the right option.
Other Considerations
Remember, chalk isn’t just something to use at the gym — it can significantly help with grip on outside rock too. Just remember to check whether any climbing areas (like areas with fragile sandstone, and a select few protected parks) have any laws against using chalk.
And before you head out, don’t forget to check out our guide on Best Approach Shoes to get you to and from the crag!
How to choose climbing chalk
Climbing chalk is a magical tool that leaves most athletes feeling more self-assured, calm, and ready to tackle heady routes. Sure, it might be sheer force of will that guides them up the wall, but chalk is both a mental and a physical tool that gives them permission to move forward. Because of its importance, figuring out how to choose the best climbing chalk can be a challenge, but this process really comes down to evaluating yourself, your personal preferences, and the price tag.
New climbers often gravitate towards the most affordable chalk option, which is great. Intermediate and advanced climbers may stick to what they know, or experiment with additional textures and styles of chalk.
Setting yourself up for success really comes down to noticing how sweaty your hands get, whether or not it’s difficult for you to contain your chalk in a bag, and how often you need to chalk up. Those with sweaty hands can often benefit from chalk with a drying agent of liquid chalk. Chalk dust fiends might benefit from a textured or chunky chalk. And those who blow through chalk super quickly might be best suited for an affordable, reliable option like Metolius chalk.
FAQ
Is climbing chalk safe for the skin?
Climbing chalk is designed to dry the skin, so those who already experience dry skin could experience irritation while using chalk. On occasion, climbers may also notice skin irritation from abrasive chalk or chalk with additives. However, generally chalk is safe to use on skin. Just keep in mind that climbers should wash their hands and moisturize after finishing for the day to remove residual chalk to maintain skin health. And as usual, if a rash or anything seems off on your skin, discontinue and seek advice from a medical professional.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with climbing chalk?
The short answer is: yes. Calcium carbonate requires mining, which naturally causes contamination and habitat loss. Once it makes its way to climbers, it also leaves behind aesthetic changes on the rock, the possibility of contaminating soil and waterways near the crag, and even a shift in PH in the area.
Even when no visual damage is being done to a crag or rock face, researchers have found that chalk is changing the environment and potentially leading to habitat changes.
What can climbers do to reduce the impact of climbing chalk on the environment?
Protecting the planet comes naturally to those who recreate outdoor frequently, which is why there’s a growing movement towards more eco-friendly chalks and materials in the world of climbing. In addition to doing things like respecting the local wildlife, and using developed trails while heading out for a climbing session, there are a number of things we can do to ensure that our crags are around for generations to come. Some strategies that climbers use to minimize impact include: using less chalk, wiping down routes or using colored chalk, and using liquid chalk to reduce the residual that one leaves behind.
How should I store climbing chalk to maintain its effectiveness?
The main consideration for storing climbing chalk is moisture level. Chalk that is regularly exposed to moisture will disintegrate. This means that keeping it in a sealed bag, or a box is the best way to maintain its quality.
Can I bring climbing chalk on a plane?
Yes. Climbing chalk is airplane-friendly, and is generally permitted in both carry-ons and checked bags. However, keeping it in original packaging or in a chalk bag is advised since doing so may reduce inquiries from TSA.
How often should I reapply climbing chalk during a climbing session?
The frequency of chalk application varies widely between climbers because everyone’s hands and perspiration levels are different. Some climbers chalk up between each route to maintain dry hands, while others might only reapply chalk a few times over the course of the day, depending on the amount of heat and humidity that you might experience. Determining the best strategy for yourself comes with practice, and attention to your hand’s moisture levels.
How we researched and tested
We’ve been using chalk for more than a decade in dozens of different places, including a number of different climbing gyms, on east coast and west coast multi-pitch routes, and in Europe. Our latest round of testing was conducted predominantly in Colorado and in California in the spring, with short bouts of moisture and lots of sunshine. Over the course of several months, we evaluated chalk based on qualities like application, texture, cost, and longevity.
About the author / Why you should trust us
Mary Beth Skylis is a freelance writer who specializes in adventure content and travel. She’s been climbing across the globe for more than a decade, and is a total sucker for limestone, granite and long multi-pitch climbs. She currently works as a columnist for Backpacker Magazine. She also has by-lines in Climbing, REI, Alaska Magazine, Women’s Health, Outside Magazines, Trail Runner, SELF, 5280, and Yellow Scene. When she isn’t writing, she can typically be found in the Rocky Mountains with her pups. Follow her on Instagram: @h1kertrash
To see all of Mary Beth's stories, check her author page.
