Climbing chalk reddit.
What makes you guys buy the chalk bag that you have.
Climbing chalk reddit. I don't know anything about inhalers but one of my climbing partners has pretty bad asthma and has to 11 votes, 33 comments. here's the deal: Most of the time, no chalk is better than chalk If your hands are washed and dry, clean rock and clean holds grips better than if it has What are chalk socks used for? I am new to climbing and saw chalk socks at REI. Air quality in your local gym may be more important than you think. Hello Reddit! I make chalk bags. I dont know if you guys have the same feeling as I do though. I make things out of leather as a hobby, so I want to make us chalk bags, but i don't know the first thing about what makes a "good bag" so please enlighten me. 9s. I paid maybe a 50 cent premium by buying the pre-mashed chalk over buying 8 solid blocks, and boy was it worth it not having to break up my own chalk. Works like a charm. 99% of chalk is like 99% of other chalk just with some texture differences. My girlfriend and I recently got into climbing and are loving it! We're mainly doing bouldering and some belay stuff,m all indoors. Is there any brand that isn't as drying as others or one that's geared towards dry, sensitive skin? Thanks! Fuck Chalk. I want to know some things you like, and dislike with your chalkbags. Gyms which only use liquid chalk have significantly lower levels of pm2. I'm climbing at a gym right now where 90% of the holds are just caked with dirty, greasy chalk. Me on my bike passing a Gumby climbing the slab approach… 305 16 u/spencerspage I've been climbing for a few months and avoid using chalk whenever I can but sometimes my hands get really sweaty that I need to use some. Stay in control, even in hot and humid conditions. I don't like powder chalk because it gets very dusty and messy in the gyms I've been to where it's allowed. Any suggestions on what I should buy? Some trad climbing in Czech you aren't even allowed chalk, it's very 'pure' and there are a few interesting vids online especially about the gear they use. I never use chalk and I don‘t miss it. What's your favorite chalk? Bonus: Found a very comprehensive chalk review video Black diamond mondo chalk bucket. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Magnesium Carbonate is said to be hydroscopic, in that it will actually hold water in at the molecular level. com Jul 11, 2025 · We've researched and tested climbing chalk from leading brands based on texture, friction, longevity, and dust control to help you make an informed choice. I use a chalk bucket with tons of loose chalk when bouldering Reply reply nouganouga • We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. For some reason I feel like I can’t find the perfect chalk bucket for myself, which is weird because it seems that what I want… It was harder to breathe while climbing, but I do think my respiratory health in general was better when i wasn’t breathing as much chalk and shit at the gym. Check out our review of the top five now! May 9, 2024 · Based on our research and testing, we think the Black Diamond White Gold is the best Climbing Chalk available in 2025. I brought my shoes and chalk bag and was told by the gym owner that powder chalk was strictly not allowed. Chalk is probably one of the most integral tools for a climber. Hey y’all! I’m relatively new to climbing (1-3 sessions a week doing top rope for 3 months) just casually working on 5. I've been climbing for ~17 years and have tried pretty much all manner for chalks, from bison comp chalk, white gold, frank endo, all the way through the aforementioned friction labs. Hey climbers, I started climbing at a local rock climbing gym a couple of months ago, and since I started, my hands have been deteriorating. My hands so get incredibly sweaty, so I've started to make my own liquid chalk at home. It makes me feel like I’m slipping on the holds. I’ve heard when climbing outside, powder chalk is sometimes discouraged to preserve the sanctity of nature and shit What makes you guys buy the chalk bag that you have. Generally liquid chalk works best as a base layer, so you apply the liquid chalk then use regular chalk on top. fine? I climb at an indoor gym. Reply reply More replies Spieltheory • The purpose of chalk is to help keep your hands dry, sweaty hands can make climbing really tough. I feel weirdly self conscious for not using chalk which I know is silly, but it’s just I was so excited to go and explore the climbing gyms in the city. my gym doesn't allow loose chalk fyi. Here are our best climbing chalk picks! Ended up owning a chalk ball because it was included in a nice affordable bundle when I was getting my gear for top rope gym climbing. Before everyone in the comments says all chalk is the same, I've definitely had a lot of variation across chalk brands. Just as good as normal chalk (it’s all the same chemical, just different grit and fineness of powder). I still buy cheap bulk chalk, but stick to stuff that's actually marketed for climbing and it works well. He just said no more loose chalk and walked away. Chalk Balls? I have only ever found one good chalk ball and that was a loaner at one of my local climbing walls. This SubReddit is for discussion of CrossFit, functional fitness, weightlifting… a chalk bag and commercially available dry or liquid climbing chalk for their hands. Metolious and some others have been making it (I think Metolious bought Endo? not sure. You can get chalk blocks for like $2 a block, crush it up yourself and then use a sieve to sift the finest power into your bag. I recently went on the new gym's instagram and found out they plan on only allowing liquid chalk that doesn't contain pof (whatever that is), citing air quality issues for all solid chalk - including balled chalk - and resin deposition for standard liquid chalks. Specifically how to talk to my gym about chalk and it’s impacts to indoor air quality. Drifting through the air are very small chalk particles that can embed themselves deep within your lungs. I don’t use chalk, ie it’s personal preference. Are there like a type of gloves for rock climbing that I can use? or is something like that taboo? Thank you! Just some chalk confusion I recently started rock climbing in a gym and as I have gotten more into it i noticed my hands got sweaty by the time to got to the top of a challenging route or problem. The ball really helps keep things tidy. I should also note that I don’t have a ton of experience with different brands as I don’t use liquid chalk very often. The amount of chalk particulates found in climbing gyms, even if it is 'food' grade chalk, might be, and probably are, damaging, according to scientific literature. Hey all, I just started getting into rock climbing (like indoor stuff with the fake rocks and handles and stuff). If anything loose chalk will begin to form in your bag from the chalk ball bouncing around in it. Feb 12, 2024 · When looking for some great chalk for your next climb, be sure to consult this list. Chalk is generally just chalk. Nov 21, 2020 · Our blinded field test of the 7 best climbing chalks yielded some surprising results. When hot, the liquid is ready in seconds just by blowing on your hands. With enough long term exposure, the irritation from the chalk can cause your lung tissue to thicken, making it harder to breath permanently (COPD). 1. So my question is: Is it bad for my Fill that with chalk, and it’s porous so you can stick your hand in the bag, squeeze the sock & roll it around in your grip a bit, and get a nice dusting on your skin with minimal excess/spillage. Perhaps it’s time to start a discussion around 13 votes, 21 comments. We also answer that age-old question -- is FrictionLabs worth it? Mar 12, 2024 · We tested the best climbing chalks indoors and outdoors in varying conditions to find the longest lasting and most convenient application. (Its larger than a standard organic bag. I have been climbing 24 years and this is the first time I have felt any sort of conviction in the recommendation of a chalk bag. I thought you had to bake food grade MgCO3 before it's usable for climbing? There is a little bit of water, on the atomic level, in it if I recall. Can mere mortal climbers really tell the difference in composition? Does a branded ball give chalk easier for swifter mid route chalking? Jun 20, 2018 · Climbers who only boulder bring chalk in big bags they leave on the ground, while climbers heading up on a route where a chalk bag. Reddit's rock climbing training community. Am I the only one that has a small cloud of chalk poof out when I dip my hand in or leave a chalk print on a hold? 33 votes, 23 comments. Alternatives to chalk for bouldering? I have a lot of sensory issues, especially with chalk, and I’ve been trying to get into bouldering but I’ve found that there’s only so far you can get without using chalk. While I’ll get sweaty, my hands don’t get very sweaty and I’ve yet to have a moment where I felt like my grip was struggling as a result. This comes from the arguments revolving around FL chalk. In the dry experiment, the hand was then immediately used, while in the dry+chalk it was cleaned, then Hi climbing community. With the fine chalk I also noticed you need to either blow the excess off before the next move or slap your leg, or else you get that insecure slick feeling. Magnus was cool for a few years, now he's just another money hungry fluff boy. I had a Prana bag and while it was light and pretty, the lack of structure meant it wasn't easy to reach back and chalk when in the middle of a route. It feels like it helps me not chalk up too much on routes. My hands her really sweaty too. ), but as far as loose chalk goes I've had good luck with blocks. But now I need to buy chalk and I'm not sure what's best for gym use? I read online that powder is best for outside but that blocks can be difficult to use. What qualities do you look for? What makes a chalk bag unique and what would you guys want to… Best chalk for gym use? I just got my first chalk bag after going to my gym and seeing everyone there with a bag. 12ish. Heard good things about the Rugne chalk. 19 votes, 30 comments. trueI've done some research, and there's a cheap and easy way to make climbing chalk. I use a chalk ball when I rope, and loose in my bouldering bucket. Madust Climbing Chalk is the perfect balance of grip and moisture without drying your hands. Dedicated to increasing all our knowledge about how to better improve at our sport. I do the same, the (empty) chalk ball sits on top of my loose chalk. I’ve used a very few chalks that I didn’t like, but even those worked just fine most of the time. Liquid stays on my hands longer and the only downside is having to wait 10 seconds for it to dry. Some brands like Asana White Dirt are just pure magnesium carbonate, while other brands use additives for extra grip/scent/feel/etc. Chalk bucket for bouldering Chalk bag attached to the harness for top rope (I don't climb lead). Cheapest chalk? Go to a fitness super store and buy a box of gymnastics chalk blocks. in all three (dry, dry+chalk, wet) tested experimental groups, the process included cleaning the hands first of all oils, dirt, etc. Is there actually a difference in the brand of chalk I use? Does it matter if it is chunky vs. 5 But I'm looking to make V3. It started with itching on the palms of my hands, then escalated to itching and peeling on my fingertips. My friends swear by Joshua Tree climbing chalk, which is what I’ll be switching to as soon as my current stuff runs out. Chalk for sweaty hands? I took about a 10 year hiatus from climbing, I also have very sweaty hands. The staff guy asked if I had a chalk sock, which I don't. Anyone have any issues bringing your chalk bag in your carry on luggage for a plane? All gear and equipment just seems to be getting better with time. The home of Climbing on reddit. I used chalk so infrequently that I gave my bag to a friend. But I'm kind of broke and am worried the liquid chalk will last me only a few sessions? Other than how good it works, what's the best form of chalk? And does anyone know of any good cheap liquid chalk brands??? Archived post. Do I really need it to handle higher Prana chalk bags are nice, they hold chalk well and the open up at the bottom so it's easier to get chalk out. 5 so swapping over to that can go some way towards addressing the health risks In addition, if you're sport climbing, I feel like chunky is waay easier to apply. What qualities do you look for? What makes a chalk bag unique and what would you guys want to see innovation wise? Is quality the most important or is usability and functionality better. As others mentioned there can be factors other than climbing that are modulating your skin sweatiness. 900K subscribers in the crossfit community. I've seen tons of people spill tons of loose chalk when their bags hit a rope or they jump off a boulder problem. Calcium carbonate (Old style chalk) has this same property, but apparently to a slightly lesser extent. I used a Wild Country chalk ball but it didn't seem to put enough chalk on my hands. Climbing chalk is generally MgCO3, Magnesium Carbonate. Its held up nicely with such good texture. A roll of tape also lives in one of the pockets. The most important thing to consider is So everytime I climb, I tend to slide my fingers through my hair to push my fringe away while it still has chalk one. I think we've been conditioned to think of chalk as essential when it isn't. As far as mess, it lives in a drawstring chalk bag in its own pocket of my dedicated "climbing gym stuff" backpack, so nothing gets out at home, or onto my other climbing gear. I cant seem to get the same effects with hair products. There are a lot of different kinds and brands of climbing chalk that may differ in texture but all to serve a common purpose of keeping your hands dry. What makes you guys buy the chalk bag that you have. I have extremely dry skin due to neurodermia and don‘t sweat at all on my hands. Whenever I have fine chalk and I'm pumped I feel like I waste 5oz's for every oz that I can actually use. Now the top layer of skin on my fingertips seems to have peeled off, which What's the deal with chalk in the gym? I recently got bitched out because some chalk spilled out of my bag in the gym. There's been lots of talk about this stuff on the climbing reddits recently because it's much cheaper than buying liquid chalk. Spider Chalk for instance is very dry and fine (and I'm not a fan). Feb 2, 2022 · Discover the best loose chalk for climbing and bouldering in 2025 to make the right choice. This system also limits the chalk leak when it's in my bag (somewhat). I really like it and it is something I would like to keep doing; however, I have pretty sweaty hands and sometimes chalk isn't enough. I think the idea that chalk having any impact on our water systems is laughable. This is after climbing pretty frequently, 4-5 times per week. From a chemical standpoint, it would depend on what kind of chalk you get. What do they do and how are they used? Traditional chalk or liquid chalk? I had the opportunity to use the liquid chalk from iron club and loved it. Now I don't know if it was due to the brand of that chalk ball or the amount of use it had but I have never found one as good. Just ring up the manufacturer and ask for a nearby wholesaler - all the shops and climbing gyms have to get their stuff from somewhere, right? EDIT: These guys sound promising: ClimbHigh There was a really good sponsored video from catalyst climbing on YouTube this week that dives into chalk. I've been told by a few new friends that I should be chalking up even though my hands are dry as a bone. Even the different kinds of friction labs chalk is all the same stuff. By this logic chalk should not be used outside… outdoor climbing areas are much more fragile ecosystems than storm drains with street run off. I've always used whatever chalk ball is cheapest in gooutdoors or decathlon but having seen a YouTube video comparing the best chalks I'm now intrigued as to whether I'd notice the value of a more premium brand. It always felt right to wear my chalk bag while bouldering… Here's my House Greyjoy chalk bag; I commissioned it from a friend who has a climbing crafts shop on Etsy. 4M subscribers in the climbing community. What's the big deal with chalk? How important is it? I‘m bouldering for two months now on a V2/V3 level and I feel what mostly holds me back is a lack of muscles. I have yet to ever use chalk. In your pockets? What?! I don't understand the question. I started about a year ago and I'm looking for ways to improve my design. 119 votes, 28 comments. Chalk balls/socks are pretty ineffective in my experience, but some gyms don't allow loose chalk because of dust in the air :- ( As far as loose chalk goes, all good climbing chalk is pretty much pure magnesium carbonate so no real difference there - what does vary a lot is texture, anything from fine powder to large chunks. Compared to a tired chalk ball, it's always easy to get it all around the hands - especially for crack climbing. 793 votes, 57 comments. While chalk does help somewhat (depending on climate, specifically humidity - it’s less necessary in dry climates), most beginners enjoy rapid progression in those first couple of months of climbing regularly due to muscle and neurological schema development. Seriously. (3) When I started climbing I used to make sure my hands were pure white, covered in a solid 1/8th inch thick shell of chalk before every climb. What do you look for when buying a bag and what would your perfect bag look like? This does not apply to chalk buckets as I currently Don't have a working pattern for that ( I am We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Are there other chalk bags that close better and don’t make a complete mess? Bonus: would love one w a little pocket on the side for As a lifelong apparel sewer and mother who’s a lifelong sewer/quilter both taking a stab at chalk bags, let me warn you what you’re getting yourself into will require more than one prototype!! I’m a fan of something loose and deep with a stiff hand hole, fleece on the inside and a thoughtfully placed loop for a carabiner that keeps the bag from dumping chalk while carrying or climbing This is the smaller rock climbing community on reddit. I've been climbing for almost 8 months now (indoor bouldering mostly) and up till now, I have been using the cheapest chalk I could find online. Pure MgCO3 vs food grade is just the water content existing. Chalk companies pay influencers to say that their chalk is the best they’ve ever used, but that is literally all just marketing. If I were to climb at this gym I would either need to buy liquid chalk or use none at all. Can anyone confirm if this has any merit? If so, why? 1. What brands or types of chalk would you suggest for me? I went climbing this afternoon and noticed that the chalk I was using wasn't doing anything for me and would wipe right off in the hand holds the moment I put some on. What, if any, are my options besides chalk for increasing grip? Endo block chalk was always my favorite, but I'm not sure how available it is now. Any other climbers out there not use chalk at all? I haven't used chalk in about 7 years of climbing. See full list on outdoorgearlab. It is time for me to buy more chalk and I'm wondering if I should "upgrade" to name-brand or different types of chalk. And it comes in three great scents or unscented. Currently am climbing v5/6 & 5. Cons: I get a rash from using liquid chalk I joke that I have this "superpower" where my hands just don't get sweaty while climbing. I'm on V2. When people slip off holds they just go straight to the communal chalk bag and chalk up some more -- it's a vicious cycle. I was gifted a cheapie chalk bag off Amazon when I started climbing and It doesn’t close well, and it spills chalk all over my car, clothes, and crash pads at the gym 😓 obvi chalk is messy and is everywhere, but it’s seriously just spilling out. This recipe uses Epsom salt, which is MgSO4, and washing soda, which is Na2CO3, and can be found in laundry Looking for a fairly cheap but also really good chalk for bouldering. This recipe is for pure magnesium carbonate. Now I am looking for chalk to buy and a chalk bag. The secret stuff is super nice, although you definitely pay more for it in my experience. (like a third of the way between Organic Bag and Chalk Bucket. Apr 28, 2025 · Magnus is constantly flying around the world performing circus tricks for YouTube likes Hes hawking what used to be low key advantage for high end comp climbers, now every v5 chuffer can get that Maglock lung cough Seems like every mid level climbing YouTuber is stumping for Rungne's overpriced chalk and clothes. I keep my keys, phone, wallet in there when I’m climbing. Mix super fine chalk with 70% isopropyl alcohol. No, I remember reading a report somewhere of climbing chalk which proved that pretty much every chalk is the same. It’s still made with magnesium carbonate, but it also contains herbal extracts that are supposed to help minimize the harsh effects of the chalk. Mar 12, 2024 · We tested the best climbing chalks indoors and outdoors in varying conditions to find the longest lasting and most convenient application. Recently I've tried climbing without using chalk, and haven't noticed any difference or if anything I feel like my grip is slightly better? I’ve been climbing for about 6 months and in that time I’ve only used Metolius super chalk and found that it provides me with almost no grip. Looking to try some new chalk. And yes we are scared of falling. Unfortunately, most modern blackboard chalk isn't They allow people to use chalk for climbing, which is a smaller number than the amount of people that use it for lifting; therefore, the argument that “it’s a very small amount of people that powerlift” is redundant. If your gym is poorly ventilated, the chalk will almost certainly be a factor. I get 51g / Canadian dollar. I once tried it and hated the feeling on my skin. Remember when we climbed before they invented sticky rubber shoes? Seems crazy at first to pay $10+ for chalk, but when you think about the importance of grip in climbing, it probably makes more sense to pay up for chalk than to pay $150 for shoes. When open, there is a frame of sorts around the lip that keeps it wide open so it's easier to chalk up when climbing. DMM Trad Chalk Bag is the move. Overall though, the health benefits of climbing may outweigh the risks and people who work in a climbing gym are more at risk than hobbyists. Tried some random chalk from a bucket at a strongman gym and it felt like baking flour but worked like some beautiful glue. Bigger and newer gyms, typically corporate gyms, tend to have better air circulation and filtering. -I feel the size is what you're looking for. Gyms that use a carpet covering over the mats will have less chalk in the air than those which use vinyl covers. Not really sure what to buy since there are so many such as primo, unicorn dust, black gold, magnus dust, etc. I don't think there's any point in buying "designer chalk" like Rungne, but I think there's a difference between cheap bulk magnesium carbonate and cheap climbing chalk, even if it is the same chemical. I’ve noticed that after climbing my throat is scratchy and… With numerous options available we have narrowed down the best climbing chalk for you. It will be like half the price of all this stuff branded for climbing. I bought a chalk bag and chalk but the chalk came in a square block. Anyone got recommendations? From what I can tell, the scientists are testing conditions that aren't accurate to how anyone who uses chalk uses it, and thus their results are useless. This way the liquid chalk will last longer and be much more effective. good liquid chalk is as good as any chalk and because you're not climbing lengths you don't need to reapply it as often if at all during climbing imo. My personal point of view of liquid chalk: Pros: Liquid is easier to distribute It sticks better to the skin and lasts for a longer climb without redoing the hands. 3M subscribers in the climbing community. I think I may be allergic to chalk--can't think of what else it might be. I am a beginner using a chalk sock from metolius which comes off my hands pretty fast (after a couple of holds). And everytime I come out of the climbing gym, my hair is just perfectly on point. If you haven’t at least tried it to see if it works, I highly recommend it. . The progression you describe is probably more to do with it being your second visit than the chalk. Check /r/climbing for more content. ) I've been bouldering in a local gym quite a bit recently, and I noticed a discrepancy. rkeoyevzblssjerohuvfirhztswbhvyzzvkwkoqxrhsveltawzkec