Let's Talk Chalk: Your Rock Climbing Chalk Options

Chances are, if you stroll (or scroll) into a climbing gear store, there's likely to be an overwhelming number of chalk options; but which form of this climbing powder is really worth your money? Which one will give you the edge to finally pull the last move on your project? The answer is the same for most things in life: It's different for everyone!

For today's gear chat, let's talk chalk.

Liquid Chalk

Liquid Chalk Pros

Provides easy, full hand coverage
Lasts longer on your skin than most dry chalks
Cleaner (Less mess/chalk dust fallout)
Due to its isopropyl alcohol ingredient, it acts as an anti-bacterial (making it quite popular in gyms throughout the pandemic).
Can be used while deep-water soloing, so the climber doesn’t have a sopping wet chalk bag if they fall into the water.

Liquid Chalk Cons

Dries out your hands quickly (Due to the alcohol within it). Some with sensitive skin warn it can cause irritation. For that reason, try a small amount first to observe how your skin responds.
It can be difficult to chalk up again while sport-climbing! You need both hands to use a bottle, versus the one hand needed for a chalk bag. Some say this makes liquid chalk more applicable to boulderers.
It's often more expensive, depending on the brand.

Dry Chalk

Dry Chalk Pros

There is a large amount of variety available. (More info on these options down below under Dry Chalk Varieties!)
It doesn't go bad if you happen to leave it open.
It won't dry out your hands as quickly as liquid chalk, since it isn't mixed with alcohol.
Can be used to chalk up mid-climb when placed in a chalk-bag, therefore encouraging less "takes" for sport climbers.

Dry Chalk Cons

Messier and can be unhealthy to inhale when it lingers in the air
Doesn’t last quite as long as liquid chalk
Can be hard to spread evenly on your hands

Dry Chalk Varieties

How do you choose dry chalk for climbing? Here are a few subcategories when looking at dry chalk.

Super Chunky, Chunky, or Fine Chalk

Some chalks are super chunky (Friction Labs' BamBam and Black Diamond's chalk block, for example) while others are very fine and almost soft to the touch (Friction Labs' Unicorn Dust).

Chalk Socks

No, these aren't to wear on your feet -- they're for your chalk bag. A chalk sock is a soft "sock" with tiny holes that allow chalk to escape when it's touched. A chalk sock decreases the amount of chalk fallout, leading to less mess, and is considered good etiquette to use in busy gym spaces. While you could make one yourself with a literal sock, most climbers use specifically manufactured chalk "socks" sold in climbing gear stores.

Chalk Blocks

These are exactly what they sound like in the name -- cubes of chalk! Since these blocks have corners that can be used in a similar manner to chalkboard chalk, some climbers utilize these to leave tick marks on routes to give reminders of good holds/beta.

We hope this helps narrow down the different options available to you. At the end of the day, it's all about finding the right chalk to fit your needs, and every climber is different. Check out our chalk category to browse chalk options and find the best fit for you! Happy climbing.