Climbing chalk is an essential part of your rock climbing tool kit, alongside your climbing harness, rope and carabiners. When used correctly, chalk removes sweat and moisture from your hands, making it easier to grip your handholds securely. Climbing chalk is made of magnesium carbonate, which is sold compressed or loose for block or powder chalk, respectively. Climbing chalk is typically white, although it can come in natural colors to match the environment you're climbing in so as to leave less of a visual mark. A chalk bag is necessary to hold the chalk and keep it easily available during a climb. You can also purchase chalk balls that contain loose chalk held in a secure socklike ball.
Step 1
Choose the type of chalk appropriate for your climbing environment. Consider whether you want to leave a visual mark on your climbing area and choose the color of chalk accordingly. Ask the gym what type of chalk they allow for use when climbing at an indoor location. Decide between loose, block and ball chalk depending on personal preference or gym requirements.
Step 2
Decide on the amount of chalk you need for your climb. Consider how long of a climb you're planning and over what distance. Don't underestimate the amount of chalk you need and risk finding yourself without chalk at a difficult climbing spot.
Step 3
Pour the desired amount of loose chalk into your chalk bag. Crumble block chalk into your chalk bag if you prefer to use compressed chalk. Place a chalk ball in your chalk bag if you prefer to use ball chalk.
Step 4
Attach your chalk bag to yourself, being careful not to tangle it with your other climbing gear. Strap the chalk bag around your waist so that the bag hangs over your low back, around the end of your tailbone. Adjust the straps so that the bag doesn't hang so low as to be difficult to reach, or so high as to be awkward to dip into.
Step 5
Chalk up before beginning to climb. For loose chalk, take a small pinch of the loose chalk and rub it vigorously over your palms. For block chalk, take a piece of the block and rub it until it crumbles between your palms. For a chalk ball, roll the ball between your palms, or lightly hit each palm with the ball to release chalk.
Step 6
Reapply chalk regularly as you climb and whenever you feel your palms begin to lose grip or become sweaty. Sit back into your harness or hold on to your wall with one hand, reach back into your chalk bag and apply chalk to both palms with the same method you used before beginning your climb.
Things You'll Need
- Rock climbing chalk
- Chalk bag
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