4 Types of Climbing Chalk

Climbers use chalk or magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) as a drying agent like gymnasts and weightlifters

to keep their hands dry and secure on handholds. Chalk often improves your grip on rock surfaces,

especially when air temperatures are hot and your hands are sweating.

4 Kinds of Chalk

Climbing chalk can be purchased in four different types: blocks of chalk; powdered chalk; chalk-filled

fabric balls; and liquid chalk.

Blocks of Chalk

If you took gymnastics or weightlifting in gym class then you probably remember using blocks of chalk

or magnesium carbonate to keep your hands dry. Since John Gill, a former gymnast and father of bouldering,

first introduced gymnastic chalk to climbing back in the 1950s, climbers have used rectangular 2-ounce

blocks of chalk to keep their hands dry. One of the most popular block bands is Endo chalk.

Block Chalk is Easy to Use

The blocks, composed simply of pure magnesium carbonate without additives, usually come in packs

of eight that weigh a pound total although most climbing stores will sell a single individually-wrapped

block for a buck or so apiece. Buy a block and crumble and crush it in your chalk bag. Instead

of putting the whole block in your bag, put half in the chalk bag and the other uncrushed half in a zip-lock

plastic baggie, which you can keep in your pack for replenishment.

Powdered Chalk

Climbers can buy powdered chalk that is already crushed into a fine dust, which can be poured into chalk

bags. Powdered chalk is often formulated by climbing manufacturers like Metolius with drying agents to

increase hand dryness and perhaps create a better grip on holds. Powdered chalk, however, is more

expensive than blocks of chalk. It can be messy and easily spills out of your chalk bag.

Powdered Chalk Best Outside

Many indoor climbing gyms do not allow climbers to use powdered chalk since fine chalk dust lingers

in the air, clogging both climbers’ lungs as well as the gym ventilation system. Powdered chalk comes

in durable, sealable bags or bottles, with packages usually weighing between 4 ounces and one pound.