Best Climbing Chalk

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Frictionlabs Secret
Test Winner: Frictionlabs Secret
Amazon Link
Why set yourself up for chafing, blisters or injuries when a simple application of climbing chalk will improve your grip and performance? Switching from gloves and bare hands to climber’s chalk can help improve your performance by increasing your gripping power and confidence while rock climbing, doing yoga, weight lifting, or even playing tennis.

Finding the best climbing chalk for you is key to getting the most from any sport or activity you want to enjoy. When choosing the best one for you, remember to listen to your own needs and consider what you would like to address.

There is no particular type or texture of chalk that is right for everybody or every sport. Some climbing chalks may perform better in higher humidity than others and some will perform better in super dry conditions.

Standout Picks

Frictionlabs Secret
Tired of loose chalk dusting the air? Or are you looking for a base layer to help your loose chalk stick better? FrictionLabs Secret Stuff Chalk Cream is that answer. This silica-free base layer helps keep your hands moisturized beneath the powdered chalk while providing gripping power going solo. What it lacks in messy powder it makes up for in creamy, mess-free gripping power.
Strong Loose
Looking for a basic large bag of white chalk for your next climbing event?? This giant 300 gram (10.5 ounces) bag of plain white chalk has just the right amount of silky powder and lumpy grit to get the job done, no matter if the wall your scaling is inside or outside.
Amazon Link
Spider Grip Enhancer
This climbers chalk is dry and sticky. Unlike other dry powdered gym chalks, this chalk leaves a thin layer of cob-web tacky calcium on your hands. This chalk is great for those looking for a super grip on metal bars or rock climbing walls. The tacky feel prevents slipping and sliding while keeping hands dry, for that firm hold in any sporting activity.
Amazon Link
$22.89
Climbing Addicts
Tired of leaving chalky white residue all over the place? Ready for a fine powder the color of flesh? This rose gold colored chalk is just the color of flesh-colored crayons. The light pink-gold skin tone chalk is perfect for people who want a good grip on their game without the streaks of white on their clothes, hands, and gear. And for those without an affinity for flesh-colored crayons, there is a Yosemite gray color that’s just the color of ashes.
Amazon Link
$19.99
Frictionlabs Unicorn Dust
With three texture levels to choose from, these chalk blends provide a reasonable grip for any sporting activity. Wither you want a fine and silky Unicorn Dust, a chunky Gorilla Grip, or a super chunky Bam Bam, your level of drying, raw gripping power will rise to meet your level of expertise in the sport of your choice. It even works well with the FrictionLabs Secret Stuff hand cream chalk.
Gym Chalk
What can you say about a powdery block of pure magnesium carbonate? Plenty. For those who love their blocks of gym chalk, this chalk fits the bill. With a full pound of chalk divided up into 2-ounce bars, your 8 bars of chalk will last a very long time, making this a deal.
Amazon Link
$17.99
Z Athletic Chalk Ball
We don’t know exactly what makes this brand of magnesium carbonate stand out from any other, but it does. Maybe it is the 100% pure form of super finely ground magnesium carbonate or the loyal fan base, but this stuff apparently works well to keep sweaty, oily hands dry during sporting activities, like rock climbing and bouldering.
Amazon Link
Purchalk
If you are tired of the messy white hands and are looking to change up your routine by using natural colors, this climbers chalk is for you. Possibly the best idea in climber’s chalk is to use chalk powder the same color as the stones you are climbing. White chalk tends to stain the natural environment and ruins the rocks after time. Preserving the natural beauty of the rocks can help preserve the climbing paths for future generations.
Amazon Link
Sportmediq Liquid
Looking for a liquid chalk with a rosin feel? This liquid chalk formula is specially engineered to go on like a lotion and dry to a chalky rosin texture. It should last much longer than typical dry chalk applications too. Liquid chalks are perfect for places that ban dry chalks. Although it will come off on equipment, there won’t be clouds of chalk dust to clean up everywhere.
Amazon Link
$9.66
Chalk Ball 3 Oz.
It’s a ball, it’s a sock, no it’s a chalk ball. It really is a piece of cloth containing pure magnesium carbonate. Just a plain and simple ball of chalk to dry off your hands and improve your gripping performance. The convenience of a sock-ball over loose powder or bricks cannot be emphasized enough. Just give it a couple of squeezes in each palm, then dust those mitts together for a clean, dry feeling you can take all the way to your dumbbell or rock wall.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Accessories

Accessories were not a top priority, but it is nice to know they are there. When reviewing, we kept our eye out for products that did come with something extra and made sure to note it.

Most of the best climbing chalks out there are designed to refill containers you already have or easily slip into a bag or pocket. What you need to look for in a product is something that works better than intended.

After all, you need to know your climbing chalk has your hands in good shape and that you won’t lose your grip and get injured. Therefore, the best powders for your purchase seem to be the ones that provide an ultra-fine powder and even application.

Materials

Purity is important. Why put more chemicals on your body or ruin the environment? All products on this list are considered biodegradable and natural. No toxins or heavy metals and no chemicals. While some of the ingredients were not disclosed, they were considered cruelty free and vegan. You want to make sure you are using a biodegradable and eco-friendly product that will be left on the cliff or mountain you are climbing.

Durability

When choosing a climber’s chalk for your sporting activity, how the product feels and what it does to your hands is just as important as how it performs. Nobody wants chafing or shredded palms at the end of their activity. That’s why we chose products that promised not to over dry or tear up your hands. Making sure the actual climbing chalk is durable and maintains the correct performance is very important. You can check out the reviews and raves on each product to see how durable each chalk is.

Top 10 Picks

1. Frictionlabs Secret

Where to buy
Frictionlabs Secret
Amazon Link

Tired of loose chalk dusting the air? Or are you looking for a base layer to help your loose chalk stick better? FrictionLabs Secret Stuff Chalk Cream is that answer. This silica-free base layer helps keep your hands moisturized beneath the powdered chalk while providing gripping power going solo. What it lacks in messy powder it makes up for in creamy, mess-free gripping power.

Read more

Overall Feel

A silky smooth grip is what is in store when you use this climbers chalk. This chalk is perfect for almost any activity that requires a smooth, dry grip. It smells like hand sanitizer and keeps your hands disinfected, clean, and dry. A little goes a long way, so there is little waste unlike many of the powdered versions out there.

Materials Used

The main ingredient is calcium carbonate, but we’re betting the “secret stuff” is secret for a reason. The ingredients are not listed, it smells like hand sanitizer, so maybe that’s a clue about its ingredients. Whatever the case may be, this stuff works.

Grip Performance

A silky-smooth dry grip is achieved when this product dries. Because it is a clear liquid, it gets into all the textured parts of the hand and keeps them dry. While it is great alone, pair it with a second coat of dry chalk for improved performance. It’s almost as if this is the glue that makes the other chalk work dimensionally better than either one does alone.

Moisture Control

Because it fills in all the nooks and crannies on your hand and dries into a super fine layer of chalk on the surfaces of your hand, it is better able to stop sweating, and weak grip before it starts. Apply all alone, before dry chalk, or during activity to improve grip and dryness.

Accessories

FrictionLabs Secret Stuff comes in its nifty applicator bottle. Sadly, it does not have a climbers hook to clip it to your belt, so it will have to be placed in a pocket or bag somewhere. However, because of its long-lasting nature, chances are you could leave it in your supply bag at the bottom of the wall after application.

Summary

With proper drying power and easy application, Friction Labs Secret Stuff Climbers chalk could easily be a fantastic addition to any climber’s equipment. What it lacks in accessories it makes up for with its long-lasting nature. This might be the best cream climbers chalk on the market.

2. Strong Loose

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Strong Loose
Amazon Link

Looking for a basic large bag of white chalk for your next climbing event?? This giant 300 gram (10.5 ounces) bag of plain white chalk has just the right amount of silky powder and lumpy grit to get the job done, no matter if the wall your scaling is inside or outside.

Read more

Overall Feel

This isn’t the type of chalk that moisturizes your hands or makes them feel smooth, it is a bit gritty and sandy, like what you’d expect to get from the floor of a stick chalk factory. However, it does apply well and lasts a while, so it is perfect if you are looking for a grip that will keep you safely climbing all afternoon.

Materials Used

It’s mostly made from Magnesium Carbonate, Ca-Mg(CO3), and a few other calcite materials, but isn’t limestone or plaster. There are no surprise ingredients; it is merely 100% calcium.

Grip Performance

The gritty, chalky feel of this climber’s chalk gives gripping power. It is not meant to help you twirl around the bars at gymnastics but is perfect for gripping rocks when mountain climbing or reaching for that next handhold at the gym.

Moisture Control

The best climbing chalk should keep your hands dry and textured throughout the activity. This chalk does just that. Its absorbent and the larger, almost sand-like granules combined with the silt-like particles eat up moisture and give you back your fighting chance against losing your grip.

Accessories

321 Strong only comes with the plastic resealable bag it's shipped in, no socks or buckets. Sorry, but you will have to purchase these items separately. What it lacks in fancy accessories it makes up for in raw gripping power and sheer strength, to get you through the toughest climbs.

Summary

If you are looking for a great deal with raw power, 321 Strong is your best chalk for climbing or any activity which you need extra drying and texture in our opinion. The giant bag is sure to last you a while, so if you need 10-years’ worth of climber’s chalk at home or a month supply in your public gym, and you don’t mind getting your carrying container, this is the best purchase.

Amazon Link

3. Spider Grip Enhancer

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$22.89
Spider Grip Enhancer
Amazon Link

This climbers chalk is dry and sticky. Unlike other dry powdered gym chalks, this chalk leaves a thin layer of cob-web tacky calcium on your hands. This chalk is great for those looking for a super grip on metal bars or rock climbing walls. The tacky feel prevents slipping and sliding while keeping hands dry, for that firm hold in any sporting activity.

Read more

Materials Used

It is made in the USA of pure lab-grade magnesium carbonate and zero fillers. It does have some secret, non-toxic, ingredients to improve the tacky grip of the powder, but it is 99% magnesium carbonate powder in the smoothest refinement.

Grip Performance

Spider Chalk feels a bit like cornstarch going on but provides lasting dry grip with a smooth, tacky feel that gives a firm hold in almost any sport calling for a dry grip. It’s an excellent choice for edging where control and grip are essential.

Moisture Control

Keep your hands dry with this super-fine powder. Unlike their grittier counterparts, the ultra-fine grains provide tackiness and lasting power over grit and traction. The superfine particles sit better in the grooves of your hand, wicking up moisture before it starts destroying your hand strength.

Accessories

This climbers chalk comes with a nifty resealable bag, but other than that, it has nothing special. What it lacks in accessories, like socks or hard containers, it makes up for in a dry tacky powder that helps keep your hands ready to grip the wall.

Summary

If you are looking for a cornstarch-like consistency with a bit of a sticky feel that gives you a fantastic grip, this is the chalk for you. Unlike some other chalks that feel more like sandpaper, this one feels light and airy, but still with the tacky sensation of cobwebs. What it lacks in fancy packaging and accessories it makes up for in dry, sticky palms that give you a good grip on worn-smooth gym surfaces and slick rocky cliffs.

Amazon Link
$22.89

4. Climbing Addicts

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$19.99
Climbing Addicts
Amazon Link

Tired of leaving chalky white residue all over the place? Ready for a fine powder the color of flesh? This rose gold colored chalk is just the color of flesh-colored crayons. The light pink-gold skin tone chalk is perfect for people who want a good grip on their game without the streaks of white on their clothes, hands, and gear. And for those without an affinity for flesh-colored crayons, there is a Yosemite gray color that’s just the color of ashes.

Read more

Overall Feel

Touted as more user-friendly and less messy than its white counterparts, this chalk boasts an improved texture and finer consistency, adding that the natural pigments give the climbing chalk a better, smoother consistency.

Materials Used

Its made of magnesium carbonate and a few natural mineral pigments that do not stain, or alter the hands or rocks it touches. Whatever the secret pigment ingredients are, the company states that they are not harmful to the environment or your hands and will not discolor the natural rocks you encounter in the great outdoors.

Grip Performance

Some users claim that they see no difference between this ultra-fine chalk powder and any other, while others state the pigments seem to make the chalk last longer. We don’t know if this is because the pigments make it blend in, or made the chalk stick to your hands longer. Either way, Climbing Addicts chalk gets the job done.

Moisture Control

Its magnesium carbonate, it dries as expected, and the fine grains do stick and get into the grooves to help wick up any oils or moisture that can harm the rocks or ruin your grip. The minerals it is pigmented with might help it last longer than other brands, but you’ll need to decide for yourself.

Accessories

Other than a clear resealable bag, the company did not include anything else in their package. Sorry for those used to applying climbers chalk with a sock or bag.

Summary

If you are looking for a quick solution to make your hands dry and provide better gripping power for climbing on rocks or gripping plastic handholds, this product gets the job done. If you are tired of white powdery chalk all over you, your gear, and your sports venue, colored chalk may be the way to go. The ash gray and flesh-colored chalks can color your world by leaving less of a tell-tale sign you were ever there in the first place.

Amazon Link
$19.99

5. Frictionlabs Unicorn Dust

Where to buy
Frictionlabs Unicorn Dust
Amazon Link

With three texture levels to choose from, these chalk blends provide a reasonable grip for any sporting activity. Wither you want a fine and silky Unicorn Dust, a chunky Gorilla Grip, or a super chunky Bam Bam, your level of drying, raw gripping power will rise to meet your level of expertise in the sport of your choice. It even works well with the FrictionLabs Secret Stuff hand cream chalk.

Read more

Overall Feel

Depending on which coarseness you choose you can get a silky-smooth grip, a sandy grip, or a sandpaper block experience during application. The Unicorn dust is ultra-fine powder, like unsifted cornstarch and sugar. The Gorilla Grip is a chunky powdery mix with the best of three textures, sand, cornstarch, and gravel. And the Bam Bam is more akin to gym chalk blocks that have been played with by a 3-year-old and busted apart.

Materials Used

Silica free, so that’s a plus. No artificial drying ingredients, just 100% unadulterated magnesium carbonate. Unlike several other brands, nothing has been added to this climber’s chalk, not a colorant, nothing to add stickiness. If you are looking for pure magnesium carbonate, this is perfect.

Grip Performance

Just as you’d expect the pure mineral to do, FrictionLabs has purified it to perform well. How they got such pure ingredients to perform over the competition, we will never know. Maybe the gripping power is in the source, maybe it's in the refining process, or maybe because it is not contaminated at any stage of the process. Whatever the case, the drying power combined with the gritty sandpaper-like feel of the product, it won’t feel any different than handling limestone on a cliff face all day.

Moisture Control

Since there is no silica, we can’t expect it to ruin your skin or last the longest. You will need to reapply it at some point, but it should keep your hands reasonably dry in normal weather conditions. The pure mineral climbers chalk is made of does its job well and wicks up moisture and oil from the skin's surface, without sucking the pads of your hands dry.

Accessories

The bag isn’t even sealed, so you will not only have to provide your sock or application device; you will also need to put it in a sealed container too. This company provides nothing extra with their order.

Summary

This is an average performing rock climbing chalk that comes in a variety of coarseness, just like the rocks you’ll be using it with. Not only do you get to choose from sandpaper, sandpaper with rocks, or mostly rocks varieties, you can also choose the size of the product in 1-ounce, 5-ounce, and 10-ounce sizes. It’s like a choose your own adventure thing, only with climbing chalk.

6. Gym Chalk

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$17.99
Gym Chalk
Amazon Link

What can you say about a powdery block of pure magnesium carbonate? Plenty. For those who love their blocks of gym chalk, this chalk fits the bill. With a full pound of chalk divided up into 2-ounce bars, your 8 bars of chalk will last a very long time, making this a deal.

Read more

Overall Feel

The chunky blocks break down into a gritty powder that easily breaks up on your hands when you press your hands together. Thus, this chalk has the same gritty, sandy texture as many other mid-grade chalks on the market.

Materials Used

It claims it is made of the purest white magnesium carbonate. However, it does not claim it is guaranteed to be metal or chemical-free. We hope that it is naturally pure, unadulterated magnesium carbonate, but we cannot be too sure.

Grip Performance

When it comes to grip, this chalk performs at least as well as other, pricier brands. The dry, sandy texture should provide a sure grip on equipment and damp rocks.

Moisture Control

With a bit of effort in grinding the coarse dust into the crevices in your hands, you can achieve a fine layer of chalk that wicks up moisture and oil while sloughing away dirt and grime for great moisture control. The gritty texture is a boon here as you can use it to soak up excess oil and moisture from your hands and then dust off the larger moisture-logged particles and have a clean, dusty white palm to grip your rocks with when climbing.

Accessories

While it doesn’t come in a bag, the bars are relatively easy to store in your pouch, which is a bonus. It is wrapped in paper and shipped in a box inside another box with probably more paper. You will need to provide your bucket, bowl, or sealed plastic bag for application routines.

Summary

If you’re looking for a great deal and a decent amount of medium quality gym or climbers chalk, this fits the bill. Its nothing fancy and is a bit gritty, but overall it gets the job done and helps you enjoy the sport of your choice while helping you keep your hands dry and your grip tight.

Amazon Link
$17.99

7. Z Athletic Chalk Ball

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Z Athletic Chalk Ball
Amazon Link

We don’t know exactly what makes this brand of magnesium carbonate stand out from any other, but it does. Maybe it is the 100% pure form of super finely ground magnesium carbonate or the loyal fan base, but this stuff apparently works well to keep sweaty, oily hands dry during sporting activities, like rock climbing and bouldering.

Read more

Overall Feel

It coats hands nicely without grittiness or caking. Unlike block-type chalks, this ultra-fine powder boasts the consistency of freshly ground silk. While some rock climbers prefer the gritty versions and some prefer the more powder versions, both have many satisfied customers.

Materials Used

Pure magnesium carbonate, 100% professional-grade chalk. No additives, colors, or contaminates. At least that’s what the label says.

Grip Performance

The silky-smooth consistency allows the natural gripping power of your hand's texture to shine through. You won’t feel irritated by chunks of grit or sand between you and the rough metals or rocks you are using this with. Which also means that it sticks to your hand longer because it is more refined and powdery than the course, sandy blocks.

Moisture Control

Magnesium carbonate is super absorbent on its own and doesn’t need silica to back it up. The super-fine cornstarch consistency of this climber’s chalk does an excellent job of soaking up oil and sweat, and most other bodily fluids.

Summary

If you’re looking for a super-fine all-around good quality climbers chalk for your sporting activity, the Yeti Strong may be within your budget and suit your needs just fine. While we won’t get a cool sock or gym bag storage pack with it, we do get ultra-pure, additive-free chalk to smash into our palms, and a smooth and a good grip.

Amazon Link

8. Purchalk

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Purchalk
Amazon Link

If you are tired of the messy white hands and are looking to change up your routine by using natural colors, this climbers chalk is for you. Possibly the best idea in climber’s chalk is to use chalk powder the same color as the stones you are climbing. White chalk tends to stain the natural environment and ruins the rocks after time. Preserving the natural beauty of the rocks can help preserve the climbing paths for future generations.

Read more

Overall Feel

Customers state that it feels better and lasts longer than typical white chalk. They love the silky-smooth texture and smoother application of this climbing chalk over similar white chalks. However, for the size of the bag, it is a bit pricey.

Materials Used

It is pure magnesium carbonate, with some other proprietary pigment ingredients. It seems a little harder than other white chalks to remove from surfaces and doesn’t come off clothing as it should. Unlike white chalks, it doesn’t wash right off, which can be a good thing on your hands, but somewhat problematic on clothing.

Grip Performance

Perhaps it is the natural pigments or the methods they use to grind the magnesium carbonate, but this brand seems to last longer. The ultra-fine magnesium powder adheres well to hands and provides a dry, firm grip on most surfaces.

Moisture Control

It may be the way the magnesium carbonate is produced or ground up, or maybe it is the natural mineral pigments, but these silica-free climbers chalk wicks up moisture and keep hands grease-free better than you’d expect.

Accessories

Sadly, all it comes with is one tiny, 5-application-size resealable bag. But with so little product, you don’t need anything else. Smaller than the size of the jerky you tote on long hikes, this bag easily slips into a pocket or gear bag.

Summary

With three rock-colors to choose from, this ultra-fine magnesium carbonate powder provides the best climbers grip for most sporting activities requiring a dry, firm grip. Choose from Redrock, sandstone, and ash to match the cliff faces you will be clinging to. With a 100% satisfaction or your money back policy, it might be worth the try. While you are at it, you preserve more of the natural beauty of the environment and leave the white handprints for those dusty gym shorts.

Amazon Link

9. Sportmediq Liquid

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$9.66
Sportmediq Liquid
Amazon Link

Looking for a liquid chalk with a rosin feel? This liquid chalk formula is specially engineered to go on like a lotion and dry to a chalky rosin texture. It should last much longer than typical dry chalk applications too. Liquid chalks are perfect for places that ban dry chalks. Although it will come off on equipment, there won’t be clouds of chalk dust to clean up everywhere.

Read more

Overall Feel

It feels like rich hand lotion when applied. A dime-size amount goes a long way. When it dries it has a rosin feel, smooth, textured, not grainy, dry like rubbing your hands with cornstarch.

Materials Used

The ingredients aren’t disclosed, but they are vegan and cruelty-free. So apparently it is not made with animals or tested on animals. It is considered non-toxic, which must mean there are no heavy metals or poisons in it. Other than that, they don’t disclose the ingredients list.

Grip Performance

It provides a grip as good as chalk and rosin combined. So, expect to get the firm grip of magnesium carbonate and the smooth, non-chafing texture of rosin in one smooth application.

Moisture Control

It does contain magnesium carbonate, which provides decent moisture control. Being that it is a super fine powder that goes on in the liquid form, it very much glides into every groove of your hand and soaks up oil and sweat at the source.

Accessories

Not only does this come in a handy little squeeze bottle, but it also comes with a climber’s clip. So, you can easily clip it to your climbing belt, key chain, or other hooks. We are pleased it came with accessories, which adds that something extra to the purchase.

Summary

If you need to bypass the no-chalk rule at your gym or want the cleaner application of liquid chalk, this super-secret formula will keep your hands dry and smooth while improving your grip too. Expect it to last a bit longer than dry chalks and to improve the holding power of dry chalks, if used before their application.

Amazon Link
$9.66

10. Chalk Ball 3 Oz.

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Chalk Ball 3 Oz.
Amazon Link

It’s a ball, it’s a sock, no it’s a chalk ball. It really is a piece of cloth containing pure magnesium carbonate. Just a plain and simple ball of chalk to dry off your hands and improve your gripping performance. The convenience of a sock-ball over loose powder or bricks cannot be emphasized enough. Just give it a couple of squeezes in each palm, then dust those mitts together for a clean, dry feeling you can take all the way to your dumbbell or rock wall.

Read more

Overall Feel

Ultra-fine and smooth, this soft little sock is easier on hands than bricks and more comfortable to apply than powders. The ease of application can be appreciated by those with older joints or joint mobility issues as well as younger, less coordinated hands, really anybody who wants a little soft grip and easy application of calcium magnesium in their lives.

Materials Used

Pure ultra-fine ground and sifted 100% magnesium carbonate without any additives or fillers in a 100% cotton sock. It’s a happy little ball of white powder that’s ready for your active lifestyle.

Grip Performance

The super-fine holes in the applicator sock ensure only the finest, smoothest particles will make it through to your palms, ensuring the most even and quickest application. Thus, the combination of even and excellent application provides an even grip on your entire hand in two quick squeezes of this fluffy little ball of stuff.

Moisture Control

Maybe it’s the sock; maybe it’s the smooth powdery consistency, maybe it’s the combination of all the effort that went into making this happy little ball of climbers delight that makes it work so well. Either way, it goes on quickly and smoothly and dries up sweaty, oily hands quick for that ultra-performance you need outdoors and on your favorite climbing wall.

Accessories

It comes in an applicator sock with an ultra-fine weave. What more could you ask for? Maybe a bag or bucket to keep it in, but you probably already have that. It is its own accessory, this happy little sock.

Summary

Nothing fancy and no frills, this does the job and performs as expected with a few little perks such as finer grains and easy application. This happy little ball of magnesium carbonate may be generic, but it does its job without complaint and leaves your hands dry and ready for the task at hand.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Site Staff, The 8 Best Climbing Chalks of 2019, Review
  2. Site Staff, How to Use Rock Climbing Chalk, Factsheet
  3. Site Staff, The Four Types of Climbing Chalk, Article