Chalk is crucial for most climbers. Sweaty hands can kill a vibe quick, and do worse if they lead to a fall, so a good chalk bag is necessary. Whether you choose a chalk ball—a porous fabric filled with chalk—or a bag you dunk your hand in, climbing chalk and the method you apply it can add up in dollars. It’s a small price to pay for good grip and safe routes though. As climbing gear goes, there are few pieces more important than the simple dusty substance that keeps us on the rock.

WHAT IS A CHALK BAG USED FOR?

A chalk bag is used to carry MgCO3—the chalk that helps climbers stave off sweaty hands and keep grip on slick rock surfaces. Climbing chalk and the bags to hold it come in many colours and sizes. Climbers are often all about the little details, and the bag’s lining, zippered pockets, belt buckles, and the way the bag sits on your waist belt all factor into a climber’s choice of climbing gear. Having enough space to put your sweaty hands into the bag is crucial too.

WHY ARE CHALK BAGS LINED WITH FLEECE?

A climbing chalk bag’s lining is usually made of fleece, but why? The fleece keeps the chalk dust in place and distributes it on your hands evenly. Without the fleece, the climbing chalk would fly away and out of the bag every time you put your hand in.

ARE CHALK BALLS WORTH IT?

For some climbers, the best chalk bags will never rival a good chalk ball, a porous fabric with a ball of climbing chalk inside. The bag’s lining lets the chalk come through and end of evenly on a climber’s sweaty hands. Put it on your waist belt and apply often. Chalk balls are not for everyone, but for climbers who love them the value is clear.