Sweaty hands and climbing is never a good combo. However, you don’t have to give up climbing just because you can’t stop this body’s natural process. One way to ensure you control the situation is to get yourself the best climbing chalk for sweaty hands. With the best climbing chalk, you will not only be controlling the sweat but also improving your grip, which means a better climbing experience.
However, some climbing chalks don’t work as they should. That’s mainly because some don’t have the right texture, others are too messy and difficult to use, while some don’t stay firm after application, and worse, some will be too harsh on your skin causing blisters and cracking. Thus, if not carefully chosen, climbing chalk might end up doing more harm to you than good.
In this article, we are going to look at the top 8 best climbing chalk. The selection was done after a thorough research, and each of these chalks have something different. For us, chalk is NOT just chalk as most people claim. If this was the case, we could have just one brand, and that’s it!
Top 8 Best Climbing Chalks in 2020
1) FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust -Premium Choice
Why we recommend it:
- It’s among the most endorsed by well-known pro climbers
- Great coverage, and it lasts throughout climbing
- It performs as claimed even on really sweaty hands
- Silica-free. Has no added drying agents, thus doesn’t over-dry your skin nor cause peeling
- Little goes a long way
- Comes in a re-sealable coffee bag, thus easy to use directly
- Available in three blends to suit different needs
The FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust is among the most aggressively marketed products and you will be happy to know that it’s not just hype! It delivers and lives to their slogan, “The New Standard in Chalk”. It’s probably the priciest in the market, but it’s definitely worth the extra bucks.
It’s so easy to apply and it gives you the smoothest and very even coating. You will also love its consistency as it’s a combination of chunks and powder. It doesn’t get uncomfortably dry on the wall and it actually enables you to climb for longer times. And, as the marketers put it, this chalk will not only make you a happy climber, but it will also leave your skin feeling good and healthier.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Great and varying consistencies (Unicorn Dust which is the least chunky, Bam Bam, and Gorilla Grip)
- Wears comfortably
- Smooth and even coating
- The chalk STAYS on your hands
Cons
- Pricier than most options, but the quality and performance is worth the extra bucks
2) TRANGO Gunpowder Climbing Chalk – Best Value
Why we recommend it:
- Extra fine texture, almost same as the Unicorn Dust above
- Great coverage, again about the same as the Unicorn Dust
- Great grip performance
- Easy to use and good drying
- Better priced for the quality and quantity
- Comes in a bottle, with is better since chalk re-fills will be easy
You might not have come across the TRANGO Gunpowder in your search for the best climbing chalk but once you try it out you might never try any other brand! The only noticeable difference between the Gunpowder and our number one option, the FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust, is in usability and application where the later takes the lead.
The Gunpowder is easy to apply, it coats evenly and it stays. The chalk also feels secure even after climbing for a long time and doesn’t leave your hands cracked or feeling overly dry.
And, unlike the Unicorn Dust that’s a mixture of powder and small chunks, the TRANGO is more powdery and it performs very well. It’s also more affordable compared to the first pick.
Pros
- More powdery/smooth thus a better option for climbers who dislike chunky chalks
- Very affordable for its quality and performance
- Coats easily and evenly
- It stays even after long hours of climbing
- Doesn’t leave the climbers’ hands dry or cracked
Cons
- It’s super smooth and silky so people who prefer a mix of powder and chunks might not like it
3) Primo Chalk – Best Climbing Chalk For Sensitive Skin
Why we recommend it:
- Contains Epsom salt and five essential oils to condition your skin and protect it from excess dryness
- Naturally antibacterial
- Lasts longer smells great, and feels better since it’s not just plain magnesium carbonate
- It comes in three options in terms of quantity: 6oz bag, the Primo Chalk Ball, and a 1lb or 5lb Primo red bucket
- Very smooth. It feels like you are dipping your hands in clouds
- Provides an excellent grip
If you have sensitive skin and blister a lot or palms crack when using other climbing chalks, get the Primo Chalk as it is the best climbing chalk for sensitive skin.
According to the company, it’s a mixture of magnesium carbonate, essential oils of cloves, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, and cinnamon, then finished off with Epsom salts. This mixture produces a conditioning and antibacterial chalk that feels really good on your hands while providing exceptional frictional for easy climbing.
The main difference between the Primo Chalk and the first two picks is that while it’s just as smooth and applies just as easily, it doesn’t coat as well. Again, it stays on your hands after application, but not as long as the above two options.
However, the instructions say you grab a pinch each time to improve usage, which actually works!
But, the catch with this chalk is how your skin feels when using it. To start with, it has a nice smell, it feels very comfortable, super soothing, and enables you to climb longer. It actually preserves your skin and applies really well.
Pros
- It’s climbing chalk that actually cares for your skin
- Applies well and stays on your hands when applies as instructed
- Feels comfortable
- It’s unique in a good way
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to most options
- Has to be applied right to stay on your hands
4) Black Diamond White Gold Loose Chalk – Best For Sweaty Hands
Why we recommend it:
- Best climbing chalk for extreme dryness
- Provides great coverage
- Lasts longer
- Very good chalk for climbing
- Comes as a block and it’s easy to crush it up
If you love your hands dry when climbing, the Black Diamond White Gold Chalk is an option to try. The thing with totally dry hands when climbing is that they make you feel more secure because even the slightest moisture can get in your way in a bad way when you are out there on your climbing adventure. However, climbers who detest extreme dryness might want to stay away from this chalk.
Generally, this is great climbing chalk but it’s good to note that unlike most options, it is pure magnesium carbonate and it doesn’t contain any additives. As such, it might not be the best for climbers who detest extremely dry hands.
Pros
- It’s a chalk ball, so it’s in a porous material that you pat or squeeze to get chalk on your hands meaning you will always get the perfect amount of chalk without wasting and you won’t be releasing too much dust
- Great chalk for lifting and climbing
- Features both chunks and fine powder
- Great price for how it performs
Cons
- Given the chalk delivery method (pat or squeeze), it doesn’t coat your hands as fast compared to when you just dip your hands in a chalk-full bag
5) Bison Designs Competition Chalk
Why we recommend it:
- Silky soft climbing chalk
- Dries hands to improve grip
- Comes in a convenient plastic bottle, easy to access and refill
- The chalk sticks longer in your hands after application since it’s very fine
The Competition Chalk is the other powdery chalk option in this list, (the other is TRANGO Gunpowder Climbing Chalk). As such, you will have a unique chalk application experience.
First, it looks and feels so light to the extent of not feeling like you are grabbing enough, but, surprisingly, it coats effectively and quickly. It also feels secure enough and also comfortable even after climbing for a long time. Apart from climbing, you can use it when weight lifting and for gymnastics and it really does improve your grip.
Pros
- The chalk does stay on your hands
- It’s finer, meaning you only need a small amount for a good coating
- It feels comfortable on your hands. Does the job without cracking them, thus it’s ideal for regular use
- Comes in a nice container
Cons
- Being light and fluffy means it will be getting everywhere with every application, but it is better than breaking chunks all the time.
6) Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk
Why we recommend it:
- It’s a liquid climbing chalk, a great alternative to dry chalks as it dries your hands and it’s not messy
- It dries up quickly after application
- It lasts longer on the hands and also it’s easy to wash off after climbing/workout
- You will love the added grip, totally worth your money
- It’s not harsh on the skin
This is a portable liquid climbing chalk that helps you get that excellent grip with less mess. It’s the best option for people who dislike the inconveniences that come with powder or block climbing chalk.
It’s also super easy to apply and it dries fast, creating a sweat-resistant layer on your palms. Again, this chalk features hand sanitizing properties.
As such, it is an antibacterial climbing chalk, which is great especially when using shared equipment in the gym. Also, this is a long-lasting chalk. You don’t need to re-apply every so often. You might be surprised to find out that just one application will last you through the whole workout.
Pros
- Liquid climbing chalk
- Less mess compared to other types
- Easy to apply
- Dries quickly
- Lasts long
- Great grip
- Easy to wash off after workout
Cons
- A bit expensive compared to most dry climbing chalk, but it last longer, thus worth the extra bucks
7) Salty Lance 2 lb. Climbing Chalk
Why we recommend it:
- It’s a premium sweat-absorbing chalk as it is pure magnesium carbonate
- The chalk will drastically improve your grip
- Comes in a plastic bag inside a bucket, easy to use and refill, and it also has a carrying handle
- It has a finer texture and it stays put
- Very affordable for the quantity and performance
If you’re an amateur climber and feel like all the other popular climbing chalk brands are a bit expensive, get yourself the Salty Lance chalk. It might not feel exactly like the high-end brands, but it gets the job done. It will dry up your hands, and help improve grip.
The chalk is incredibly soft and it will coat the hands quickly. Plus, it stays put, so you won’t need to dip your hands in the bucket every so often. However, having a finer powdery texture means it’s easy to create a mess, but like with any other dry chalk, don’t be too aggressive with the application.
Pros
- The chalk keeps your hands dry
- It doesn’t cause blisters
- It’s not expensive
Cons
- It’s soft chalk, so people who love a mixture of powder and chunks might not like it
8) Metolius Super Chalk
Why recommend it:
- It really does dry those super sweaty hands without being harsh on the skin
- Perfect gritty and powdery balance for rock climbing
- Comes in a re-sealable plastic bag
- It stays put longer, so no need for frequent touchups
- Very affordable
If you are into rock climbing, the Metolius Super Chalk is specifically formulated to use when rock climbing. It provides a maximum sweat absorption, which is what every rock climber wants. It comes in a re-sealable plastic bag.
Again, most people love that it is both powdery and gritty, and it’s well balanced. As such, you can comfortably use it as it is or cut it with any block chalk when doing indoor sessions or with other finer chalks.
If you have super sweaty hands, get yourself this super chalk because it will not only dry them but also stay put longer.
Pros
- Super chalk for super sweaty hands
- A little goes a long way
- Very affordable
- A good balance of gritty and powder
Cons
- It comes a bit chunky. However, you can easily break it up
Finally,
To be confident in your climbing, you need to be sure that your sweaty hands are perfectly taken care off and the only way to do this is by using the best climbing chalk for sweaty hands. The above list contains eight of the most trusted chalks for sweaty hands and any will be helpful.
Our top pick is the FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust. It does exactly what a climber wants, drying hands and improving grip, all while being gentle on the skin.
The other options are also great in their own rights, just go through them one by one and see which suits your needs better. Do let us know your choice and how it’s working for you. Good luck!
