Best Climbing Chalk of 2024

Reasons to Buy

• Great texture
• Great value

Reasons to Avoid

• Package can be hard to re-close right after opening

Black Diamond White Gold comes very close to matching the Friction Labs Gorilla Grip in terms of quality, but falls a little short. In a blind test, the difference is subtle enough to make it a challenging call, which speaks volumes about its quality. Its texture strikes a fine balance – silky yet grippy, offering you just the right chalky feel.

Black Diamond White Gold only offers a single level of chunkiness. It leans slightly more towards fine chalk than chunky, presenting a middle ground that might not satisfy climbers who have a pronounced preference for either extreme. This one-level chunkiness might be a deal-breaker for some, but we don't think it's a big deal. The packaging also deserves a mention: the standard roll-top bag is a practical choice, efficiently minimizing the inevitable chalk mess. It's a classic design and it works.

The real trump card of Black Diamond White Gold is its value. It's a close contender to Friction Labs Gorilla Grip in quality, but the price difference is significant. For this reason, we think this is the best chalk on the market. Gorilla Grips is a slightly better product, but we just can't justify spending the money on it. The Black Diamond White Gold comes very close in terms of quality, but is much cheaper, making it a much better value.

Reasons to Buy

• Very nice, silky texture
• Made from sea-water, so more eco-friendly
• Great value

Reasons to Avoid

• Packaging can be difficult to re-seal

Midnight Lightning Ultra Premium climbing chalk stands out for its unique texture and eco-friendly sourcing. This chalk is sourced from seawater, unlike conventional options mined from the ground, making it an excellent choice if you want climbing chalk that is a little more eco-friendly.

The chalk has a very silky texture. Whether this is a side-effect of the seawater or just how Midnight Lightning is making their chalk, we're a fan. It applies very well to your hand and has a nice, grippy feeling. It's everything you expect from your climbing chalk.

Midnight Lightning offers two varieties: a chunky blend and a super fine option, catering to different preferences in chalk consistency. We recommend the chunky option, but this really comes down to personal preference. We do however think that the packaging could use some improvement. The zip-lock style closure is sometimes challenging to reseal properly, mostly due to chalk getting in to the nooks and crannies of the closure system. This can lead to a bit of a chalk mess, which is never fun.

In terms of value, Midnight Lightning Ultra Premium chalk is a winner. Despite its high quality, it's priced competitively, offering great value for money. It stands on par with Black Diamond White Gold in terms of cost-effectiveness. While it doesn't quite rise to the quality of the Friction Labs Gorilla Grip, its affordability combined with its environmental benefits make it a strong contender.

Reasons to Buy

• Great texture and coverage
• Lasts longer on your hands than most chalk brands
• Chunks are nice for tick marks

Reasons to Avoid

• The jump in quality probably doesn't match the jump in price

Friction Labs' Gorilla Grip climbing chalk stands out as a premium choice in the climbing world, and for good reason. Its exceptional texture is perhaps its most commendable feature. We think texture is one of the more important features of climbing chalk, and this chalk really excels here. Friction Labs has a commitment to offering top-tier products and it shows.

Friction Labs has three different chalks: Unicorn Dust, Gorilla Grip and Bam Bam. Gorilla Grip specifically strikes a balance between chunky and fine particles that we think hits the sweet spot. But having a range is good. If you want something different, Friction Labs has you covered.

While the quality of the chalk itself is beyond reproach, the recent changes in packaging in 2023 are a bit of a letdown. The previous design was better at containing the chalk in the package, whereas the new packaging seems to invite a chalk explosion in your backpack. This shift in packaging quality is somewhat disappointing, especially considering what you will be paying for it.

The major caveat with Friction Labs' chalk, however, is its price. It's indisputably the best chalk on the market, but it comes at a cost. For climbers who use chalk sparingly, this could be a worthy investment, offering that extra bit of reliability during critical climbs. But for those who go through chalk quickly, the high price point might be a deterrent. This is a luxury product, so if you're seeking value you might have to explore other options.

Reasons to Buy

• Affordable price
• Consistent texture
• Great packaging
• Good friction level

Reasons to Avoid

• Contains drying agents
• Purity may vary
• May feel too coarse for some users

Metolius Super Chalk is one of those hidden gems that balances quality and price quite nicely. We selected it as one of the best products under the budget niche, and for good reason. Despite its lower price tag, you won't be left wanting in performance.

While navigating through online reviews, we found Metolius Super Chalk received a warm welcome in the climbers community. Users praised its ability to maintain grip and enhance hand dryness as soon as you dip your hands in it. Many mentioned that it significantly reduces sweat and creates a friction-enhancing shield between your hand and the climbing surface, which is essentially what you need for a secure climb.

However, some customers highlighted that its fineness can cause it to run off in windy situations or when applied excessively. Therefore, it might be beneficial to switch to alternative products in wind-heavy areas.

Several climbers also appreciated the packaging and availability in different sizes. So whether you are an occasional climber or someone who ventures out every weekend, Metolius has got you covered.

Then there's the non-chemical factor. Customers have been relieved to find that Metolius Super Chalk is free from drying agents which can be harsh on skin, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin.

But every product has its low points, and in the case of Metolius Super Chalk, some users pointed out that it might not be the best fit for heavily sweaty hands. This isn't a universal experience, but some climbers felt that they had to reapply the product more often than they’d prefer.

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent grip provided the even application of chalk
• No extra work refilling a ball
• Creative look is entertaining and unique

Reasons to Avoid

• More dust than a typical chalk ball
• More expensive than a typical chalk ball

From climbing enthusiasts dedicated to bagging that next peak, to the casual gym climber, the Midnight Lightning Chalktopus has been raising eyebrows for all the right reasons. It bagged its spot as a top product in the chalk ball niche for its reliable, high-quality performance.

Designed for a smooth application, the chalkball minimizes mess and ensures your hands are amply covered for that important climb. From newbies testing their grip strength to seasoned climbers tackling intense mountain routes, it seems everyone appreciates the excellent grip it assures with its premium-grade, ultra-fine chalk.

A key thing that buyers can't stop raving about is the long-lasting effect. The Midnight Lightning Chalktopus stays on for long climbing sessions, reducing the need for constant re-chalking and allowing climbers to focus more on their ascent. This alone makes it a hit with many climbers as it saves both time and chalk in the long run.

Another crowd-pleaser is the unique ‘chalktopus’ design. Fun and distinctive, this feature brings a dash of personality to your climbing gear. While it's not a game-changer in terms of performance, it's a nice detail that climbers have found appealing.

There were some minor gripes regarding the original packaging, with a few customers commenting that the container isn't as user-friendly as others on the market. However, it's worth noting that these comments were few and did not significantly impact the overall satisfaction levels with the product.

The crux of the matter is, the Midnight Lightning Chalktopus is both a trusty companion on the rocks and a conversation starter. Playful in design yet serious in performance, it certainly makes its mark on the climbing community.

Reasons to Buy

• Fast-drying formula
• Improves grip
• Eco-friendly and non-toxic

Reasons to Avoid

• Pricey
• May dry out skin
• Some find the texture too thin

Friction Labs Secret Stuff is a well-regarded choice among the climbing community for its stellar performance when it comes to grip-enhancing properties. It is a liquid-based chalk, which offers a practical and clean option for climbers over the more traditional powder chalk.

Climbers have reported that this product sticks to the hands well without leaving an excessive white dust residue everywhere. It's preferred by users who love to keep their climbing environment clean and dust-free. The consistency of the product has been praised to be just right – not too thick nor too runnish.

Ambitious climbers, who need an edge over difficult routes, have found that the Friction Labs Secret Stuff delivers a great deal of friction, thus increasing their grip, leading to optimal climbing conditions. According to users, the enhanced friction capacity seems to give them extra confidence while scaling tough walls.

As a plus, customers have noted that Friction Labs Secret Stuff does not dry out their hands compared to traditional chalk, thanks to its alcohol-based nature. It evaporates quickly but leaves the skin sufficiently moisturized.

On the downside, some climbers feel that it doesn't stay as long on their hands compared to powder chalk. Other customers have also shared concerns about the price - arguing that it is a bit on the higher side compared to other liquid chalks on the market.

A few customers have noticed that the bottle's size is a bit small, which may affect its lastingness if one is an intense and regular climber. That being said, many have reported that you only need a small amount for each application, which can offset the size issue.

Despite this, the majority of climbers rave about Friction Labs Secret Stuff. Its mess-free application, improved grip, and careful hand treatment have received commendations across climbing forums.