Stupid question -- Loose chalk or sock-thing in your chalk bag?

I always liked a sock (wired shut with a twist tie) in my chalk bag. . .

Just sayin'

I’ve got excessively sweaty hands and have tried it all. I’ve settled on loose chalk and applying anithydral once a night every week, every other week in the winter. The sock was nice to have something to grab but never gave me enough chalk. I also use a big chalk bag that helps with hand jamming, back of my hands sweat a lot too lol. 

Chalk ball, loose chalk, yeah get both.  Is there a third option?  I think there should be a third option.  An in-conjunction option, not some stand-alone, in-lieu-of option.  Magnesium carbonate also makes for a great hair product.  It adds fantastic structure.  A certain, uh, I don't know, but the French probably have a word for it.

Greg D wrote:

Huh?   Are the holds sweating. 

I've never understood this with modern climbers either. "I'll just go chalk the holds". I get it's easier to see them, but it certainly doesn't help with friction. Tick below then brush off when done ftw.

Tradiban wrote:

On this note, chalk is obsessively overused by most climbers, especially boulderers. It’s only for keeping the hands dry, it’s not glue! 

Tell that to all the chalk brands mixing in rosin.

Do tell.

Chalk ball, loose chalk, yeah get both.  Is there a third option?

I got your slack, brother! 

3rd option, ditch the chalk entirely.

Eli W wrote:

Tell that to all the chalk brands mixing in rosin.

https://www.climbing.com/gear/liquid-chalk-vs-powder-chalk/

Anonymous Coward wrote:

I've never understood this with modern climbers either. "I'll just go chalk the holds". I get it's easier to see them, but it certainly doesn't help with friction. Tick below then brush off when done ftw.

Personally, I feel like chalking holds does provide more friction. Maybe it's usefulness depends on how hard you climb (how bad the holds are)?

I like a sock around to chalk fresh holds in the gym, right after they've been washed. they really eat up chalk off your hands otherwise

Hank Hudley wrote:

Personally, I feel like chalking holds does provide more friction. Maybe it's usefulness depends on how hard you climb (how bad the holds are)?

Chalk then always scrub. 

Amazing. Almost to page 3 & still no "chalk is aid" comment.

Chalk socks are a tease. I prefer loose chalk.

And any climbing that is not bare foot, naked, free soloing is aid. We already knew that. 

Jeremy L wrote:

Amazing. Almost to page 3 & still no "chalk is aid" comment.

I had one on page one, but deleted because I felt bad about myself for stooping so low

Hank Hudley wrote:

Personally, I feel like chalking holds does provide more friction. Maybe it's usefulness depends on how hard you climb (how bad the holds are)?

Holds on mid .13 feel worse to me on granite, limestone, and sandstone the more chalk there is. But maybe that's not hard enough.

I know there have been studies that show chalk on one's hands actually decreases friction (of course this is compared to a dry hand, no doubt chalk does absorb moisture and is net beneficial), but I haven't seen anything about chalk on rock. Seems to me that if you're filling in the voids and other texture of the surface with chalk, there is less surface area for frictional forces to act. Total bro science in that conjecture, though.

Anonymous Coward wrote:

Holds on mid .13 feel worse to me on granite, limestone, and sandstone the more chalk there is. But maybe that's not hard enough.

I know there have been studies that show chalk on one's hands actually decreases friction (of course this is compared to a dry hand, no doubt chalk does absorb moisture and is net beneficial), but I haven't seen anything about chalk on rock. Seems to me that if you're filling in the voids and other texture of the surface with chalk, there is less surface area for frictional forces to act. Total bro science in that conjecture, though.

Sorry if I came off arrogant, It's obvious you have done more research than I have when it comes to chalk. When I chalk holds it's usually to try and fight humidity. I'll chalk and scrub until the hold feels less damp/slimy and that tends to work better than just brushing. 

Jason EL wrote:

Chalk ball, loose chalk, yeah get both.  Is there a third option?  I think there should be a third option.

Chalk block. I break off a big chunk and drop it in my bag right next to the sock. Great for crushing between your fingers to calm the nerves (which is the number 1 reason for chalking on route anyways). 

I like balls ... chalk balls

Ian Bales wrote:

I unironically really like this thing: https://www.midnightlightning.co/shop/p/chalktopus-chalk-bag-grip

Just something to grab onto and keep chalk from spilling out as well

Just ordered…thank you!