Review: Best Chalk Bag For Rock Climbing & Bouldering

Today we’re going to show you the best chalk bag for rock climbing.

With the thousands of chalk bags out there it might be impossible for you to choose just one (or two!). Y

ou may be thinking, ‘What does it even matter? Aren’t all chalk bags just little pouches to hide away your chalk?’. 

Well, my friend, we are here to tell you that they aren’t all the same.

A chalk bag is a small and relatively inexpensive item that can make your life easier on the wall. It’s a small price to pay for a BIG upgrade in the quality of your climbing experience. 

As with all climbing products, chalk bags come in different sizes and materials. You might be interested in an extremely durable bag or one that gives your hiney a little extra viewing time.

Get informed on what you could consider as important aspects of the chalk bag that’s going to assist you in many sends to come!

In this article you will be informed on the following topics.

Hey! By the way… this page contains Amazon affiliate links. So if you make a purchase after clicking one at no cost to you we may earn a small commission. Thanks for your support!

Reviews of the Best Chalk Bags for Rock Climbing

The list below comprises an assortment of chalk bags that are highlighted by a specific feature or simply because they receive great all-round reviews.

• STATIC Waxed Canvas
• Arcteryx C80
• Mammut Togir
• Mammut Multipitch
• prAna Chalk Bag
• Metolius Ultralight Cylinder
• 8BPlus Chalk Bag
• PETZL SAKA
• Evolv Andes
• DMM Edge Boulder Bucket
• EDELRID Splitter Twist
• Simond Chalk Bag
• Organic Chalk Bag

Static Climbing’s Waxed Canvas Chalk Bag is designed with a very durable and tough fabric. Looking uniquely at the aging of their bags, each adventure will leave your bag looking more vintage than before, making it more personal along the road. 

The Waxed Canvas Chalk Bag should be sturdier than other bags, making it less likely to tip over and spill your precious chalk. The stiffness of this chalk bag provides easy access when chalking up. It is closed with a drawstring, sports two belt loops and owns a brush holder. The waist belt itself is not included in the standard price, but can be bought separately. 

They come in only one size, but it is possible to choose from a variety of colors. Next to the Waxed Canvas series, it’s also possible to take a look at the amazing artist and nomads series.

Pros	Cons
Larger than a lot of bags No tipping over Easy to chalk up Brush holder Extremely durable	No waist belt included Expensive

The Arc’teryx C80 is best known for its large size and easy accessibility. The C80 is definitely one of the bigger options in this list, making it perfect for people with larger hands. An effective drawcord closure is used as a closing system and makes the chalk bag quite chalk proof. The stiff rim and tough outside will provide easy access in your time of need.

A waist belt is included in the chalk bag which is one size fits all. The hooking system makes it possible to hang it on a waist belt or straight on your harness. The C80 comes with an external security pocket with a zipper and a brush holder. This pocket comes in handy for storing your ID card, credit cards, cash, keys or tape.

The C80 comes in 4 colors making it possible to choose your color preference. A downside to consider is the price tag, however. People are very enthusiastic about this bag, but together with the Mammut Multipitch it’s also the most expensive on this list.

Pros	Cons
Extremely durable Large enough for lots of chalk Large bag great for larger hands External security pocket with zipper. Brush holder	Waist belt one size fits all Expensive

The Mammut Togir Chalk Bag is the only chalk bag on this list that is made from stretchy spandex material, making it a unique player in the chalk bag industry. The stretchy spandex does not compromise on the toughness of the material. The rim is stiffened to ensure easy chalking up and the bag is closed with a drawstring. 

As features, the Togir has a brush holder and an included waistband. The waistband is fixed onto the chalk bag through two different points. As an extra, the Togir comes with an external pocket with a zipper.

The Togir can be bought in 6 different colors and looks simple but neat. Customer reviews indicate that the drawstring has been known to open sometimes and the diameter of 11 cm might be a little small for larger hands. The price of this bag is on the lower end of the scale making it a good price/quality buy. 

Pros	Cons
Waist belt included Brush holder Stretchy material Zipped pocket	Small hand opening Only one size Might spill chalk

The Mammut Multipitch Chalk Bag is the only one in this list that is claimed to be a perfect designated multipitch companion. This bag is all about its features and it has a ton of them!

Basic features are a brush holder and an included waistband that’s suspended through two loops. There is no shortage of storage space either. The Mammut Multipitch Chalk Bag sports a mesh pocket AND two zipper pockets that should hold a cell phone, keys and energy bars. On top of all that this bag has an attachment option at the bottom for a jacket, while a double lock waistband prevents accidental release. With all these options to hang off the chalk bag it’s worth reconsidering the day pack you’re bringing up on the multipitch.

With 130 g, it’s a heavier option than all other chalk bags on this list, but it makes up for it with plenty of gimmicks. The Multipitch Chalk Bag is available in 3 colors and comes in one size. The design is nothing flashy, but it’s a decent bag to look at. All these features do come with a higher price tag. 

This chalk bag has been reported to be less durable though, with the drawcord, the zipper and the rim showing wear after a couple of months use.

Pros	Cons
Waist Belt included 3 pockets for lots of storage Bungee cord attachment at the bottom Can replace the day pack function on your multipitch	Less durable Expensive Only one size

The Prana Chalk Bag is not the most dashing in this list, but it is a cheaper option to consider. The bag uses an adjustable drawcord to keep the bag closed. 

This chalk bag comes with a waistband and two belt loops. It also sports an elastic brush holder. It’s not the biggest of chalk bags, but should do for people with smaller hands. With only 91 grams this bag is one of the most lightweight options out there. However, the structure of the bag makes it a little floppy. 

Pros	Cons
Lightweight Durable	Small hand opening No pockets Floppy

As the name already implies the Metolius Ultralight Cylinder Chalk Bag is aiming to be lighter than a feather. By using lightweight outer materials and inner materials Metolius managed to make this chalk bag up to 70% lighter than the standard bag. Exactly how much this chalk bag weighs is not reported. Even though Metolius used much lighter materials on this bag, it has been reported to be very durable. 

As far as features go this Ultralight Cylinder still includes a brush holder and a lightweight waist belt. It’s quite a deep bag with a wide opening making chalking up easy with large hands as well. As can be expected in the lightweight range, there are no pockets or other extras on this chalk bag.

Pros	Cons
Very Lightweight Durable Large hand opening	No extra pockets

The 8BPLUS chalk bags come in a variety of characters. You’ve all seen them at some point in the gym or at the crag. Due to their personality, they are very popular and get noticed easily. With 25+ different chalk bags and limited edition bags you can choose a chalk buddy that matches your own style perfectly. 

The 8BPLUS chalk bags are kept closed by a drawstring. An extra stiff access rim should make chalking up easy. The included waistband is adjustable and there are two loops on the bag to put the waistband through. This makes it more difficult however to put the chalk bag straight onto your harness. The bag comes with two brush holder loops.

These 8BPLUS bags tend to be smaller than some other chalk bags. 

Pros	Cons
Lots of personality with 25+ different characters Two brush holder loops Adjustable waist band	A little on the expensive side? Smaller than other bags

The Petzl Saka Chalk bag features a stiff rim and a wide opening, good for easy chalking. The outer layer is made of a soft fabric to avoid discomfort while wearing a backpack. This chalk bag is closed with a drawcord and cordlock and can be opened with one hand. There is a liner sewn in the bottom to avoid the bag from tipping over.

The Petzl Saka comes with a waistband and a textile brush holder that should hold all brush types. However, because the bag is a little shorter than some other models in this list it will be less appropriate for climbers with large hands.

This chalk bag comes in two colors and has an old fashioned look. 

Pros	Cons
Lightweight Durable Waistband included Brush holder	Smaller No pockets

The Evolv Andes Chalk Bag is made of hand-knitted materials from the Andes Mountains giving it a unique cute look. The closure system works with a drawstring.

It has an included, fully adjustable waistband and a brush holder. 

The drawstring and the waistband have been reported to show wear after a couple of months use. Also, the colors that are reported are often not described as they are in real life. 

Pros	Cons
Authentic look Included waistband	No external bags Not the most durable materials

The DMM Edge Boulder Bucket is much larger than the other chalk bags on this list. It’s used as a big ass bucket to carry more chalk than you could ever use on your bouldering trip. It’s perfect to use with a couple of friends and put it at the base of your boulder project. Because of its size it’s possible to chalk up with two hands at the same time.

This boulder bucket comes with two big brush holders, a big velcro pocket and a zipper pocket. The carry handle makes it easy to carry this bag from boulder to boulder. The old version included a double closure top, while the new version only has one drawcord closure. Make sure you know which version you’re buying from this bucket.

Pros	Cons
2 hands chalking up Big velcro pocket and zipper pocket Bag handle	No double closure system anymore

The Edelrid Splitter chalk bag is most distinguished by the use of its twist system to close the bag. As with all new technologies, there are clear supporters and opposers of the twist closure. Depending on who you ask this system works much better or much worse than the classical drawcord closure. 

The Splitter has a zipped pocket with a key clip that should be large enough for a cellphone and comes with a waist band. It has 3 different brush holders. The Edelrid Splitter is a little deeper than the normal chalk bag, making it a viable option for larger hands. This chalk bag comes in 3 color options. It is also one of the cheaper options in this list.

Since this is a fairly new product, no existing reviews are present of this product yet. Make sure to give your feedback below if you end up buying this product. We’re eager to find out your opinion!

Pros	Cons
Twist closure Zipped pocket Included waistband 3 Brush holders Inexpensive	To Be Determined!

Interestingly, Edelrid also offers a DIY Chalk Bag kit. You get all the materials at home to sew your very own chalk bag stitch by stitch. A video tutorial is provided on their website and the kit includes 4 different color patches which are leftovers from their textile production. So, get your creativity on with this eco friendly and cheaper option.

Simond Chalk bag

As Europeans, we’re in the habit of comparing every piece of equipment we can buy to the Decathlon in-house brand, in this case Simond. Decathlon has become one of the most present stores in our outdoor closet and for this reason we decided an appearance in this list was necessary. And no, we are not sponsored by Decathlon (we could wish however!).

This Simond Chalk bag has a stiffened rim to ensure easy chalking. It should be possible to open one-handed and is a spacious option. 

It has an elastic waistband and a brush holder. It’s not a fancy bag, but it will do the trick. More importantly, this is the cheapest option in the list!

Pros	Cons
Inexpensive Stiff rim One-handed opening Waistband included	No pockets Not a lot of features

Organic Chalk Bag

The chalk bags of Organic Climbing are one of a kind. They are designed from recycled scraps straight out of the Organic Climbing workshop and every bag is handcrafted in the US. It is possible to tailor your chosen background with 2 accents making this chalk bag quite uniquely yours. It’s possible to choose from 3 different sizes with depths 14 cm (S) and 19 cm (L) and a diameter of 11 cm. The XL choice will make the chalk bag 5 cm wider.

The bags come with a stiff rim to make chalking easier. They also come with a waist belt and brush holder. You can use the waist belt or hang it straight from your harness. 

When you are ordering this chalk bag from another website than the original site, you might get assorted colors, which means a random combination of scraps. If you want to be choosing your own style make sure to order from the Organic Climbing website.

Pros	Cons
One of a kind Waist belt included Brush holder	Chalk tends to spill

What are chalk bags used for?

Of course, the basic use of a chalk bag is to hold your chalk (Do I hear a DUH there?). However, it’s not a given that a chalk bag will keep all of your chalk neatly in the bag. The perfect chalk bag should be impeccable on 3 fronts.

Firstly, the perfect chalk bag does not spill loads of chalk onto the rest of your gear.

Secondly, a chalk bag should be guiding your hand easily into the chalk. Some bags do this better than others, making the chalking experience that much comfier.

Thirdly, a chalk bag is a great way to express your personality. Climbers will often use this piece of equipment to give their gear a personal touch.

Bouldering Chalk Buckets

Chalk bouldering buckets are essentially huge chalk bags designed to be left on the ground as opposed to carried on a climber’s back.

You are able to better chalk your hands using a bouldering bucket and it contains all of the extra dust caused from the chalk. For this reason they work particular well when bouldering at the gym or in large groups.

The downsides are their lack of mobility, added bulk and of course weight. Most boulders use “normal” chalk bags while climbing.

How to Pick The Best Chalk Bag For You

For everyone new to climbing and picking a chalk bag this section is very important! Learn what you need to know BEFORE buying a chalk buddy right here. (More experienced climbers might also learn a thing or two).

But if you just want to have a look at the featured chalk bags, you’re welcome to skip this part and get straight into it.

What Size and Shape Should My Bag Have?

When choosing a chalk bag you might not be considering that the size is a very important factor of your purchase. The size of chalk bags is not standardized but there is a lot of difference to be found. 

• Small bags are most frequently used by climbers with smaller hands. Because of their size, they will be lighter and less bulky on your harness. However, it is extremely frustrating to be fumbling around for chalk while hanging from a dreadful hold. If you have larger hands, have a look at a larger chalk bag.

• Larger bags will be more helpful for climbers with larger hands. Additionally, they will be containing more chalk, so you’re less prone to run out. Of course, the larger the bag the more space it will take up on your harness. 

• Buckets are the Big Daddies of the chalk bags and are used almost exclusively by boulderers. They can hold a ridiculous amount of chalk and are put on the floor like a bucket. The big openings make it possible to dip in both hands simultaneously. This article will focus on normal chalk bags, but have a look at boulder buckets here.

This choice might also depend on your preferred activity. For a regular sport climber, smaller and lighter might be more interesting than for a hardcore boulderer.

Classically, the shape of your chalk bag will result in a more supple tapered design or a more rigid cylindrical design. Rigid chalk bags are great to place on the floor without having them tip over. Tapered ones, on the other hand, are generally less heavy and can deliver a softer feel for your hands. Try out different things to discover your preference. 

What Features Do I Need In My Chalk Bag?

Features on your chalk bag are only as important as you make them. Some people like their chalk bag to be just that, others want every gimmick available. Think about which features you would like to have before committing to a bag. The list below will help you guide through the options!  

• Type of closure: At the moment two types of closure are available, drawstring or twist closure, with the former being used in the majority of the chalk bags. Dependent on the quality of the cord, this will last a long while or be ruffled at the slightest abuse. As this closure prevents chalk from spilling out of your chalk bag it is one of the most important features of your bag. 

• Stiffened rim: The stiffer the rim of your bag the easier it will be to get access to your precious chalk in the least amount of time. This effect is magnified when the bag itself is of the rigid kind.

• Weight: Does the weight of a chalk bag really make a difference? That’s mostly for you to decide. The options vary between 70 g and 140 g.

• Waist belt: Depending on your preference you can hang your chalk bag from a waist belt and slide it easily around your body. Another option is to hang the bag straight on your harness with a carabiner. This negates the moving effect, but your chalk bag will not be jostling around unwanted. 

• Brush loop: Exactly what the name indicates it to be. A brush loop is used to hold a brush to clean the holds after they’ve been chalked up. There’s a lot of difference in the quality of brush holders. 

• Side pockets: Whether zipped up or open, a side pocket can be handy to take some extras with you on the wall.

• Fleece lining: A fleece lining provides comfort while chalking up and a homogeneous distribution of chalk. It can also work as an aid to keep your chalk from spilling out of the bag. Since all the chalk bags in our list have some sort of fleece lining, this feature is not specified for each bag.

What Kind of Budget Do I need?

It’s quite shocking how much of a price difference can be found in something as small as a chalk bag. Prices in our list range from $17 to $40. If you are looking for the best chalk bag out there, you will need to be prepared to pay a little more. However, our list also has enough options that will get the job done in the lower price range.

So what exactly is the most expensive chalk bag in the world? Well, here is the ridiculously insane answer.

Have a look at this Louis Vuitton Chalk Bag! Careful though, instructions on the bag state that the bag should be kept away from abrasive surfaces and out of direct sunlight…

Can I Find a Chalk Bag That Fits My Style?

With all the possibilities out there, you’re sure to find a chalk bag that fits your style and personality. You can go for the minimalistic look, the fancy look, the cute look, the sewn look or the monster look. Really, possibilities are endless. While the style of the chalk bag might not be the most important factor, it often serves as a conversation starter. 

Or as an excuse for other climbers to photograph your butt. True story!

Other Considerations When Buying A Chalk Bag

Can you wash a chalk bag?

Generally, yes. A lot of chalk bags are pouches made of fabrics that are washable materials. Always read the care instructions before washing though! 

However, a lot of climbers never wash their chalk bags. It’s generally not something that gets very dirty on the inside and most of the time you can just wipe dirt off the outside. 

If you do consider washing your chalk bag it might be interesting to start with a hand wash. 

Also, after washing, make sure your chalk bag is fully dry before filling it up with chalk. Humid chalk is really unpleasant and creates a certain smell.

What Is The Best Chalk Bag For Beginners?

As a beginner, it might be interesting to choose a chalk bag that does the job well, but isn’t crammed with fancy features you’ll never use. It’s unnecessary to choose the bag with the highest price tag as a beginner. Options to consider are:

• The Petzl Saka
• The Simond Chalk Bag
• The Mammut Togir

Conclusion

While a chalk bag isn’t the most expensive part of your gear kit, it’s still one of the things you’ll end up using every climbing session. Some people like to buy a chalk bag for every type of climbing session, while others want an all-round bag. 

So, we hope we have informed you about the next chalk bag on your buying list! While deciding your next exotic destination, make sure you grab the right chalk buddy to accompany you.

Disclaimer: All opinionated references in the following options have been compiled of different reviews in a thorough web search.