Best Chalk Bags of 2023

JUMP TO: ARC'TERYX ION / PETZL SAKAPOCHE / STATIC WAXED CANVAS / ARC'TERYX APERTURE / ORGANIC CLIMBING / TUFA CLIMBING HOUDINI / BLACK DIAMOND MOJO ZIP / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Lana Stefanovic

The Short Version

The Long Version

As the sport of rock climbing has progressed, the market for rock climbing gear has become vast and complex. But fortunately finding the right chalk bag is still relatively simple.

Often an unfairly neglected piece of climbing gear, chalk bags are (in addition to climbing shoes) your best pillars when working on your newest project.

The purpose of a chalk bag is quite simple. It is, as the name suggests, used for keeping your chalk close at hand. For every style of rock climbing you embark on – be it trad, multi-pitch, sport, or boulder – you will find yourself dipping your hands into chalk quite often.

That magic white powder helps you to get a better grip, calm down, rest your hands, and stop sweating.

 
 

Whatever bag you choose, you can't go too wrong, considering they are all built using a roughly similar design. But differences in size, materials, construction, and features can make a meaningful difference.

In this article we review the best chalk bags on the market – highlighting those that stand out for their practicality, durability, or fancy appearance.

If you love reading this review of the best chalk bags, then you'll likely love reading some of our other climbing content:

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

New to climbing, or not sure what makes the perfect chalk bag? Then be sure to check out our buying advice at the bottom of the article – it's full of useful tips on size, style and features to look out for.

Best Overall: ARC'TERYX ION

MATERIAL: 210-denier Cordura Nylon

WEIGHT: 2.65 oz (S) / 3.7 oz (L)

SHAPE: Slightly tapered

POCKETS: 1 zippered pocket

LOOPS: Adjustable brush holder

CLOSURE: Drawstring with a cord lock

WAIST BELT: Adjustable waist belt included

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Durable, easy to use, has a tight closure

CONS: Pricey, narrow drawcords may wear out quicker

The Arc’teryx Ion Chalk Bag is built to be your best friend on all of your climbing trips – from sport to trad. It has a stiff rim that makes chalking up your hands quick and easy. No matter what position you are in, the bag simply finds its way to be in reach at all times.

The synthetic fiber ensures the bag will perform great even after many years of use, and the soft fleece lining works wonders at keeping all that dust at bay.

The drawcord closure is effective at preventing any spills. But to achieve such a tight no-spill closure the cords had to be fairly narrow, so treat them gently.

Arc’teryx has thought of it all! Next to having all the usual additional features – a small zippered pocket and an adjustable brush loop, the Ion Chalk bag comes in both small and large sizes. Depending on your preferences, and hand size, you can get the small, lightweight one, or when needing to load up plenty of chalk for those big wall climbs, the large size Ion Chalk Bag will be at your service.

The downside? The Arc'teryx Ion is a bit on the expensive side. Still, you do get a long-lasting and trustworthy bag that will serve you well throughout many of your climbs to come.

Best of the Classics: PETZL SAKAPOCHE

MATERIAL: Nylon, polyester

WEIGHT: 3 oz

SHAPE: Tapered

POCKETS: 1 expandable zippered pocket

LOOPS: Double textile brush holders

CLOSURE: Drawstring with a cord lock

WAIST BELT: Adjustable waist belt included

PRICE: $$

PROS: Soft yet not floppy, expandable zippered pocket for extra storage

CONS: Some may find it too small and not deep enough

For a long time Petzl has been providing outdoor adventurers with innovative and high-quality equipment, and the Petzl Sakapoche Chalk Bag is a climbing classic that has it all.

To help climbers in their vertical battle Petzl have designed a chalk bag that – like many of their products – stands out for its durability and ergonomics. The Sakapoche leans more towards a medium-sized bag than a large one, making it a good fit for those with smaller hands.

When going on a multi-pitch you won’t regret bringing this bag along. A rigid rim allows easy access to chalk, and the soft fabric makes the Sakapoche unnoticeable while climbing. It has a standard closure system – using a drawstring and a cord lock – but the closure is not as tight as some other bags featured on this list.

The liner is sewn into the bottom of the bag to avoid flipping it inside out when you’re fiercely pulling your hands out. Another cool feature is an expandable zippered pocket, that provides you with extra storage for keeping your personal belongings, snacks, or other small items close by. However if the zippered pocket is overkill for you, there is a simpler version called the Petzl Saka – it uses the same design as the Sakapoche, but drops the zippered pocket.

Overall there isn't much to criticize on Petzl Sakapoche. It is durable, soft (yet not at all floppy), and easy to use, and therefore a classic chalk bag that does not disappoint.

Best Durability: STATIC WAXED CANVAS

MATERIAL: Waxed canvas, fleece

WEIGHT: 3.5 oz

SHAPE: Cylindrical

POCKETS: No pockets

LOOPS: One brush loop

CLOSURE: Paracord closure

WAIST BELT: No waist belt included (can be bought separately)

PRICE: $$

PROS: Spacious, handmade, durable, good looking

CONS: No pocket, pricey, might be too big for some climbers

Since 2014, Static Climbing has been manufacturing handmade chalk bags, mini duffles, and buckets that stand out for their durability and stylish design. They come straight from sunny San Diego, California, and bring with them a touch of organic lavender that’s infused into the materials as part of their design.

The STATIC Waxed Canvas Chalk Bag is made out of 13 separate components that are hand-stitched together, and with the waxed canvas exterior you can rest assured it will last for years and continue looking good whilst it ages!

Another neat feature is a paracord closure that ensures the drawstring doesn't slip out under the lining. Plus, the anti-pill fleece lining – with its super chalk absorbing power – will come in handy when you run out of chalk.

This chalk bag is a bit bigger than some others, but with its vintage looks and fine herbal scents, you will definitely stand out from the crowd. The touch of style might come at a bit of a cost (it is a bit more expensive), but you can feel confident that you are supporting a smaller USA-based company who is manufacturing their bags at home.

Best Closure: ARC'TERYX APERTURE

MATERIAL: Polyester

WEIGHT: 2.6 oz (S) / 2.8 oz (L)

SHAPE: Cylindrical

POCKETS: No pockets

LOOPS: One brush loop

CLOSURE: Twist closure

WAIST BELT: Adjustable waist belt included

PRICE: ??

PROS: No chalk spills, easy storage, reinforced rim

CONS: Quite floppy, pricey

Another bag from Arc’teryx has made it onto our list – which should not come as a surprise considering Arc'teryx design and manufacture some of the highest quality products in the outdoor industry.

The Arc’teryx Aperture Chalk Bag uses an innovative twist-closure that sets it apart from other chalk bags. It is designed to prevent even the smallest amount of chalk from getting out during transport, as well as to shrink the volume for easier packing.

The novel twist closure is a great and effective touch, but it does come with some sacrifice – when open and in “climbing“ mode, the midsection of the chalk bag is slightly flimsy and floppy, a consquence of the soft fabric used to allow the twisting closure design. Therefore, chalking up your hands is not as fast and easy as it is with other bags. Having said that, a reinforced rim that keeps the bag wide open does minimize this problem to some extent.

The floppy midsection also makes this chalk bag a poor choice for bouldering – when you might want to place the chalk bag upright on the ground. But for sport climbing it hits the spot.

If safe transport is your primary concern, the Arc'teryx Aperture is likely to be the best chalk bag for the task. It also comes in two sizes, small and large. And as an added bonus, the Aperture also has a bottle opener built into the belt system, for after-climbing celebrations.

MATERIAL: Recycled scrap Cordura nylon

WEIGHT: 4 oz

SHAPE: Versatile

POCKETS: No Pockets

LOOPS: Elastic loop

CLOSURE: Drawstring with a cord lock

WAIST BELT: Removable waist belt included

PRICE: $

PROS: Durable, one-of-a-kind design

CONS: Might be too stiff for some climbers

Hand manufactured in the USA, Organic Climbing makes durable, functional, and artistic chalk bags. Their one-of-a-kind bags are created from recycled scraps and can be designed to your liking. With an Organic Climbing Chalk Bag, you will surely be noticed at the crag!

The fabric used is a 1000 denier Cordura nylon, which makes Organic Climbing bags quite durable. They have updated their older version with a stiff rim that guides your hand to the chalk perfectly. And you can be confident you will get a quality product when you are buying from a company that hand-manufactures their bags in the US and sells direct to the customer.

There are three sizes available (S, L, and XL) and plenty of cheerful colors for you to choose from. With Organic Climbing, you'll get a custom bag that will look great and serve you reliably during your many future climbs and projects.

Best for Multi-Pitch / Big Wall: TUFA CLIMBING HOUDINI CHALK BAG

MATERIAL: VX21 fabric / nylon, polyester

WEIGHT: 3 oz

SHAPE: Tapered, angled top

POCKETS: Bottom zippered pocket

LOOPS: Brush holder

CLOSURE: Drawstring with a cord lock

WAIST BELT: Herringbone waist belt included

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Large bottom zippered pocket

CONS: Not the best pick for bouldering and sport climbing, pricey

The Houdini Chalk Bag – made by small US-based manufacturer Tufa climbing – brings along stunning innovations that have proved great for long, multi-pitch, big wall climbs.

Other zippered chalk bags often place their pockets along the side, but what makes Houdini stand out is that the zippered pocket/compartment is positioned at the bottom. That way you get a pocket that you can pack full, without worrying that it will get in the way of chalking up. Because trust me, some pockets do protrude into the chalk area, making you struggle to reach for that magic powder!

The Houdini also has a wide opening, stiff rim, and luxe fleece, making chalking up as easy as it should be.

The bottom compartment is secured with a water-resistant zipper, and is large enough to stash emergency items such as a headlamp, keys, phone, and a wind shirt – and it might still have space left for a couple of more small items!

It might not be the cheapest bag on this list, but for the price you get a thoughtfully designed product hand-manufactured in the USA. If you plan on embarking on long routes, and value having items close within reach, then the Tufa Climbing Houdini Chalk Bag might be the perfect bag for you.

Best on a Budget: BLACK DIAMOND MOJO ZIP

MATERIAL: Nylon

WEIGHT: 2.9 oz

SHAPE: Cylindrical

POCKETS: One zippered pocket

LOOPS: Brush holder

CLOSURE: Cord Lock closure

WAIST BELT: Adjustable waist belt included

PRICE: $ (20)

PROS: TPU material that is abrasion-resistant, big zippered pocket

CONS: Nothing is really standout about it

The Black Diamond Mojo Zip is a decent chalk bag that is great for when you are starting out with climbing.

It has all the basics covered – including brush loops, zippered pockets, and a reinforced thermoplastic bottom that ensures the bag will stay alive no matter how much you drag it against the rocks (‘cause sadly you will do that a lot). Plus, the included webbing belt is quite neat for when you need a quick release attachment solution.

Without going too far into the specifications, it is enough to say that the Mojo Zip is a perfect example of a standard bag that does everything well. So if you are looking for a simple, inexpensive bag that will meet all your needs, the Black Diamond Mojo Zip has got you covered.

BUYING ADVICE FOR CHALK BAGS

Let's be honest – chalk bags aren't as vital as your harness! But they do help to make your climbing job easier. If you don’t send your project, it is unlikely that a chalk bag will be to blame (unless of course it breaks and spills all the chalk, leaving your hands indulging in sinister sweat...). But a quality chalk bag will help lift your performance, or at least not slow you down on the wall.

Below we outline some of the key considerations when shopping for your next chalk bag.

Size

Roughly speaking, you have three sizes when it comes to chalk bags: small bags, standard bags, and buckets.

Smaller chalk bags are a good choice for those with smaller hands, since they can reduce weight and bulk.

SMALL CHALK BAGS: Smaller chalk bags are a better fit for people with tiny hands. They reduce weight and bulk, and are great for when you want to avoid your bag hanging up while doing a dyno, or a technical move.

STANDARD CHALK BAGS: Standard chalk bags are best for when you want to chalk your entire hands (as opposed to finger tips) and possibly even your forearms (like crack climbers do). If you have larger hands and don’t like having only your fingers dipped, then buy a standard-size bag.

Plus, considering they can hold more chalk, they are a better choice for longer routes – but if you are looking to reduce weight as much as possible, go for a small lightweight one.

BUCKETS: Buckets are for bouldering – their rigidity helps them retain their shape when on the stood on the ground.You carry them with you on your bouldering sessions, put them on the ground, and chalk up both of your hands before beginning to tackle hard overhanging boulder problems.

Shape

There are typically two types of shapes for chalk bags: cylindrical and tapered.

CYLINDRICAL: As you would expect, cylindrical bags are shaped like a non-tapered cylinder. Cylindrical bags are therefore bigger and can store more chalk

TAPERED: Tapered bags on the other hand are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. They are often therefore smaller, softer, and lighter.

Which one you choose depends entirely on your preferences. Larger cylindrical chalk bags are often better for longer routes, whilst tapered bags are better for shorter sport climbs. But depending on your climbing style and preferences, your might find otherwise.

Attachment options

You have two options to carry your chalk bag. One is to clip it on your harness, and the other is to wear it on a waist belt. 

Wearing the chalk bag on a waist belt instead of your harness can allow you to slide it out of the way when required.

WAIST BELT: Attaching the chalk bag to your waist belt allows you to easily slide the bag from side to side. This can be extremely useful in certain situations – for example, if you were pressing your back against the chimney wall and the chalk bag would have been unreachable if it was clipped on the back loop of your harness. On the other hand, carrying your bag on the belt means it will slide even when you don't want it to.

HARNESS: Attaching the chalk bag to your harness can restrict the bag from moving so much. This can help avoid any distraction it might cause, as well as making it easier to know where to find it. The downside is that, because it is in the one place, it might get pinned behind you or difficult to reach in certain situations.

BOUDLERING: While bouldering, a chalk bag can either be on the ground or attached to your waist belt. Which option works best for you might depend on your preferences, bouldering location, and how many people you are bouldering with.

Extra features

STIFFENED RIM: A stiffened rim is – at least for me – one of the most important features of a chalk bag. It significantly improves the ease of access and usability of a chalk bag. You do not need chalking your hands to become a more difficult task than the crux you are trying to solve. So for the bag not to collapse, be sure it has a stiff, reinforced rim.

FLEECE LINING: A fleece lining is also a non-negotiable feature. It keeps the chalk dust to a minimum and allows you to evenly spread the chalk throughout your palms and fingers.

CLOSURE: You want to make sure your chalk will not escape the bag when you’re carrying it around the gym, or while storing it in your backpack. If you aren't keen to have a big cloud of white smoke follow you around (which is only cool if you are on a photoshoot!), then look for chalk bags that have a drawstring and toggle for tight closure.

ZIPPERED POCKETS & BRUSH LOOPS: Some chalk bags come with zippered pockets and/or brush loops. If you ask me, neither of these features are a must-have, but they can come in handy at times – especially on long routes. The zippered pockets can be useful if you want to keep your headlamp, keys, phone, or other personal items close. Whilst having a brush nearby can be useful if you need to wipe the greasy, slippery holds.

MORE INFORMATION

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