What Your Rock Climbing Chalk Bag Says About You
A chalk bag is a rock climber’s best friend. You use it for bouldering (unless you also have a chalk bucket) and sport climbing. Sometimes, you reach into its depths just for comfort or of subconscious habit. When it’s empty, you’re sad and in a hurry to buy Unicorn Dust to refill. If you get home and realize you left it at the gym, it’s back in the car, calling the front desk on your way vibes. A climber’s chalk bag is an extension of them and tells a mini-story about the climber. Seasoned pro? A newbie? Former youth climber? Let’s learn what chalk bags say about a climber and what your chalk bag says about you.
Warning: If you can't take a joke, this article might not be for you. But if you’re up for some good-natured ribbing from your fellow climbers (because let's face it, we've all spent enough time in climbing gyms to earn the right), then keep reading.
What Your Chalk Bag Brand Says About You
Organic
A family member bought this for you as a holiday or birthday present after you started climbing regularly. Or, you competed in a small, local climbing competition and won in the beginner or intermediate category.
8BPlus
You are, or were, a youth climber who wanted a fun chalk bag but had a coach who demanded something practical. You and your friends have different versions, so your youth team had a colorful monster collection. You also know the names of all the other monsters.
Black Diamond
You bought the Black Diamond bundle with the Momentum harness, ATC, chalk, and Mojo chalk bag. If you don’t have the matching Black Diamond Momentum climbing shoes, you likely have the La Sportiva Tarantula/Tarantulace.
Petzl
You are a hardcore sport climber who is always going for the send. You always have a chalk brush in the loop on the chalk bag ready to brush off those crimps on your projecting attempt.
Arc’teryx
You are probably a dedicated sports climber who can do some challenging climbs, but you prefer the finer things in life. Some may call it bougie, but you call it choosing quality gear. You likely rock up to the gym looking ready for a Patagonia or Arc’teryx fashion show.
Rungne
You only started climbing after coming across Magnus Midtbø on YouTube and going down a rabbit hole watching his videos. If you have the Runge chalk bag, you’re chalking up your hands with Magdust.
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Rental
If you’re using a rental chalk bag, then you fall into one of two categories:
- A gumby
- I'm visiting from out of town and forgot my climbing gear.
Small Company/Brand That No One’s Heard Of
No one in the gym has heard of the brand, but someone is always complimenting the design. You are someone who likes to veer from the beaten path, support local artists or small companies, or you are a current/former art student.
Stuffed Animal
You have one of those stuffed animal-looking chalk bags like a shark or unicorn. You are someone who only climbs in the gym and whose priorities are (in order from most to least important):
- Cute
- Fun
- Soft
- Practical and efficient.
Chalk Bucket
If you only have a chalk bucket and not a chalk bag, you’re a boulder bro who laughs at those sport climbers. You don’t own a harness, either.
Did we hit the nail on the head? If your chalk bag brand made the list, did you find it accurate? Even if you didn't, we hope you had a good chuckle. Remember, the best chalk bag is the one that works for you! If there’s a brand we missed or should feature next time, share your thoughts in the comments below.
