From scorching heat to biting cold, humidity, wind, and high-altitude climbs, every environmental condition calls for a tailored chalk strategy—outdoors and in.
Mother Nature doesn’t always serve up the perfect day when you set out to climb outdoors. Even indoors, factors like stress and the thermostat setting can impact your hold. Chalking up is a must for any climb, but it’s not just about using chalk—it’s about using the right kind, the right way.
When choosing chalk to tackle your next project, consider the conditions around you and how your skin feels at that moment. Adjust your approach accordingly—your performance depends on it!
We’re All Unique: Every person’s skin reacts uniquely to various conditions, which can change daily based on factors like diet, hydration, and more. This blog offers tips to help you stay aware of your body’s needs so you can adjust your approach when necessary.
So, generally, what’s the best type of hand chalk for heat, humidity, cold, wind, and other environmental conditions? Read on to learn our recommendations.
Low Humidity: Dry conditions are ideal for bouldering and rope climbing since the holds are usually moisture-free. That said, if your hands get too dry, you risk dry firing—unexpectedly slipping off a hold. The key is finding the right balance to maintain the right amount of friction.
In these situations, hydrate your skin before you climb with aloe vera or an aloe-based hydrating spray that will evaporate quickly (we love Rhino Spit). This will help your skin stay elastic and primed for a layer of chalk—but not just any chalk! An alcohol-free liquid chalk will serve as a good base layer because it will be less drying than typical liquid chalk. If you want to top that off with loose, ball, or block chalk, apply a thin layer for optimal friction. Use pure chalk without extra drying agents, as your skin won’t need the additional dryness.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated—healthy skin starts from within!
Cold: Cold temperatures can work to your advantage in climbing—your skin tends to grip better in the cold, meaning you’ll need less chalk overall. To maintain this advantage, an alcohol-free, rosin-free liquid chalk is ideal. It will keep your hands hydrated, evaporating slowly to create a long-lasting base layer that enhances friction. This allows you to climb confidently, knowing your grip will remain strong without needing constant reapplication.
If your hands tend to be overly dry, applying aloe vera—or the aloe-based hydrating spray we mentioned earlier—before your climb can provide non-greasy hydration and promote skin elasticity.
Snow/Sleet: Unless you're ice climbing with a pick or axe, it's best to choose an indoor climb if it’s snowy. Even if the rock looks clear, melted snow may have seeped into the holds, creating hidden spots that are unexpectedly slippery and hazardous. Wet and icy conditions can weaken the rock, increasing the risk of breaking holds. To protect both yourself and the rock, avoid climbing on wet surfaces.
Heat: Warmer temps mean sweatier hands for most climbers. It’s not just blazing outdoor heat—indoor gyms can warm up fast, making it difficult to hold on. Because sweat is a mixture of water and oil, you need a product to help break up those oils and clean your hands.
Rather than using loose chalk (which can result in a paste if too much is added directly to oily hands), alcohol-based liquid chalk is your best bet. Use it solo or as a base layer with a light touch of loose chalk for extra friction. Don’t forget to hydrate!
Cool Off Between Sends: Using layer upon layer of chalk isn’t a good way to dry your hands if you’re hot. Instead, cool your body temperature down before you continue climbing: relax in the shade, use a portable fan, or even invest in cooling devices like Narwhals® to mitigate heat stress.
High Humidity: When there is moisture in the air, holds are more likely to become damp and slippery. In the case of high humidity (and sweaty hands), use liquid chalk that is free of rosin. This chalk type contains alcohol to dry out water and oils, maximize friction, and create a long-lasting moisture barrier. It also acts as a great base layer, enabling you to chalk up less. If you have sensitive skin, Friction Labs has the only alcohol-free liquid chalk that is gentle on the skin but highly effective for humid conditions.
High Altitude: Lower oxygen levels and thinner air at high elevations can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath—for climbers of all skill levels. Even simple moves may feel more challenging, forcing you to climb slower and with more intention. Plus, the higher you go, the stronger the sun’s rays become, making your hands sweat even more.
To keep your hold strong and reduce interruptions, use liquid chalk for long-lasting friction while minimizing oils on your hands. And don’t forget to stay hydrated—it's key for your body, mind, and skin!
Wind: Windy conditions can send loose chalk flying, meaning more reapplications and wasted chalk. Instead, use a chalk ball, chalk block, or liquid chalk—they last longer, minimize mess, and make the most of your chalk supply.
Rain: Don’t even think about it—head indoors. No amount (or type) of chalk will provide proper friction for wet, slippery holds. It’s recommended to let wet rocks dry for 24-48 hours before climbing. That said, if it’s just a passing shower and you’re in an arid climate, a rock face in direct sunlight might dry quickly and allow you to complete a session. You can use any chalk on dry surfaces, but please proceed cautiously and don’t climb on wet rocks.
Dusk/Nighttime: Climbing in darker settings can be a peaceful, magical experience. Many climbers prefer this time of day for the ideal temperatures and light breezes. While any type of chalk works fine on dry holds, resist the urge to over-chalk your hands—especially with a dim headlamp, which makes it harder to gauge how much you’re using. Too much chalk can backfire, turning a solid hold into a slick one.
Competitions: The rush of adrenaline and heightened nerves can increase sweating, making it harder to maintain a hold. To combat this, liquid chalk provides an excellent base layer that absorbs moisture. Combined with a thin layer of high-quality loose chalk, this technique will improve friction and give you the edge to compete confidently and consistently.
Between routes, take time to cool down, hydrate, and prepare your hands for the next session. If you struggle with sweaty hands, a fresh layer of quick-drying liquid chalk will keep them dry. For naturally dry skin, use alcohol-free liquid chalk to maintain moisture without over-drying.
Bouldering: Since bouldering doesn’t involve ropes, it’s essential to chalk up before you start your climb. The choice is yours: loose, liquid, block, or ball chalk—it's all about what gives you the most confidence. Just be careful not to over-chalk while resting between ascents. A thin layer of chalk will provide you with the best friction.
No matter what type of chalk you choose, always opt for high-quality chalk free from additives like rosin, drying agents, or extra fillers. These impurities can reduce the chalk’s effectiveness and negatively affect your hold, ultimately compromising your performance.
Rope Climbing: Start with a base layer of liquid chalk to lock in a long-lasting grip—perfect for those extended routes where every move counts. As you climb, keep a stash of loose chalk in your chalk bag for quick touch-ups when you need an extra boost of confidence. Whether you’re shaking out on a rest hold or eyeing your next big move, having the right chalk at the right time can make all the difference.
Since 2013, we’ve been perfecting our chalk to be the best quality, with friction properties like no other. We have a full line of loose, liquid, block, and ball chalk to help climbers move confidently up outdoor projects and indoor routes. Try one of our chalk products today!
