When it comes to bouldering chalk bags, the requirements are different than if you were just using them for climbing. In the following review, we will give you our top five. We have tried and tested them all to bring you the best!
| Chalk Bag | Closure | Pockets | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moon Climbing - Bouldering Chalk Bag | Hook & Loop | 1 Front Zipped | 94 |
| DMM - Edge Boulder Chalk Bag | Drawstring | 1 Zipped, 1 Velcro | 92 |
| Black Diamond - Mondo Chalk Pot | Magnetic | 2 Zipped | 89 |
| Moon Climbing - Deluxe Bouldering Chalk Bucket | Drawstring | 1 Front Zipped | 86 |
| Mammut - Boulder Chalk Bag | Roll-Top | 1 Zipped, 1 Meshed | 82 |
In the following sections, there will be a detailed breakdown of each chalk bag. As you can see it is a varied list. Moon Climbing’s – Bouldering Chalk Bag came out on top, but it was a close competition. We tried and tested each bag for ourselves, the results you can find below.
The Five Best Bouldering Chalk Bags in Detail
1. Moon Climbing – Bouldering Chalk Bag
Essential Info
- Closure: Hook-and-Loop
- Pockets: 1 Front Zip
- Extras: Brush Holder
- Weight: 190g
Our Verdict
This is the perfect chalk bag for bouldering. The base provides stability so that it will never fall over. The large opening also makes it easy to access the chalk at all times. There is also a brush holder, which saves on storage space. The small pocket at the front is big enough for tape and your phone.
The closure system, done through a hook-and-loop means that you can quickly access the contents inside. At the end of your session, you can also clip the buckles for extra security. Most of all, the bag looks cool. Which is important when you are bouldering, right!
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2. DMM – Edge Boulder Chalk Bag
Essential Info
- Closure: Double Drawstring
- Pockets: 1 Zip, 1 Velcro
- Extras: 4 Brush Holders, Handle
- Weight: Unknown
Our Verdict
This chalk bag performed well in all of our tests. First of all, it has a very large chalk depositary area. Secondly, the double drawstring closure means that no extra chalk will escape when you don’t want it to. The handle makes it easy to carry around, too.
What really helps this stand out is its extra features. There are four brush holder attachments, which is pretty astonishing. Unfortunately, they are not elastic, so this means you need the correct size brush. The zip pocket and the velcro one means you have enough storage space for all of your essentials.
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3. Black Diamond – Mondo Chalk Pot
Essential Info
- Closure: Magnetic, Clip
- Pockets: 2 Zip
- Extras: Brush Holders
- Weight: 177g
Our Verdict
Black Diamond have really pulled out all the stops for this bouldering chalk bag. The magnetic closure system is wonderfully designed and means you will never spill your chalk. Even so, this means that whenever you remove your hands from the bucket, it automatically closes. This can get frustrating, as you have to open it every time you chalk up.
Nevertheless, there are other features that improve the bag’s functionality. The two zip pockets are very spacious and scored the best for storage in all of our tests. There are also two brush holders for your pleasure. Overall, it is a decent chalk bag and you can really get some good use out of it.
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4. Moon Climbing – Deluxe Bouldering Chalk Bucket
Essential Info
- Closure: Drawstring
- Pockets: 1 Zip
- Extras: Brush Holders, Handle
- Weight: 204g
Our Verdict
The second Moon Climbing bag in our top five is their Deluxe version. It did not perform better than the original, however. It has a drawstring closure system, which whilst good in theory, it does allow some chalk to escape when you are transporting it.
The zip pocket is big enough to store whatever you need and there are also some stash pockets too, which is a nice touch. The best thing we found about this chalk bag was the handle. It really made it easy to carry between problems. It looks nice too, which is a bonus, but there are better bags out there.
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5. Mammut – Boulder Chalk Bag
Essential Info
- Closure: Roll-Top
- Pockets: 1 Zipped, 1 Meshed
- Extras: Brush Holder
- Weight: 195g
Our Verdict
The Mammut Boulder Chalk Bag is the only one in our list that has a roll top closure. As a result, it makes it easy for us to recommend it. The bag has a wide base, meaning that it is relatively sturdy.
Bouldering bags should also provide small storage space, and this one does. It has a zipped front pocket and a meshed side one. There is also a brush holder. Overall, it does its job. Nothing spectacular, but a bucket is a bucket!
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What Makes Bouldering Chalk Bags Unique?
Simply put, they are easier to access and hold larger amounts of chalk. Unlike climbing, bouldering routes are relatively short. This means that you don’t need to strap a chalk bag to your waist as you go up the wall. Therefore, bouldering chalk bags have been developed and are sometimes be referred to as chalk buckets.
This is because they look like a bucket or a big pot. Another advantage of having a chalk bucket is that you can get both of your hands in at the same time. You can quickly chalk up and get back on the wall. Of course, you can still use your normal climbing one too, it is just these are more convenient!
How to Choose Bouldering Chalk Bags
Most bouldering chalk bags are pretty similar in terms of design and price range. The things you need to watch out for are closure systems, pockets, size of the bag, and its base. If all these components work well, you have found a solid functioning bag. Let’s have a look in more detail below:
Size and Stability
It is important that your bouldering chalk bag is big enough so you can easily put both hands in at the same time. This allows you to chalk up quickly and efficiently without any wastage. Furthermore, the base should be strong and stable so that it will never fall over.
Closure
This is a point of preference. There are drawstring, magnetics, hook-and-loops, clips, roll-top, velcro, and zipper. The major factor here is that you want all chalk to stay inside the bag when you are moving it around, especially when it is in your backpack. Ease of access is also something that should factor into your decision, as you don’t want to be annoyed by your bag.
Pockets
Having pockets on your bag can really make a difference. There are a number of things you might want to store, such as phone, wallet, tape – or whatever else you think is essential to bring to the wall! The bag should have enough space for whatever you need and the pockets should close properly so nothing falls out.
The Extra Stuff
We are talking about brush holders or handles here. The more brush holders you have the better. Even so, two should be enough to get you through. If the bag has a handle to carry it around it will also make your life easier. At the end of the day, you can’t expect much more from a bouldering chalk bag, but functionality is key.
Extra Features Can Make a Difference
Now we have come to the end of this review of the best bouldering chalk bags we are sure you have found the one for you. As we have said, many are very similar and at the end of the day, they all do the same job. Even so, it is nice to find something that gives you that little bit extra, like an additional pocket or brush loop.
If you are interested in other bouldering gear reviews our team have lots of stuff – like bouldering shoes – waiting for you!
List of Bouldering Chalk Bags
There we have it, we are now at the end of this bouldering chalk bags review. To provide a quick summary we have provided a list with categories, below.
- Moon Climbing – Bouldering Chalk Bag – Our Favourite
- DMM – Edge Boulder Chalk Bag – Great Extra Features
- Black Diamond – Mondo Chalk Pot – A Magnetic Option
- Moon Climbing – Deluxe Bouldering Chalk Bucket – Best Handle
- Mammut – Boulder Chalk Bag – Back to Basics
As you see, there is a lot to choose from. The beauty of chalk bags is that their main job is to hold chalk, so as long as they do that, the one you choose should be fine!
FAQs
If you have any lingering questions left about chalk bags, in particular with relation to bouldering, then check out some of the most common ones below.
What is the best bouldering chalk bag?
Finding the best bouldering chalk bag was easy for us. We found that the Moon Climbing – Bouldering Chalk Bag outperformed any of its competitions.
How do you choose which bouldering chalk bag to buy?
It’s not as easy as you think! There are a number of factors that come into play. This includes things like size, stability, closure, pockets and much more.
Do you need a chalk bag for bouldering?
Yes! Although you can still go bouldering without it, having chalk at hand makes life a lot easier for you. It forms one of our tips for beginners. You will thank us!