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Comment by chris_7 | Hacker News Reader

I don't see how that chalk bag can be useful without 1. climbing shoes and 2. a harness and/or a crashpad. I guess he boulders barefoot at an indoor gym?

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I was thinking the same thing before I ready the article; what does this dude do borrow equipment from everyone he meets?! I carry more rock climbing gear on a multi-pitch climb than stuff he owns!

But then I read the description and it sounds like it's for general working out or something? IDK, I've never personally needed chalk for or met anyone that needed chalk for lifting. Perhaps he works out in very humid climates, but I'd think there would be chalk provided at the gyms? Likely an item that could be practically dropped?

> IDK, I've never personally needed chalk for or met anyone that needed chalk for lifting. Perhaps he works out in very humid climates, but I'd think there would be chalk provided at the gyms?

Just as another data point: I've never been to a gym that supplies chalk to members. If you're doing heavy deadlifting or olympic lifting then chalk is nearly a requirement.

Possibly fair point about the gym supplying, however I've never worked out at a gym in a climate where I'd need it. I can imagine gyms in Thailand or Indonesia being so humid to need it though. Heavy deadlifting is subjective; very few people "need" chalk under normal conditions.

The article writer mentions rings though. I can def see a need for the chalk if they are doing rings.

It's not only humidity - some people just have sweaty hands. I don't use chalk, but I am constantly wiping my hands on my towel/wiping the bar down.

as an anecdotal counterpoint, I always used chalk for any deadlift over 2 plates, otherwise I was simply unable to grip the weight at all. And while I didn't need it for virtually any other exercise, sometimes when my hands would be extra sweaty a little chalk went a long way in improving my grip, for example on the bench. I can use more strength in the exercise itself rather than worrying about losing grip

Thanks for reading! I don't climb much anymore; the chalk is for ring work and barbell lifts.

Have you had trouble fitting your legs into Climbers if you're lifting heavy enough to need chalk? (I almost exclusively wear SDs)

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