freefit

Grip chalk and gloves for outdoor bars

Outdoor bars are wet in the morning, cold in winter and sometimes rough. Grip gives out before your back does.

Chalk fixes sweat and moisture. Gloves fix cold and rough metal. Most people only need one of them.

What to get

  1. 01

    Liquid chalk

    Best for: Most outdoor sessions

    • ◆Dries in under a minute
    • ◆Small squeeze bottle
    • ◆No loose powder to blow around
    See options on Amazon
  2. 02

    Chalk ball

    Best for: Long calisthenics sessions with lots of sets

    • ◆Refillable mesh ball
    • ◆A zip pouch so it doesn’t coat your bag
    See options on Amazon
  3. 03

    Thin training gloves

    Best for: Cold weather and rough or rusty bars

    • ◆Thin palm so you can still close your grip
    • ◆Open or touchscreen fingertips
    See options on Amazon
  4. 04

    Leather or hook grips

    Best for: High-rep pull-ups that tear calluses

    • ◆Palm-only coverage
    • ◆Wrist strap
    See options on Amazon

Links go to Amazon search results so you can compare current options and prices.

Chalk or gloves?

If your hands slip because of sweat or dew, use chalk. If your hands hurt because the bar is freezing or rough, use thin gloves. Thick padded gloves make the bar effectively wider and your grip weaker.

Look after your hands

File down thick calluses rather than letting them tear, and wash chalk off after training.

FAQ

Is chalk allowed at outdoor gyms?
Generally yes. Liquid chalk leaves far less residue than loose powder, which keeps the equipment clean for the next person.
Should I wear gloves for pull-ups?
Only if the bar is cold or rough. Thick gloves weaken your grip; thin ones are fine.