climbing gear

Yes, chalk helps to absorb moisture and sweat from your hands, which can provide a drier and more secure grip while climbing. When you apply chalk to your hands, it can reduce the moisture on your skin, allowing for better friction between your hands and the climbing holds. This can help prevent slipping and improve your overall grip strength.

However, it's important to note that excessive use of chalk can lead to dryness and potential skin irritation. Some climbers may experience dry or cracked skin with prolonged use or in dry environments. To minimize this, it's a good idea to apply chalk in moderation and moisturize your hands after climbing to maintain the health of your skin.

Additionally, it's worth considering the use of liquid chalk or chalk balls, which can provide a more controlled and efficient application of chalk, reducing the amount of loose chalk in the air and potentially drying out your hands less.

The amount of chalk in a chalk bag is a matter of personal preference and can vary among climbers. Some climbers prefer to have a generous amount of chalk in their bag, while others prefer a more minimal amount. Ultimately, the goal is to have enough chalk to keep your hands dry and provide good friction without excessive wastage.

A common practice is to fill the chalk bag about halfway to three-quarters full. This allows for enough chalk to coat your hands when you dip them in the bag, while still leaving room for the chalk to disperse and distribute evenly. It also helps prevent excessive spillage or clumps of chalk falling out of the bag.

Keep in mind that using too much chalk can lead to wastage and create a mess, while using too little may not provide adequate grip. It's a good idea to experiment with different amounts of chalk to find the quantity that works best for you and your climbing style. Over time, you'll develop a sense of how much chalk you personally prefer and can adjust accordingly.

Additionally, it's important to use chalk responsibly and be mindful of the environmental impact. Try to minimize chalk spills and avoid excessive chalk dust in the climbing area. Respect any specific regulations or guidelines regarding chalk usage in the climbing location you are in.

It depends on the climbing gear for me.

Shoes - I would just wear them, see how they feel, fit, and perform.
Climbing rope - I would personally not test my luck with this. Maybe others would disagree, but I don't know if I could feel safe on a rope with those conditions. I am sure there are ways to check and test the rope though, but it may be cheaper just to buy a new rope in that case.

In the end, for me, it would come down to what I categorize as safety vs performance. Shoes would fall under performance, worse case, just toss them and get new ones, or bring another pair with you just in case they can't be climbed in. Safety would have anything that keeps you safe, such as a rope and harness. These I would personally not trust with my life if their condition is not great.

Chalk - if it's moldy, which I have never seen before, but just for the point - I would toss.

What is the specific climbing gear, and are there any signs of wear and tear or damage?