Ultra-pure magnesium carbonate from Magnus Midtbø’s brand – does it live up to the hype?
Overview
The Rungne Magdust Climbing Chalk is marketed as a high-performance, ultra-pure magnesium carbonate developed for maximum grip and minimal mess. Designed by climbers for climbers, it’s available in both chunky and fine powder formats, catering to different chalk preferences from indoor boulderers to outdoor trad climbers.
With its clean branding and consistent quality, Magdust has rapidly gained a reputation as a premium climbing chalk—but does it justify the price tag?
Key Specifications
| Feature | Rungne Magdust |
|---|---|
| Type | Loose chalk (chunky and fine) |
| Composition | 100% magnesium carbonate |
| Format | Resealable pouch |
| Weight Options | 100g / 200g |
| Additives | None – chalk-only formula |
| MSRP | £10–£14 (100g), varies by region |
Packaging & Presentation
The chalk arrives in a sleek, resealable pouch with minimalist black-and-white branding—very much in line with Rungne’s clean design ethos. The material is tear-resistant, and resealing the pouch is easy even with chalky fingers. It’s compact enough to fit inside most chalk bags and buckets, and the zip-top closure keeps moisture out between sessions.
There’s no excess plastic tub or heavy branding inserts—just the chalk and the facts.
Texture & Format Options
Rungne offers Magdust in both fine powder and chunky blend formats:
- The fine version is a smooth, velvety powder ideal for consistent coverage
- The chunky version contains varied particle sizes, from grape-sized nuggets to mid-grade granules
You can crush the chunky chalk down to your desired texture, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. It mixes exceptionally well with liquid chalk or acts as a base layer before a send attempt.
Performance on Rock & Plastic
We tested Magdust across multiple climbing styles and surfaces, including:
- Indoor bouldering gyms (PU and wood holds)
- Outdoor gritstone and limestone
- Sport climbing on sandstone and granite
Grip & Friction
This is where Magdust excels:
- The grip is immediate and tactile—you feel the chalk adhere, not dust off
- Excellent friction on slopers and volumes, even with residual skin moisture
- Maintains dry contact on longer problems or lead routes without requiring constant reapplication
It adheres well to sweaty hands, making it a strong performer in humid conditions where cheaper chalks often paste up or fail to absorb fast enough.
Sweat Absorption
Thanks to its purity, Magdust:
- Absorbs moisture rapidly without caking
- Leaves a clean, dry feeling without excessive residue
- Performs well in both high heat and cooler, humid sessions
It lacks any drying additives, so climbers prone to extreme sweat might still prefer a hybrid chalk or alcohol-based liquid for base layering.
Longevity & Efficiency
Because it clings so well, you’ll find yourself using less per session compared to lower-end chalks. After three weeks of alternating gym and crag use, a 100g bag still had plenty of life. Chalk buckets stay cleaner, and there’s noticeably less airborne dust, even in indoor settings.
This means:
- Less chalk waste on mats and holds
- Longer-lasting coating per dip
- Less need to reapply between burns or moves
Indoor vs Outdoor Performance
| Environment | Performance Notes |
|---|---|
| Indoor gyms | Smooth texture adheres well to PU and wood holds; no clouding or slipping |
| Outdoor rock | Strong hold on granite and limestone; stands up to grit and moisture |
| Cold conditions | Retains skin grip without drying excessively |
| High humidity | Still maintains excellent absorbency and feel |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Superior friction across rock and plastic
- 100% pure magnesium carbonate with no fillers
- Available in both fine and chunky options
- Low dust, long-lasting performance
- Clean branding and resealable pouch
- Ideal for climbers, gymnasts, and lifters
Cons
- More expensive than generic chalk brands
- Limited availability in some regions
- No drying agents (a pro or con depending on skin type)
- May not be stocked in most gyms or stores yet
Final Thoughts
The Rungne Magdust lives up to its reputation as a premium climbing chalk. While it won’t make you stronger, it provides consistent, mess-free performance and superb friction—especially noticeable on volumes, slopers, and overhanging walls.
It’s not a bargain-bin option, but for those who want a reliable, refined chalk that performs under pressure (without over-drying skin), Magdust is an outstanding choice. From sweaty redpoints to gym circuit sessions, it delivers.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a training diehard, this is chalk that earns its place in your kit bag.
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