# The Best Climbing Brushes Source: https://climbingnest.com/best/best-climbing-brushes Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Climbing Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://climbingnest.com/how-we-research#our-score Friction is the currency of climbing, and caked chalk plus rubber steadily devalues every popular hold. A good brush restores texture that no amount of extra chalk can fake, which is why brushing before attempts is standard practice on boulders and cruxes alike. Brushes vary in bristle material, with boar hair generally cleaning better and nylon lasting longer, plus head size, stiffness, and handle designs from pocketable sticks to poles that reach high crux holds. We weighed cleaning effectiveness on caked and glassy holds, bristle durability, head shape for pockets and small edges, and handle comfort, along with compatibility with extension poles. Boulderers should carry a full-size boar hair brush as a default, sport climbers working routes will want a brush that mounts to a stick clip or pole, and gym climbers can happily run the cheaper nylon options that shrug off daily abuse. ## Picks ### 1. Sublime Climbing Original Rock Climbing Brush, Premium Boar's Hair 2 Pack Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Sublime Climbing's Original brush in a 2 Pack with premium boar's hair, a proven full-size brush for general hold cleaning. Pros: - Premium boar's hair cleans chalk buildup quickly on most hold types - 2 Pack gives a spare for partners or a second bag - Original shape balances coverage and control on small holds Cons: - Wider head is less precise in narrow pockets than the Slimline - Costs more than a basic single brush Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B018KFYBX8 ### 2. Sublime Climbing Slimline Brush Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Sublime Climbing's Slimline brush, a narrow boar's hair brush for cleaning thin edges, crimps and small pockets. Pros: - Slim head reaches into pockets and tiny crimps other brushes miss - Sublime is a climber-run brand focused solely on quality brushes - Light and compact, so it rides in a chalk bag without bulk Cons: - Narrow head is slow for scrubbing large slopers and jugs - Pricier per brush than generic multi-packs Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B072WJ8YVR ### 3. TWO STONES Boar Hair Rock Climbing Brush with Ergonomic Handle Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) TWO STONES' boar hair climbing brush with an ergonomic handle, a comfortable brush for cleaning holds. Pros: - Boar hair bristles clean chalk without damaging holds - Ergonomic handle makes brushing easier on long sessions - Great for both gym and outdoor bouldering Cons: - Single brush does not reach tight pockets as well as a thin brush - Brand is less known than Metolius or Sublime Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B08XJPNNSC ### 4. Metolius M-16 Bouldering Brush Our score: 7.5/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Metolius' M-16 bouldering brush, a classic climber's brush with firm bristles for scrubbing polished holds. Pros: - Classic Metolius design has been a bouldering staple for years - Firm bristles break up caked chalk on outdoor holds - Compact size fits easily into chalk bags and pockets Cons: - Check the bristle material before buying - Firm bristles are harsher than soft boar's hair on sandstone Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B0000BVUXY ### 5. Climbing and Bouldering Brush 2 Pack with Thick Boar's Hair Bristles Our score: 7.2/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10) A 2 Pack of climbing and bouldering brushes with thick boar's hair bristles, a value set for gym and crag. Pros: - 2 Pack lets you keep one in the bag and one at the gym - Thick boar's hair bristles clean holds effectively - Great value for climbers who lose brushes often Cons: - Brand details are missing from the title - Brushes may be less durable than premium models Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B079K3815X ### 6. 4 PCS Climbing Brush Sturdy Bouldering Brush with Boar's Hair Bristles Our score: 7.2/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10) A 4 PCS set of sturdy boar's hair bouldering brushes, enough to share with partners or keep one in every bag. Pros: - 4 PCS means spares for friends, the gym bag and the crag pack - Sturdy build handles hard scrubbing of polished outdoor holds - Boar's hair is the preferred bristle for cleaning rock gently Cons: - Multi-pack is more brushes than a solo climber really needs - Generic set lacks a slim brush for thin crimps and pockets Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B0CKL3WFJG ### 7. Climbing Brush Bouldering Brush with Thick Boar Hair, Wooden Handle Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) A climbing brush with thick boar hair and a wooden handle, a classic bouldering brush for chalky holds. Pros: - Thick boar hair bristles remove chalk buildup - Wooden handle offers a natural, sturdy grip - Simple design is easy to carry in a chalk bucket Cons: - Check bristles stay firmly set after the first few cleaning sessions - Wooden handle can swell if left damp Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B0BPMCXY54 ### 8. Rock Climbing Brush and Bouldering Brush with Boar's Hair Bristles CJ-CB2033B Our score: 6.5/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) A boar's hair rock climbing and bouldering brush sold as model CJ-CB2033B, a budget tool for scrubbing chalky holds. Pros: - Boar's hair bristles lift greasy chalk without scratching plastic or rock - Compact brush slips into a chalk bucket side pocket - Low cost makes it fine as a backup brush in the car Cons: - Model-number listing gives no detail on handle shape or length - Single short brush struggles to reach high holds without a stick Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B08XKLS3Q4 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.