One aspect of climbing that many climbers overlook is the health of their skin. Which is strange considering the amount of abuse our skin, especially on our hands, receives. With constant abrasion on rough rocks, the drying effects of chalk, and the nicks and scratches that are a continuous and inevitable result of this sport, our hands quickly become thickened and calloused. And without the proper care, we inevitably encounter the dreaded flapper! All it takes is a slippery grip or a twist in the wrong direction and lo and behold, a callous rips off, leaving soft, vulnerable skin behind. While this can be a minor injury, it can also bring about a swift end to a climbing trip. At the very least, make our climbs more painful than they need to be.
At the same time, while our callouses are a potential source of pain and discomfort for us, they are also essential for climbing as they enable us to endure climbs that would otherwise be akin to scraping our fingers on a cheese grater. So what’s the solution to this conundrum?
The proper skincare, especially the vital maintenance of our callouses. This is where a pumice stone comes in handy. Just like a pumice stone used to remove calluses from your feet, a pumice stone is an essential item in the hand care kit for every climber. While almost any pumice stone will work and there is a myriad to choose from, not all pumice stones are created equal.
In this article, we recommend our favorite pumice stones for climbers and why you should include them in your climbing kit.
Need to give your hands more love? Check out our article on the best climbing salves here.
Last update: 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Favorites for the Best Pumice Stones for Climbers and Coping with Climbing Calluses
Our Favorites for the Best Pumice Stones for Climbers and Coping with Climbing CallusesWhile there are synthetic “pumice” stones available on the market, there are many also innumerable naturally occurring pumice stones sold with fancy labels. While there are benefits and drawbacks to both varieties, we tend to prefer the all-natural pumice provided by mother earth through her fiery molten form. This preference is simply because it is so abundant and works great without the addition of any chemicals. The drawback to these naturally occurring stones is their unique shape makes them unpredictable in terms of quality, and the pore size varies greatly. This can affect their longevity and your ability to use them effectively. However, we recommend them as our favorites for the best pumice stones for climbers.
Pumice Valley Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone Black
There are only so many ways that you can talk about a stone to make it appear to be more than what it is. And the purveyors of this particular pumice stone are no exception to the cloud of hyperbole that surrounds many “all-natural” products. While we don’t like to scoff at the flowery language used to describe this product—for example, the claim that trace minerals in the pumice somehow make it better—the product is a solid one. Not only does it come in an awesome shade of black, but the stone is shaped to make it ergonomic and comfortable to hold in your hand. The addition of a rope loop makes this pumice stone easy to store and to take into the shower—not that it takes up much room.
The pores in the pumice, while larger than what is found in synthetic pumice is still manageable and with a bit of practice makes filing down your calluses a snap. Additionally, some users note that the pumice stones contain areas that vary in pore size giving the user a choice of what is most effective.
While this is not the cheapest pumice stone available on the market, we find that its overall durability and its characteristics make it a solid investment for any climber. If that’s not enough, its dark coloring will remind you that you are using a stone that was once molten in the earth’s depths and is now in your hand scraping off excess skin bit by bit.
What makes Pumice Valley Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone Black Unique:
- Made of 100% all-natural black pumice.
- The ergonomic shape fits directly into your hand, making it easy to use.
Why You Should Choose this Pumice Stone:
- The addition of a rope loop enables you to hang this pumice stone anywhere you want to dry it out.
- The all-natural black pumice reminds you of its molten origins.
- The organic composition of the pores gives the pumice a variety of areas with different textures from which to choose.
- Pumice valley natural foot stones are sourced from volcanic lava rock, their distinctiveness in texture is a testament to its authenticity. Please, rinse your pumice before use to ensure cleanliness and reveal its true color.
- Pumice Stones are an effective tool for rejuvenating and cleansing the skin of the hands, feet, elbows, and heels, and for removing calluses and corns, hard, dry, rough and dead skin
- Healing Properties - Contains trace elements - Massages and stimulates blood flow - Relieves fatigue, promotes relaxation - Ideal callus remover - Remove dead skin for healthy feet - With daily use, your skin will become baby smooth - Soft, silky skin like after SPA treatments
Last update: 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With the same flowery language used for the pumice stone discussed above, the Zenda Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone also boasts of its natural origins. With origins differing from the pumice stone above, , so you know its from the earth. Aside from the color, there are few differences from the Pumice Valley pumice stone. It features a similar ergonomic design and rope loop, making it easy to use and store.
It should be noted that a few users remarked on the size of the pores, saying that while they are large, they are effective once one gets used to them. Further comments noted that occasionally, the stone damaged during shipping. That being said the is cheaper than the Pumice Valley pumice stone and all things being equal, preference may come down to color.
What makes Zenda Naturals Earth Lava Pumice Stone Unique:
- Made of 100% all-natural brown pumice.
- The ergonomic shape fits your hand precisely for easy use.
Why You Should Choose this Pumice Stone:
- A rope loop enables you to hang this pumice stone anywhere you want to dry it out.
- The all-natural brown pumice reminds you of its natural origins.
- The organic composition of the pores gives the pumice a variety of areas with different textures from which to choose
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Our Runner Ups for the Best Pumice Stones for Climbers
Our Runner Ups for the Best Pumice Stones for Climbers While we tend to recommend the all-natural pumice birthed in a molten organic frenzy of cataclysmic proportions, we recognize that this awesome old-world origin story isn’t enough of a selling point for everyone. In contrast, the measured and carefully calculated production of synthetic pumice provides order to on otherwise disorderly process. The result is a predictable product with standardized pores that may be more to the liking of some climbers.
Denco Pumice Stone
While we cannot absolutely confirm that this pumice is synthetic, their lack of flowery language, or even a mention on the internet of all things that this is in any way a natural product leaves us confident that it is not of natural origins. Furthermore, the symmetric shape—ovoid—and homogenous pore size is further characteristic of synthetic pumice. While they lack the fanfare and hubbub that usually accompanies all things natural, the predictable size and regularity of the pores make this pumice stone a useful tool for the maintenance of your callouses. While the smaller pores—when compared to natural pumice—takes longer to remove large callouses, this allows for more accurate removal as well as a smoother “finish” to the callous. The smaller pores are especially recommended for people with sensitive skin.
In addition to functioning well, this pumice stone is without frills, comes in an ergonomic elongated ovoid shape, and will last forever and a day. While the off white color may not be to everyone’s taste, the stone is a tool and serves its function well. Best of all, it is incredibly cheap, giving excellent value for money.
What makes Denco Pumice Stone Unique:
- Made from synthetic pumice (we think).
- The homogenous size of the pores and even distribution gives the pumice predictable and even use.
Why You Should Choose this Pumice Stone:
- The elongated oblong shape gives the stone an easy to use and consistent shape.
- A practical and incredibly cheap pumice stone.
- Smoothes rough skin
- Removes grease, ink and nicotine stains
- Can be used wet or dry
Last update: 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Diane Rectangular Pumice Stone
As with the Denco Pumice stone mentioned above, we cannot absolutely one-hundred percent confirm that this product is, in fact, synthetic. However, using the same logic applied to the above product, we conclude that it is indeed artificial. When reading of the various amazing properties and benefits afforded to a natural pumice stone, the lack of pomp and circumstance when applied to this product is deafening. The product features are concise and brief, providing only the necessary information and nothing more.
That being said, this pumice stone differs from the Denco pumice stone in that it is an elongated rectangular block with the added benefit of a rope loop. The standardized pore size and distribution provide a predictable texture and allow you to remove precise amounts of skin at a time. As with the Denco pumice stone, the Diane Rectangular Pumice Stone is off-white in color. Unsurprisingly, this pumice stone that elicits about as much excitement as a gray balloon is almost as cheap as one. For its incredibly low price and predictable performance, this pumice stone is excellent value for money.
What makes Diane Rectangular Pumice Stone Unique:
- Made from synthetic pumice (we think).
- The homogenous size of the pores and even distribution gives the pumice predictable and even use.
Why You Should Choose this Pumice Stone:
- The elongated rectangular shape gives the stone an easy to use and consistent shape.
- The addition of a rope loop makes for easy drying after use.
- An effective and incredibly cheap pumice stone.
- Smooths and exfoliates rough, dry skin
- For best results use on wet or damp skin
- Gently rub rough skin with pumice stone for soft smooth results
Last update: 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Value Picks for the Best Pumice Stones for Climbers
Our Value Picks for the Best Pumice Stones for Climbers Upon researching all things pumice, we have encountered many different shapes, sizes, compositions, and styles. From this research, we have concluded that the best value for a pumice stone does not lie solely on its cheapness, but also its functionality. Our picks for best value reflect both excellent value for money but also quality and functionality.
Aisilk Earth Lava Pumice Stone Brush
Another pumice stone in the parade of all-natural pumice, the Aisilk Lava Pumice Stone Brush is unique by virtue of being attached to a wooden handle. Not only that, but on its reverse side, it sports a convenient brush perfect for cleaning off dead skin as well as scrubbing off chalk after a long climbing session. The wooden handle fits easily into your hand, allowing you to manipulate the stone effectively. In addition to the wooden handle, the brush features a rope loop for easy drying after use.
While this product has a few convenient features, it must be noted that the pumice stone itself is smaller than the rest on this list. Furthermore, given that it is all-natural, the pore size cannot be guaranteed, making it a hot or miss based on preference. All in all, this product boasts value for money as it is a similar price as some of the natural pumice stones previously mentioned but with extra features.
What makes Aisilk Earth Lava Pumice Stone Brush Unique:
- All-natural volcanic pumice.
- A wooden handle enables you to manipulate the stone easily while keeping your hand out of the way.
Why You Should Choose this Pumice Stone:
- The brush and rope loop give the pumice stone additional feature that may come in handy.
- The value for money in this product lies in its additional features.
- Keep Your Feet Salon Beautiful: Enjoy a spa-like experience from the comfort of your home. Safely remove calluses and dead skin from your feet, bring back the smooth confidence. You will love the silky smooth feel.
- The combination of pumice stone & bristle brush is just what you need! Feel amazing after using it some times, no more dried, cracked or dirty looking feet!
- Pumice stone: It is made of natural Egyptian volcanic pumice stone, offers a natural way to soften and remove dry, hard skin, tub the foot board to make it smooth and beautiful!
Last update: 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
KuuCare Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone
When it comes to functionality, it doesn’t get much better than the KuuCare Natural Earth Lava pumice stone. Not only does this product include a natural volcanic stone, but it also includes a free suction hook to help keep the stone clean. For the discerning callous connoisseur, this product allows you to scrub your callous down with the pumice, while staying environmentally safe and ergonomic.
While one would expect that such a useful product would have a hefty price tag attached to it, it is, in fact, one of the cheaper options available.
What makes KuuCare Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone Unique:
- People love that you can use the suction hook to hang the stone in the shower after a climb. Combined with tea tree oil, this pumice stone gets the job done.
- The brush lets you clean off excessive skin as you clean as well as getting the chalk off your hands.
Why You Should Choose this Pumice Stone:
- It’s completely natural derived from volcanic lava as opposed to a synthetic pumice stone
- Including a number of useful features, this product is exceptionally cheap.
- Natural Volcanic Stone, Natural Solution To Soften Skin - Pumice stone is from volcanic lava. It is used to remove hard things from surfaces and will not cause damages. A natural pumice stone has great cleaning abilities.
- Removes Calluses & Dead Skin, Smooth Your Feet - The numerous and random holes on the stone scrub your skin with no dead angles, effectively soften and remove dry,hard skin,peeling feet, make your body smoothly and shiny.
- Ideal for Pedicures and Solve Skin Troubles In a Comfortable Way - They're perfect for regular maintenance of your feet, adjust blood pressure, relieve fatigue, improve sleeping. Ideal for exfoliating and removing stains, corns. Let your feet have a massage spa everyday.
Last update: 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alternatives to Pumice Stones for Climbers
Although pumice stones are a popular option to remove callouses from both feet and occupy many a bathroom, climbers will always find unique solutions to their problems, and their callouses are no different.
Sandpaper: one of the more obvious choices, many climbers prefer to rely on cheap and readily available sandpaper to maintain their callouses. Often larger grit sandpaper is used first—say 40 grit—followed by smoothing off with finer grit sandpaper—say 200 grit. This allows the climber to quickly sand the callous to the desired amount and smooth it evenly to reduce the chance of a flapper. The sandpaper is often used with other methods, as listed below.
Razorblades: while this sounds painful and a touch barbaric, many climbers do use razor blades and other sharp blades to cut their callouses to the desired amount. Razorblades are a popular choice due to their flexibility. This allows them to be bent into a “U” shape with he climber using the bottom of the “U” to remove the skin. By carefully removing layers of skin, the callous is slowly reduced, often followed by a smoothening with sandpaper.
Nail Scissors: along the same lines as a razorblade, nail scissors are used to snip away excess skin carefully. The sandpaper is again used to smooth the skin.
Metal Files: there are many alternatives available to pumice stones that mimic their function. One such device is metal files that resemble the finer varieties of cheese graters but are designed specifically for callouses. These devices are highly effective and come with the added benefit of often having at least two gradients.
Specialty Callous Removal devices: in addition to metal files, one can use tools specially designed for callous removal. These devices contain blades that shave down callouses in a similar manner as a traditional razor for shaving. This “shaving” is then followed by smoothening with a file.
While these are some of the more popular methods for dealing with callouses, there are many more methods available. Just a quick poke around a climbing forum yields as many methods as you have fingers!
Why You Should Invest in a Quality Pumice Stone
Although one might be tempted to disregard pumice stones as a novelty rather than a necessity, it is still far better to invest in quality pumice stone. Not only is it reasonably cheap, but the benefits far outway the costs. A quality pumice stone will perform well when used appropriately and, more importantly, will last you far longer than one of inferior quality. Moreover, if you are wary of any possible toxin present in synthetic pumice, you can rest assured that naturally occurring pumice contains only the best mother nature can provide.
How to Choose the Best Pumice Stone for You
To be frank, when it comes to pumice stones, it’s hard to be disappointed with any stone you select. They all function similarly and will get the job done. The rest is just a matter of preference. The best way to find what works for you is to try a few and see what strikes your fancy. Here are a few things to consider that will help you decide:
Natural or Synthetic
This is the first and most important decision to make. When selecting, it’s important to note the key differences.
- Pore size: as naturally formed pumice is an organic occurrence, the pore size varies from stone to stone and can even vary along the surface of a single stone. Furthermore, the pores tend to be larger, giving a rougher surface that removes dead skin much more efficiently. Synthetic pumice, on the other hand, is uniform in pore size and distribution. On the whole, the pores are small and give a much smoother experience. It does, however, take more time to remove the same amount of skin. Synthetic pumice is recommended for those with sensitive skin.
- Toxins: while manufacturers are not allowed to poison their customers deliberately, purveyors of natural pumice will state that their pumice is “toxin” free. The implication here is that synthetic pumice is not. While this may sound great as a marketing ploy, as long as you are not eating your pumice stone, you will be fine. In the end, it is crucial to choose a stone that works best for you.
Handle or No Handle
This is just a matter of preference. If you find that a handle maks it easier for you to use the pumice, go for it. If you are fine without, then go for that. In the end, its all about ergonomics and your ability to use the stone efficiently.
Fancy features
While for most people, a regular pumice stone will get the job done, maybe you want a stone with a bit more pizzaz. Lucky for you, there are many options available. Many stones include features such as smoothening files and brushes. Some pumice stones even come impregnated with moisturizing lotions and salves that serve to soften and sooth your skin as you use them.
Price
Always an essential factor, the cost can be a major concern. However, most pumice stones are highly affordable and should not present a problem. If a particular stone seems too expensive, a little research will find a similar one at a more reasonable price.
How to Take Care of Your Hands When Climbing
When caring for your hands and, more specifically, your callouses, there are a few basic rules to follow.
- Wash Your Hands: after every climbing session, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. This is important to remove any residual chalk that will dry out your skin. It is also a good idea to use antibacterial soap as a precaution against any scratches and abrasions you may have sustained from your climb.
- Use a Lotion or Creme: be sure to use a good hand creme or lotion after cleaning your hands. This will help to moisturize and soften your skin, keeping it healthy. Healthy skin is less prone to cracking and less likely to result in flappers.
- Care For Your Callouses: make sure to check your callouses often. If they seem to be overly large, be sure to use your preferred method to reduce their size until they lie flat on your skin.
- Care For Any Injuries: check your hands for injury, i.e., large scratches, flappers, etc. Be sure to clean your wounds and to prevent infection, which could prevent you from climbing. For flappers, clean the skin underneath, then apply a climbing salve such as ClimbOn or similar, then apply a bandage to keep the flapper closed and allow the wound to heal.
- Apply Moisturizer: for best skincare, apply a moisturizer, lotion, or salve to your hands before sleep. There are many climbing-specific brands on the market, but many non-climbing related brands work just as well.
How to Cultivate Your Climbing Callouses
The main goal when caring for your callouses is to prevent flappers. That does not mean we want to remove our callouses altogether, instead that we wish to manicure them to the extent that we prevent them from catching and tearing when we climb. This is done by removing excess skin until the profile of the callous is reduced to the point where they lie flat on our skin. When caring for your callouses using a pumice stone, there are a few steps to follow:
- Soften Up Your Callouses: the easiest way to do this is to care for your callouses after you shower. Conversely, you can soak your hands for a few minutes in hot water. It’s important to note that the hot water will soften the whole callous; therefore, care must be taken not to remove too much skin. If this is worrisome, try and remove excess skin without softening the callous, which will take longer but will be more precise.
- Use the Pumice Stone to Remove Excess Skin: using your pumice stone, rub it against your callous in small circular motions. Continue until the callous lies flat against the skin. Remember not to remove too much callous!
- Wash Your Hands: rinse the skin particles off of your hands and clean the pumice stone.
- Apply a Salve (Optional but recommended!): There are many climbing-specific slaves that help soothe your skin while maintaining the health of your callouses. While it is not mandatory, it is recommended and can make a tremendous difference.
Summary of the Best Pumice Stones for Climbing
Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:
Last update: 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Given that there are so many different brands for pumice stones available, it is certainly no easy choice to select the best pumice stones for climbing. Furthermore, when looking at the benefits of natural vs. synthetic stones and the myriad of features available with pumice stones, it only further complicates matters. The good news is that it is difficult to choose a pumice stone that will not work for you!
Whether you decide to go with an all-natural version such as the Pumice Valley Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone Black, a synthetic pumice stone such as the Denco Pumice Stone, or a Pumice stone with features such as the Aisilk Earth Lava Pumice Stone Brush, you can hardly go wrong. Moreover, these devices are relatively cheap, and if you don’t like one, you can always try another until you find the right one for your needs.
While we have selected what we find to be the best pumice stones for climbers, there are myriad options available. So go with one of our options or use our guide to find what works best for you. Most importantly, find the pumice stone that will help you care for your callouses correctly. Then as always, Climb On!
Did you enjoy this article? Then you may want to also check out our article on the best climbing salves.
Also, check out our other climbing gear reviews here.
