Action cameras are a great way to capture your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re climbing a mountain or whitewater rafting, an action camera with the right body mount can help you remember the experience forever.
I love my GoPro and I use it anytime I have the chance to do something adventurous.
I’ve experimented with different ways to mount it to my body to not only make it feel more comfortable, but to also protect the camera. With all of these ways to mount, also make sure you’re using a good action camera protector.
In this post, I’ll provide 12 easy ways to mount an action camera to your body. Let’s get started!
12 Ways to Mount an Action Camera to Your Body
1. Helmet Mount
The most popular way to mount an action camera is on your helmet.
This provides a great view of what you’re seeing as well as protects the camera from being dropped.
There are many different types of helmet mounts available and they all have their own pros and cons.
I’ve used both the GoPro official mount as well as the third-party “Session” mount from Amazon.
Both work great, but I prefer the official mount mount because it’s easier to use.
The main downside of a helmet mount is that it can be uncomfortable after wearing it for a while.
I also find that my helmet tends to get in the way of the camera view sometimes.
2. Handlebar Mount
If you’re riding a bike, motorcycle, or ATV, a handlebar mount is a great option.
This puts the camera at eye level so you can see what’s in front of you and also captures any interesting things happening to the side.
The main downside of a handlebar mount is that it can be difficult to position the camera so that you’re happy with the view.
I’ve also heard that the camera can be jarred loose if you hit a big bump.
3. Chest Mount
A chest mount is a great option if you want a more immersive experience.
It puts the camera at about heart level so you can see what’s in front of you as well as to the side. The chest mount also provides more stability than the head mount for example.
The main downside of a chest mount is that it can be uncomfortable after wearing it for a while and it might be suitable for all activities because it can be blocked by gear or hands depending on what you’re doing (such as biking).
4. Head Strap Mount
The head strap mount is similar to the chest mount, but it goes around your head instead of your chest.
This is a good option if you want to use the camera for things like skiing or skateboarding where a chest mount might get in the way.
Another downside is the strap itself. If you wear it for a while and it’s too tight you may find yourself with a big headache!
So all in all, the head strap mount i great, just be careful when wearing it for a long time!
5. Bite Mount
The bite mount is a newer option that I’ve been seeing more and more.
It’s basically a small mount that you bite down on (hence the name) and it has a GoPro style mount on the top.
The advantage of this style of mount is that it’s very small and unobtrusive.
The downside is that it can be difficult to keep the camera positioned well and it’s not suitable for all activities. I haven’t used this mount but this mount is mostly popular with board sports such as skateboarding or surfboarding.
With the bite mount, if you use it for surfing, be sure to get a floaty attachment as well or you’ll probably find your action camera at the bottom of the ocean.
6. Shoulder Mount
The shoulder mount is a good option if you want to capture what’s happening in front of you.
It’s also great for things like vlogging (video blogging) because it gives you a stable shot and frees up your hands. You’ll also have the benefit of looking like Predator from the movies.
The downside of the shoulder mount is that it can be difficult to keep the camera positioned well and it can be uncomfortable after wearing it for a while.
It might also not be the best mount depending on the activity.
7. Backpack Mount
The backpack mount is similar to the shoulder mount, but instead of putting the camera on your shoulder, you put it on your backpack.
This is a good option for activities like hiking where you might not want the camera on your shoulder the whole time.
It can also be a good option for things like biking if you have a hydration pack on your back. It’s also more comfortable than the shoulder mount because it’s not wrapped around your body.
The main downside of the backpack mount is that it can be difficult to keep the camera positioned similar to the shoulder mount.
8. Mask Mount
The mask mount is a good option if you want to capture what’s happening in front of you when you are underwater.
I say underwater because not many activities require you wearing a mask and this mount is meant mostly for underwater divers.
9. Magnetic Mount
The magnetic mount is a good option if you want to quickly and easily attach your camera to metal surfaces.
This can be helpful if you’re mounting the camera on something like a bike, clothes, gear bag, etc.
The main downside of this mount is that it’s not very secure so if you hit a bump or anything, there’s a chance the camera could come detached.
10. Clip Mount
The clip mount is a good option if you want to quickly and easily attach your camera to non-metal surfaces.
This can be helpful if you’re mounting the camera on something like a backpack strap, belt loop, etc.
The main downside of this mount is that it’s not very secure so similar to the magentic mount, if you hit a bump or hole, your mount might come out.
11. Hand and Wrist Mount
The hand and wrist mount is a good option and a common mount for activities such as hiking, biking, etc.
There are many different types of wrist mounts such as floating ones, ones with adjustable bands, ones that rotate around, etc.
Depending on your needs, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect type of wrist mount.
12. Hat Mount
The hat mount is a good option if you want to get a unique perspective and you’re a lover of hats.
To make it clear, the hat mount is just a clip-on mount but many refer to it as the “hat mount” so I wanted to include it in this list separately.
The downside of the hat mount is that it can be difficult to keep the camera positioned well and depending on the hat, it might not be very comfortable and you might feel like your head is being pulled downwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do All Action Cameras have the Same Mount?
No, each action camera is different and has its own specific mount. Be sure to check what mount your action camera uses before purchasing any mounts.
What is the Best Mount for an Action Camera?
The best mount for an action camera really depends on what you plan on using it for. If you’re looking for a mount that is easy to use and versatile, I would recommend the clip mount or the magnetic mount. If you’re looking for a mount that is more secure, I would recommend the hand and wrist mount or the backpack mount.
Do I Need an Action Camera Mount?
An action camera mount is not required but it can be very helpful in getting stability and the perfect shot.
It’s sort of like having a DSLR or mirrorless camera without a strap, it can be done but you’ll be holding that thing for hours.
There are many different types of mounts for action cameras and each has its own specific purpose. Be sure to choose the right mount for your needs and make sure that it is compatible with your camera. With the right mount, you’ll be able to capture amazing videos and photos from any perspective.
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Nate Torres is an entrepreneur, growth marketer, and photographer and writes mostly on those topics. Nate runs his own professional photography business called Nate Torres Photography. Nate enjoys learning about new digital marketing strategy and new ways to think creatively. He is also a photography speaker and author on Photofocus.