Top Action Camera Mounting Accessories for Every Adventure

Maximize your action camera’s potential with the right mounting accessories—from rugged helmet mounts to versatile chest harnesses, these tools ensure stable, dynamic footage in any environment. Choose mounts designed for your adventure, whether it’s waterproof housings for diving or quick-release systems for fast-paced sports, and capture every thrilling moment hands-free.

Key Takeaways

• Choose mounts wisely: Match accessories to your adventure type for secure, stable footage.
• Versatility is key: Opt for multi-angle mounts to capture dynamic shots effortlessly.
• Prioritize durability: Weatherproof materials ensure reliability in extreme conditions.
• Quick-release systems: Enable fast transitions between mounts without missing action.
• Expand your perspective: Use extension poles or drones for unique aerial or POV angles.
• Secure attachments: Always double-check mount tightness to avoid costly drops or losses.

Top Action Camera Mounting Accessories for Every Adventure

Remember the first time you strapped your action camera to your helmet, heart pounding as you raced down a mountain trail? That shaky, adrenaline-filled footage was priceless. But let’s be honest—those early attempts were more “cinematic chaos” than “smooth storytelling.” That’s where the right mounting accessories come in. They’re the unsung heroes of adventure filming, transforming shaky clips into professional-grade content without breaking the bank or your gear.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned explorer, the right mounts can make or break your footage. From chest harnesses that capture your point of view to flexible tripods that adapt to any surface, these tools let you focus on the adventure while your camera captures it all. In this guide, we’ll explore the best action camera mounting accessories for every scenario, helping you choose the perfect setup for your next big outing. No jargon, no fluff—just real-world tips from someone who’s learned (sometimes the hard way) what works and what doesn’t.

Helmet and Head Mounts: Capture Your Perspective

There’s something uniquely immersive about helmet-mounted footage. It’s not just about recording—it’s about sharing the rush of a downhill mountain bike ride or the wind in your face during a skydiving jump. But not all helmet mounts are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can leave you with unusable footage or even a lost camera.

Types of Helmet Mounts

Helmet mounts come in a few key styles, each with its own strengths:

• Adhesive mounts: These stick directly to your helmet’s surface and are great for smooth, curved areas. They’re low-profile and lightweight, but make sure to clean the surface thoroughly before applying. I learned this the hard way when my camera detached mid-ride because I skipped the alcohol wipe step.
• Strap mounts: Ideal for helmets without smooth surfaces (like some bike or climbing helmets), these use adjustable straps to secure the camera. They’re versatile but can feel bulky if you’re not used to them.
• Chin mounts: Popular among skiers and snowboarders, these attach to the front of your helmet for a natural, forward-facing view. They’re unobtrusive but can get in the way if you’re wearing goggles with a wide frame.

Pro tip: Always test your helmet mount before hitting the trails. Give it a good shake—literally. If it wiggles, tighten it or reapply the adhesive. Nothing ruins a day faster than losing a $400 camera to a loose mount.

Real-World Example: Mountain Biking

On a recent trail ride, I used a combination of a chin mount and a chest harness. The chin mount captured the trail ahead, while the chest harness provided a stable, lower-angle view of my handlebars and front wheel. The result? A dynamic edit that showed both the scenery and my riding technique. The chin mount stayed secure, but I did notice some wind noise in the audio—something to consider if you’re planning to narrate your footage.

When to Avoid Helmet Mounts

Helmet mounts aren’t perfect for every situation. If you’re doing fast, jerky movements (like motocross), the footage can be too shaky. And if you’re wearing a helmet with a visor or integrated lights, finding a flat spot for an adhesive mount can be tricky. In those cases, consider a chest or handlebar mount instead.

Chest Harnesses and Body Mounts: Stability Meets Flexibility

Chest harnesses are the Swiss Army knives of action camera mounts. They’re stable, versatile, and perfect for capturing hands-free footage without the head-wobble of helmet mounts. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or kayaking, a chest harness gives you a unique perspective that feels both personal and cinematic.

Why Chest Mounts Win

Here’s why chest harnesses are a favorite among adventure filmmakers:

• Natural stabilization: Your torso is much steadier than your head, which means smoother footage even during intense activity.
• Better audio: With the camera closer to your chest, wind noise is reduced compared to helmet-mounted setups.
• Versatility: Works for almost any sport—from skiing to rock climbing—without needing to modify your gear.

But they’re not without drawbacks. If you’re wearing bulky layers (like a winter jacket or wetsuit), the harness can feel restrictive. And if you’re doing a lot of bending or twisting, the camera can end up pointing at the sky or ground instead of your intended subject.

Choosing the Right Harness

When shopping for a chest harness, look for these features:

• Adjustable straps: A good harness should fit snugly without digging into your skin. Test it with your thickest jacket on.
• Quick-release mechanism: You’ll want to remove the camera quickly for charging or swapping batteries. Some harnesses have built-in quick-release clips; others require you to unclip the mount.
• Padding: If you’re wearing it for hours, padding makes a big difference. I once tried a budget harness with no padding and ended up with red marks after a 3-hour hike.

Real-World Example: Hiking in the Rain

On a rainy hike through the Pacific Northwest, my chest harness kept my camera dry and steady. The adjustable straps let me tighten it over my rain jacket, and the low-angle view captured the misty forest floor perfectly. The only downside? The harness’s plastic clips got a bit stiff in the cold, making it harder to adjust mid-hike. A little silicone spray fixed that, but it’s something to keep in mind for winter adventures.

Handlebar and Vehicle Mounts: For Wheels, Waves, and Wings

When your adventure involves speed, handlebar or vehicle mounts are essential. They let you capture the thrill of the ride—whether you’re biking, motorcycling, or even surfing—without compromising safety or stability.

Handlebar Mounts for Bikes and Motorcycles

Handlebar mounts are simple but effective. They attach to your bike’s handlebars, frame, or even the fork for a forward-facing view. Key features to look for:

• Rubberized grips: These prevent the mount from scratching your handlebars and provide extra vibration dampening.
• 360-degree rotation: Some mounts let you adjust the camera angle on the fly, which is great for changing lighting or framing.
• Quick-release design: If you’re parking your bike in public, you’ll want to remove the camera quickly to avoid theft.

Pro tip: Always use a tether (a small lanyard or safety cord) with handlebar mounts. I lost a camera once when a mount’s clamp failed mid-ride. The tether would’ve saved it.

Vehicle-Specific Mounts

For cars, boats, or even drones, you’ll need specialized mounts:

• Suction cup mounts: Great for windshields or smooth surfaces. Just make sure to clean the surface thoroughly and check the seal before driving at high speeds.
• Clamp mounts: These attach to roll bars, rails, or even boat masts. They’re more secure than suction cups but require compatible hardware.
• Magnetic mounts: Ideal for metal surfaces (like car hoods or ATV frames). They’re quick to install but can be tricky to position precisely.

Example: On a recent kayaking trip, I used a clamp mount to attach my camera to the kayak’s cockpit rim. The low-angle shot captured the water rushing past and the paddle strokes beautifully. The only issue was occasional splashes on the lens, which I fixed with a hydrophobic spray.

Wind and Vibration Considerations

Vehicle mounts face unique challenges. Wind resistance can cause vibration, leading to blurry footage. Look for mounts with rubberized or spring-loaded joints to absorb shocks. And always test your setup at lower speeds before hitting the highway or open water.

Flexible and Creative Mounts: Think Outside the Box

Sometimes, the best shots come from unconventional angles. That’s where flexible and creative mounts shine. These tools let you capture unique perspectives—like a camera wrapped around a tree branch or stuck to a skateboard deck—without needing specialized gear.

Flexible Tripods and Octopus Mounts

Flexible tripods (often called “octopus mounts”) have bendable legs that wrap around almost anything. They’re perfect for:

• Tree branches: Capture wildlife or forest canopies from a bird’s-eye view.
• Fences or railings: Set up a static shot of a busy trail or racecourse.
• Skateboards or snowboards: Get low-angle shots of tricks or terrain.

The key is to use them in stable environments. On a windy day, the flexible legs can act like antennas, amplifying vibrations. I once tried to mount one on a sailboat mast and ended up with unusable footage due to the constant rocking.

Magnetic and Adhesive “Go-Anywhere” Mounts

For even more versatility, consider:

• Magnetic mounts: Stick to metal surfaces like car hoods, bike frames, or even metal railings. Great for quick setups but avoid strong magnets near sensitive electronics.
• Reusable adhesive mounts: These use gel or suction pads to stick to almost any surface. They’re less permanent than traditional adhesive mounts but can lose grip over time.

Example: During a skateboarding session, I used a magnetic mount to attach my camera to the skateboard’s trucks. The result was an incredible low-angle shot of the wheels carving through a bowl. The magnet held strong, but I did notice some slight wobble in the footage—something to keep in mind for high-speed shots.

Safety First

Creative mounts are fun, but safety should always come first. Avoid placing cameras in high-risk areas where they could fall or get damaged. And if you’re using magnets, keep them away from credit cards, pacemakers, or other sensitive items.

Underwater and Extreme Environment Mounts

Waterproof mounts are essential for divers, surfers, and anyone exploring wet environments. But not all waterproofing is created equal. The right mount can make the difference between stunning underwater footage and a ruined camera.

Waterproof Housing and Mounts

Most action cameras come with waterproof housing, but for deeper dives or rougher conditions, you’ll need:

• Reinforced housing: Look for mounts with extra seals or pressure-resistant designs.
• Anti-fog inserts: These prevent condensation inside the housing, which can ruin your shots.
• Floaty mounts: These keep your camera buoyant if it detaches, making retrieval easier.

Pro tip: Always test your waterproof setup in a shallow pool or bathtub before diving deep. I once skipped this step and ended up with a fogged-up housing 30 feet underwater. Lesson learned.

Underwater-Specific Mounts

For diving or snorkeling, consider:

• Handheld grips: These let you steady the camera while swimming.
• Strobe mounts: Attach lights to illuminate dark underwater scenes.
• Clamp mounts for dive gear: Attach to your tank or BCD for hands-free filming.

Example: On a recent scuba trip, I used a clamp mount to attach my camera to my dive tank. The result was a smooth, stable shot of a coral reef. The only issue was occasional bubbles obscuring the lens—something I fixed by adjusting my breathing technique.

Extreme Weather Considerations

For cold environments (like skiing or ice climbing), look for mounts with:

• Low-temperature materials: Plastic can become brittle in freezing conditions.
• Quick-release mechanisms: Cold fingers make fiddly adjustments difficult.

Comparison Table: Mount Types at a Glance

Mount Type	Best For	Pros	Cons	Price Range
Helmet Adhesive	Skiers, bikers	Lightweight, low-profile	Not reusable, limited placement	$10–$30
Chest Harness	Hikers, skiers	Stable, hands-free	Can feel restrictive	$20–$50
Handlebar Mount	Bikers, motorcyclists	Secure, easy to adjust	Vulnerable to vibration	$15–$40
Flexible Tripod	Creative shots	Versatile, portable	Unstable in wind	$25–$60
Waterproof Housing	Divers, surfers	Fully submersible	Bulky, limited button access	$30–$80

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Mount for Your Adventure

At the end of the day, the best action camera mounting accessories are the ones that let you focus on your adventure—not your gear. Whether you’re chasing waves, climbing peaks, or just exploring your local trails, the right mount can elevate your footage from “meh” to “mind-blowing.”

Here’s my final advice: Start with the basics (a chest harness and helmet mount), then expand your collection as you discover new needs. Test every setup before your trip, and always pack backups (like extra adhesive pads or tethers). And most importantly, have fun. The best shots come from the moments when you’re fully present—not worrying about whether your camera will survive the ride.

Your next adventure is waiting. Grab your camera, strap it on, and let the world see it through your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best action camera mounting accessories for extreme sports?

For extreme sports, helmet mounts, chest harnesses, and handlebar mounts are top choices. These action camera mounting accessories provide secure, hands-free filming during high-speed or rugged activities like biking, skiing, or climbing.

Can I use the same mount for different action camera brands?

Many mounts are compatible with multiple brands (e.g., GoPro, DJI, Insta360) thanks to universal screw designs. Always check the product specifications to ensure it supports your camera’s model and size.

How do I prevent my action camera from falling off during a shoot?

Use mounts with double-lock mechanisms or silicone anti-slip pads, and regularly inspect screws and straps for wear. Action camera mounting accessories with redundant safety features (like tethers) add extra security for risky adventures.

What’s the most versatile mount for travel vlogging?

Stick-on adhesive mounts and compact tripod mounts offer versatility for travel vlogging. They easily attach to surfaces like backpacks, tables, or vehicles, making them ideal for dynamic, on-the-go content.

Are waterproof mounts necessary for water-based activities?

Yes, waterproof mounts (rated IPX8 or higher) protect your camera from corrosion and maintain grip during snorkeling, surfing, or kayaking. Even if your camera is waterproof, standard mounts can degrade in saltwater or chlorinated pools.

Can I use action camera mounting accessories for 360-degree filming?

Absolutely—specialized 360-degree mounts and extension poles help minimize obstruction and ensure seamless stitching. Look for mounts designed for 360 cameras to avoid visible rigging in your footage.