Best Action Camera Body Mounts for Hands Free Adventure

Action camera body mounts are essential for capturing immersive, hands-free footage during high-intensity adventures. Top-rated options like chest harnesses, head straps, and shoulder mounts offer stability, comfort, and dynamic angles whether you’re skiing, biking, or climbing. Choose a durable, adjustable mount designed for your camera model to ensure secure, shake-free recording in any environment.

Key Takeaways

• Choose secure mounts: Prioritize models with non-slip grips for stable, shake-free footage.
• Prioritize comfort: Opt for padded straps or lightweight designs for long-wear adventures.
• Versatility matters: Select mounts compatible with multiple camera brands and body types.
• Quick-release features: Ensure fast camera detachment for spontaneous shots or battery swaps.
• Weatherproof builds: Invest in waterproof or rugged mounts for extreme conditions.
• Position strategically: Test mount angles (chest, head, wrist) for optimal POV shots.

The Thrill of Capturing Adventure—Without Letting Go

Imagine this: you’re free soloing a cliff face, heart pounding, fingers gripping the rock, every breath a conscious choice. Or maybe you’re carving down a mountain bike trail, wind in your face, the world a blur of speed and color. In moments like these, your phone is tucked away, your DSLR is a distant dream—but you still want to capture the magic. That’s where action camera body mounts come in. These clever little tools let you record your most intense, hands-free adventures while keeping your focus where it matters: on the moment.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or someone who just loves to explore, body mounts turn your action camera into a silent companion. They free your hands, stabilize your footage, and let you relive your experiences from your own point of view. No more shaky selfies or awkward helmet angles. Just pure, immersive storytelling. But with so many options out there—chest straps, head mounts, shoulder rigs, and more—how do you pick the right one? That’s what we’re diving into today. From comfort and stability to durability and versatility, we’ll explore the best action camera body mounts on the market and help you find the perfect fit for your next adventure.

Why Body Mounts Beat Handheld or Helmet Mounts

Sure, you can hold your camera or slap it on your helmet, but body mounts offer a unique blend of stability, perspective, and convenience that’s hard to match. Let’s break down why they’re often the smarter choice.

1. First-Person Perspective with Less Bounce

Helmet mounts give you a “bird’s-eye” view of your hands and gear, which is great for showing technique—think mountain biking or skiing. But they can also introduce a lot of head movement. Every nod, every quick glance, every bump in the trail gets amplified. That leads to shaky, disorienting footage.

Chest and shoulder mounts, on the other hand, sit lower on your body. They move with your torso, which is more stable than your head. The result? Smoother video, less motion sickness, and a more immersive first-person perspective. You see the world as your body experiences it—not as your head jerks through it.

2. Hands-Free Freedom

This one’s obvious, but worth emphasizing: when you’re climbing, paddling, or riding, your hands are busy. You can’t be fumbling with a camera. A body mount keeps your GoPro, DJI Action, or Insta360 securely attached, so you can focus on the task at hand. No missed shots. No dropped gear. Just pure flow.

I remember once trying to film a kayaking trip with a handheld rig. By the time I got the camera out, the rapids were behind me. With a chest mount, I’d have captured every splash and turn—without lifting a finger.

3. Better Audio (Sometimes)

Helmet mounts can pick up a lot of wind noise, especially at high speeds. Chest mounts are often closer to your mouth and protected from direct airflow, which can mean cleaner audio—especially if you’re narrating your journey. That said, wind is still a factor, so always use a windscreen or foam cover for best results.

4. More Natural Framing

When you’re riding a bike or hiking, your chest naturally faces forward. A chest mount aligns the camera with your line of sight, so the horizon stays level and the action stays centered. It’s intuitive and easy to review later. No more cropping or rotating footage just to make sense of it.

Pro tip: If you’re using a wide-angle lens (and most action cams are), position the mount slightly lower than your chest to include more of your arms and gear. This gives context to your actions—like your hands on handlebars or your paddle slicing through water.

Types of Action Camera Body Mounts: Which One Fits Your Adventure?

Not all body mounts are created equal. The best one for you depends on your activity, body type, and how much gear you’re carrying. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types—and when to use each.

Chest Mounts: The Gold Standard for Stability

Chest mounts are the most popular choice, and for good reason. They’re comfortable, easy to adjust, and deliver rock-solid footage. Most come with adjustable straps that wrap around your torso and shoulders, holding the camera in front of your chest.

Best for: Mountain biking, skiing, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing.

• Pros: Stable, hands-free, great POV, low wind noise.
• Cons: Can feel bulky under a jacket; may interfere with backpack straps.

I’ve used a chest mount for years on trail rides. It’s become second nature—like wearing a backpack. Just slip it on, click the camera in, and go. The footage always feels grounded and real.

Head Mounts: For True Eye-Level Perspective

These wrap around your head (like a headband) or attach to a helmet. They’re ideal if you want to show what you’re looking at—like pointing out a route on a climb or scanning a trail ahead.

Best for: Climbing, trail running, skiing (with helmet), vlogging.

• Pros: True eye-level view, lightweight, easy to adjust.
• Cons: Bouncier than chest mounts, more wind noise, can feel tight on long trips.

One thing to watch: head mounts can shift if you sweat or wear a hat. Look for ones with silicone grips or anti-slip liners.

Shoulder Mounts: The Overlooked Hero

Less common but incredibly useful, shoulder mounts attach to your upper arm or shoulder. They give a slightly off-center view, which can be great for showing your body in motion—like your legs pedaling or your arms paddling.

Best for: Cycling, paddleboarding, running, vlogging.

• Pros: Unique angle, less bounce than head, good for showing body mechanics.
• Cons: Can get in the way of arm movement; may need padding for comfort.

I once used a shoulder mount while stand-up paddleboarding. The footage showed my arms cutting through the water and my board gliding over the surface—something a chest mount couldn’t capture as clearly.

Wrist and Arm Mounts: For Quick Access and Close-Ups

These strap to your forearm or wrist, letting you point the camera where you want—like at your feet, your bike, or the trail ahead. They’re great for short bursts of filming or when you need to adjust the angle on the fly.

Best for: Biking, hiking, fishing, DIY projects.

• Pros: Highly adjustable, lightweight, easy to remove.
• Cons: Less stable, limited battery life (you’re using the camera more), can interfere with gloves.

Backpack Strap Mounts: The Minimalist Option

These clip onto your backpack’s shoulder straps, turning your pack into a camera rig. They’re low-profile and don’t require extra straps.

Best for: Hiking, travel, urban exploration.

• Pros: Lightweight, no extra gear, blends in.
• Cons: Limited adjustability, can bounce if the pack shifts, not for high-motion sports.

Perfect for when you don’t want to look like a full-on vlogger—just someone enjoying the trail.

Top 5 Action Camera Body Mounts (2024 Edition)

Let’s talk gear. I’ve tested dozens of body mounts over the years, from budget knockoffs to pro-grade rigs. Here are my top five picks—each excelling in different scenarios.

1. GoPro Performance Chest Mount – Best Overall

This is the mount I reach for most often. It’s lightweight, breathable, and adjusts to fit almost any body type. The quick-release system lets you pop the camera on and off in seconds.

• Stability: 9/10 – Minimal bounce, even on rough trails.
• Comfort: 8/10 – Padded straps, but can feel tight if you’re broad-chested.
• Versatility: 10/10 – Works with all GoPro models and most action cams via adapter.
• Durability: 9/10 – Survived a 3-week backpacking trip with zero wear.

Only downside? It’s a bit pricey. But for the quality, it’s worth every penny.

2. Peak Design Capture Clip + Action Camera Mount – Best for Backpackers

This clever system lets you clip your camera directly to your backpack strap. No extra straps, no bulk. Just click and go.

• Stability: 7/10 – Good for hiking, but bounces on mountain bike trails.
• Comfort: 10/10 – Feels like nothing’s there.
• Versatility: 8/10 – Works with GoPro, DJI, Insta360, and more.
• Durability: 9/10 – Made from aircraft-grade aluminum.

Ideal for travelers who want to capture moments without looking like a tourist with a camera rig.

3. SP-Gadgets Shoulder Mount – Best for Cyclists and Paddleboarders

This one’s a hidden gem. The padded shoulder strap holds the camera at a 30-degree angle, perfect for showing your handlebars or paddle.

• Stability: 8/10 – Minimal bounce, even at high speed.
• Comfort: 7/10 – Padding helps, but long rides may cause chafing.
• Versatility: 7/10 – Best for specific angles; not a general-purpose mount.
• Durability: 8/10 – Survived a few falls off my board.

Pair it with a GoPro Max for 360° footage, and you’ve got a storytelling powerhouse.

4. AmazonBasics Chest Mount – Best Budget Option

Don’t let the name fool you—this is a solid performer for under $20.

• Stability: 7/10 – A bit more bounce than premium models, but still usable.
• Comfort: 6/10 – Basic padding; not ideal for long sessions.
• Versatility: 9/10 – Fits most action cameras.
• Durability: 7/10 – Held up after a year of weekend use.

Great for beginners or occasional use. Just don’t expect it to survive a 50-foot cliff jump.

5. Insta360 Invisible Selfie Stick + Chest Mount – Best for 360° Cameras

If you’re shooting with an Insta360 One X2 or X3, this combo lets the camera “disappear” from your footage. The chest mount holds the stick, which extends the camera out from your body.

• Stability: 8/10 – The stick adds leverage, but the mount is solid.
• Comfort: 7/10 – The stick can get in the way when not in use.
• Versatility: 10/10 – Unique 360° POV with invisible effect.
• Durability: 8/10 – Aluminum stick, but plastic joints.

It’s not for everyone, but for creative shots, it’s unbeatable.

How to Choose the Right Mount for Your Body and Activity

Not all mounts fit all bodies—or all adventures. Here’s how to pick the right one without ending up with buyer’s remorse.

Consider Your Body Type

Chest mounts can be tricky if you’re broad-chested, have a large bust, or wear bulky clothing. Look for models with adjustable side straps or stretchy fabric. Some brands (like GoPro) offer “wide fit” versions.

For petite users, make sure the mount doesn’t sit too low or interfere with your neck. A chest mount that’s too loose will bounce more.

Match the Mount to Your Sport

• Mountain biking: Chest mount (stability is key).
• Rock climbing: Head mount or chest mount (avoid shoulder—it gets in the way).
• Kayaking: Chest or shoulder (shoulder shows paddle technique).
• Hiking: Backpack strap mount or chest (lightweight, low-profile).
• Cycling: Shoulder or chest (shoulder shows handlebars; chest shows terrain).

Think About Gear and Clothing

If you wear a backpack, avoid chest mounts that interfere with shoulder straps. Look for low-profile options or ones that attach to the pack itself.

For winter sports, make sure the mount works with layers. Some straps are too short for bulky jackets. And always test the quick-release in cold weather—plastic can get stiff.

Test Before You Commit

Buy from a retailer with a good return policy. Try the mount with your camera and gear. Walk around. Jump. Bend. Make sure it doesn’t shift, chafe, or get in the way.

I once bought a mount online that looked great in photos but made my shoulders ache after 20 minutes. Lesson learned: never skip the test run.

Pro Tips for Better Footage with Body Mounts

Even the best mount won’t save bad technique. Here’s how to get the most out of your setup.

1. Level the Horizon

Most body mounts let you adjust the camera angle. Before you start filming, make sure the horizon is level. A tilted horizon looks amateurish and can make viewers dizzy.

Use your camera’s horizon leveling feature (if it has one) or a small bubble level app on your phone.

2. Use a Windscreen

Wind noise can ruin great footage. Always use a foam windscreen—even in light breeze. For extreme conditions, consider a furry “deadcat” windscreen.

3. Keep the Camera Clean

Body mounts expose your camera to sweat, dirt, and rain. Wipe it down after every use. Use lens protectors or a clear housing in dusty or wet environments.

4. Frame for Context

Don’t just point the camera forward. Tilt it slightly down to include your hands, gear, or the terrain. This gives viewers context and makes the footage more engaging.

For example, when hiking, a slightly downward angle shows your boots on the trail. When biking, it shows your handlebars and front wheel.

5. Use Stabilization Wisely

Most action cams have built-in stabilization (like HyperSmooth or FlowState). But don’t rely on it alone. A good mount reduces shake at the source, so stabilization has less work to do—and less chance of cropping or warping.

6. Edit for Impact

Raw footage from a body mount can be long and repetitive. Edit it down to the highlights. Use cuts, music, and text to tell a story. Even 60 seconds of great footage beats 10 minutes of shaky blur.

Action Camera Body Mount Comparison Table

Mount	Best For	Stability	Comfort	Price Range	Key Feature
GoPro Performance Chest Mount	All-around use	9/10	8/10	$30–$40	Quick-release system
Peak Design Capture Clip	Backpacking, travel	7/10	10/10	$70–$90	Clip-on, no straps
SP-Gadgets Shoulder Mount	Cycling, paddling	8/10	7/10	$40–$50	Angled for gear visibility
AmazonBasics Chest Mount	Budget users	7/10	6/10	$15–$20	Affordable, basic
Insta360 Invisible Combo	360° filming	8/10	7/10	$60–$80	“Disappearing” selfie stick

Final Thoughts: Your Body, Your Camera, Your Story

At the end of the day, an action camera body mount is more than just a piece of gear. It’s a way to share your adventures, preserve your memories, and inspire others to get outside. Whether you’re scaling a peak, chasing a sunset, or just exploring your backyard, the right mount helps you capture the moment—without sacrificing the experience.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for a pro cyclist might not suit a weekend hiker. But with the tips, reviews, and insights here, you’re equipped to make a smart choice. Try different mounts. Experiment with angles. And most importantly—get out there and film.

Because the best adventure isn’t just the one you live. It’s the one you can relive, share, and pass on. And with the right body mount, every frame tells your story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best action camera body mounts for hands-free filming?

The best action camera body mounts include chest harnesses, head straps, and adhesive body mounts, offering stable, hands-free footage. Look for adjustable, breathable designs like the GoPro Chesty or DJI Action Mount for comfort during long adventures.

How do I choose the right action camera body mount for my needs?

Consider your activity—chest mounts work well for biking or skiing, while head mounts suit vlogging or climbing. Ensure compatibility with your camera model and prioritize lightweight, sweat-resistant materials for active use.

Can I use an action camera body mount in water or extreme conditions?

Yes, many action camera body mounts are waterproof or water-resistant, like those made by GoPro or Peak Design. Check the IP rating and opt for corrosion-resistant hardware for saltwater or heavy rain.

Are adhesive body mounts safe for my skin during long activities?

High-quality adhesive mounts (e.g., GoPro Adhesive Mounts) use medical-grade materials to minimize irritation. Limit continuous wear to 4-6 hours and clean your skin before application to avoid discomfort.

Do body mounts fit all action cameras, or are they brand-specific?

Most mounts use a universal 1/4″-20 screw or GoPro-compatible clip system, fitting brands like DJI, Insta360, and Akaso. Always verify mount compatibility with your camera’s dimensions and mounting points.

How do I prevent my action camera body mount from slipping during motion?

Secure straps tightly and use silicone grip pads on adhesive mounts. For high-impact sports, combine a chest harness with a tether strap for added security against drops.