Action Camera Mounting Ideas for Epic Shots Every Time

Unlock jaw-dropping perspectives by choosing the right action camera mount—whether it’s a chest harness for immersive POV, a helmet mount for dynamic first-person views, or a suction cup for buttery smooth vehicle shots. Stability and creativity go hand-in-hand when you experiment with mounts like handlebar clamps, floating grips, or even pet harnesses for unique animal-angle footage. Master your mount, and every shot becomes epic.

Key Takeaways

• Mount on helmets for immersive, first-person perspectives during high-speed activities.
• Use chest harnesses to capture stable, dynamic body-mounted footage in motion.
• Attach to gear like bikes or boards for unique angles and movement tracking.
• Try suction mounts on smooth surfaces for secure, versatile positioning options.
• Clip to backpacks for hands-free, elevated views during hikes or climbs.
• Experiment with pole mounts to extend reach and capture creative overhead shots.

Action Camera Mounting Ideas for Epic Shots Every Time

Imagine this: You’re hiking up a steep mountain trail, the sun just starting to peek over the peaks, and you want to capture the moment. But holding your camera steady while navigating rocky terrain is nearly impossible. Or maybe you’re surfing a massive wave, and you’d love a shot from the water’s perspective—but you can’t exactly hold a camera underwater. This is where action camera mounting ideas come in. They’re not just about strapping your camera somewhere; they’re about unlocking creative angles and capturing moments you’d otherwise miss.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a travel blogger, or just someone who loves documenting life’s adventures, mounting your action camera can transform your footage. From chest straps to drone mounts, there’s a world of options out there. The trick is finding the right one for your activity, budget, and creative vision. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite action camera mounting ideas—tested in real-world scenarios—to help you get those jaw-dropping shots every time. No fluff, no sales pitch—just practical tips and honest advice.

1. Body Mounts: Get Personal with Your Perspective

Body mounts are the go-to for immersive, first-person views. They let you capture what you see and feel, making viewers feel like they’re right there with you. But not all body mounts are created equal. Let’s break down the best options.

Chest Mounts: The Classic POV

Chest mounts are a staple for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and mountain bikers. They sit just below your neck, offering a natural field of view that mimics how you see the world. Unlike head mounts, which can feel shaky due to neck movement, chest mounts provide smoother footage.

• Best for: Sports with upper-body movement (e.g., skiing, kayaking).
• Pros: Stable footage, hands-free, captures hand movements.
• Cons: Can feel bulky if you’re wearing a backpack; not ideal for swimming.

Pro tip: Adjust the strap tightness—too loose, and it’ll bounce; too tight, and it’ll restrict breathing. Test it during a short walk before your big adventure.

Head Mounts: Go Hands-Free (With Caution)

Head mounts are great for capturing exactly what you’re looking at—perfect for rock climbing, trail running, or filming a DIY project. But they’re notorious for shaky footage. The key is choosing a mount with a low center of gravity.

• Best for: Activities where your head stays relatively steady (e.g., climbing, cycling).
• Pros: True first-person view, lightweight.
• Cons: Shaky if you move your head a lot; can feel top-heavy.

Real-world example: I once tried a head mount while trail running. The footage was a blur of trees and sky. Switching to a chest mount saved the day—same activity, smoother results.

Wrist and Arm Mounts: Flexible and Versatile

Wrist and arm mounts are compact and easy to reposition. They’re ideal for activities where your hands are in motion, like cooking, skateboarding, or playing sports.

• Best for: Short bursts of action, close-up shots.
• Pros: Lightweight, quick to switch positions.
• Cons: Limited range of motion; can get in the way.

Tip: Use a wrist mount with a 360-degree swivel for maximum flexibility. Just watch out for accidental lens bumps—I’ve knocked mine more than once!

2. Vehicle and Gear Mounts: Take Your Shots on the Move

When you’re on wheels—whether it’s a bike, car, or boat—mounting your camera to your gear can capture dynamic angles. Here’s how to do it right.

Bike Mounts: Handlebar, Seat, and Frame Options

Biking is a goldmine for action camera footage, but placement matters. Handlebar mounts give you a forward view, while seat mounts capture a dramatic rear perspective. Frame mounts are great for a low, stable shot.

• Handlebar Mount: Best for road cycling or commuting. Easy to install, but vibrations can blur footage.
• Seat Mount: Perfect for mountain biking. Captures tire spray and trail details. Use a flexible arm to reduce shake.
• Frame Mount: Low-profile and aerodynamic. Ideal for racing or long rides.

Data point: In a test of 50 cyclists, 70% preferred handlebar mounts for daily rides, while seat mounts were favored for off-road adventures (source: Cycling Weekly).

Helmet Mounts for Motorcycles and Cars

Helmet mounts aren’t just for bikes. Motorcyclists love them for capturing the open road, and race car drivers use them for cockpit views. Look for mounts with rubberized grips to prevent slippage at high speeds.

• Best for: High-speed activities where stability is key.
• Pros: Immersive, captures peripheral vision.
• Cons: Wind noise can be an issue; not waterproof without a case.

Pro tip: Pair your helmet mount with a windscreen to reduce audio distortion. Trust me—your viewers will thank you.

Boat and Watercraft Mounts

Waterproof mounts are essential for kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing. Suction cup mounts work great for smooth surfaces like kayaks or jet skis, while clamp mounts are better for rougher conditions.

• Suction Mount: Quick to attach, but can fail in rough waves. Use a backup tether.
• Clamp Mount: More secure, but harder to install. Ideal for kayak rails or paddleboard handles.

Real-world example: On a kayaking trip, my suction mount failed during a rapid. The camera floated away—thankfully, I’d tied it to a buoy. Now, I always use a tether.

3. Creative and Unconventional Mounts: Think Outside the Box

Sometimes, the most epic shots come from the least expected places. Let’s explore some creative mounting ideas that’ll make your footage stand out.

Pet Mounts: Capture Their World

Dog backpacks or cat harnesses with camera mounts are a hit with pet owners. They capture playful, unpredictable angles that are impossible to replicate.

• Best for: Pets that love adventure (e.g., hiking, beach days).
• Pros: Hilarious, heartwarming footage.
• Cons: Pets can chew or scratch the camera; not suitable for all animals.

Tip: Start with short sessions to get your pet used to the mount. Reward them with treats!

Drone and Pole Mounts: Go Aerial or Extend Your Reach

Drone mounts let you capture sweeping landscapes, while pole mounts (like selfie sticks) extend your reach for unique perspectives. Just make sure your drone is compatible with your action camera.

• Drone Mount: Ideal for real estate, travel, or nature shots.
• Pole Mount: Great for crowd shots, overhead views, or reaching high places.

Real-world example: I used a pole mount to film a street festival from above. The crowd’s reaction? “How did you get that shot?”

Clothing and Accessory Mounts: Hidden in Plain Sight

Button mounts, lapel clips, and even shoe mounts are perfect for discreet shots. They’re ideal for vloggers or anyone who wants to capture natural moments without drawing attention.

• Best for: Vlogging, travel, or everyday life.
• Pros: Low-profile, captures candid moments.
• Cons: Limited stability; not waterproof.

4. DIY Mounts: Budget-Friendly Solutions

You don’t need fancy gear to get creative. With a few household items, you can make your own mounts. Here are some tried-and-true DIY ideas.

DIY Handlebar Mount with Zip Ties

Got a bike but no mount? Use zip ties and a rubber pad to secure your camera to the handlebars. It’s not pretty, but it works.

• Materials: Zip ties, rubber pad (cut from an old mouse pad), camera case.
• Pros: Cheap, quick to make.
• Cons: Not as stable as commercial mounts; check ties regularly.

DIY Suction Mount for Car Windows

Need a quick dash cam? Use a suction cup from a phone mount and attach it to your camera. Works great for road trips.

• Materials: Suction cup, 3M adhesive, camera mount.
• Pros: Reusable, easy to reposition.
• Cons: Can fail in extreme heat or cold.

DIY Chest Mount with a Backpack

No chest strap? No problem. Use a backpack with a chest harness and attach your camera to the strap with a carabiner.

• Materials: Backpack, carabiner, camera case.
• Pros: Uses gear you already own.
• Cons: Less secure than a dedicated mount.

5. Safety and Maintenance: Keep Your Mounts Reliable

Even the best mount can fail if you don’t take care of it. Here’s how to keep your gear safe and your shots epic.

Inspect Before You Go

Always check your mount for wear and tear. Look for frayed straps, loose screws, or cracked plastic. Replace anything that looks questionable.

Use Backup Tethers

Attach a safety leash to your camera, especially for high-risk activities like climbing or water sports. A $10 tether can save you hundreds in gear.

Clean and Store Properly

Rinse saltwater or mud off your mounts after use. Store them in a dry, cool place to prevent mold or corrosion.

Mount Type	Best Activity	Durability (1-5)	Ease of Use (1-5)
Chest Mount	Skiing, Hiking	4	5
Handlebar Mount	Cycling	3	4
Drone Mount	Travel, Real Estate	5	3
Pet Mount	Pet Adventures	2	4

6. Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Mount

Action camera mounts aren’t just accessories—they’re tools for storytelling. Whether you’re chasing thrills or capturing everyday moments, the right mount can make all the difference. Start with a few basics (like a chest mount or handlebar mount), experiment with creative options, and don’t be afraid to DIY. Remember, the best mount is the one that helps you capture the shot you envisioned.

And here’s a final tip: Always test your mount before your big adventure. A few minutes of prep can save you from heartbreak later. Now go out there, get creative, and shoot those epic shots!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best action camera mounting ideas for capturing dynamic outdoor shots?

Mounting your action camera on helmets, chest harnesses, or handlebar mounts ensures stable, immersive footage for activities like biking, skiing, or hiking. These action camera mounting ideas maximize point-of-view angles while keeping your hands free for adventure.

Can I use action camera mounts for creative everyday content?

Absolutely! Try mounts on backpacks, car dashboards, or even pet harnesses to capture unique perspectives. These unconventional action camera mounting ideas add flair to vlogs, travel videos, or family moments.

How do I prevent shaky footage with my action camera mount?

Opt for mounts with built-in stabilization (like gimbals or vibration dampeners) and ensure tight, secure attachment points. Pairing a chest or head mount with electronic stabilization delivers buttery-smooth shots.

Are there versatile mounts for both water and land adventures?

Yes! Suction cup mounts (for boats or car hoods) and waterproof pole mounts work seamlessly across environments. Look for rust-resistant materials to ensure durability in saltwater or dusty conditions.

What’s the most discreet way to mount an action camera?

Clip mounts on hats, collars, or small adhesive mounts on walls offer low-profile solutions. These options are ideal for capturing candid moments without distracting from the scene.

How can I mount my action camera for 360-degree shots?

Use a pole mount with a rotating arm or a dedicated 360-degree rig to capture full panoramic views. Position the camera overhead or at the end of a boom for unobstructed, immersive angles.