All About Action Camera Body Mounts

Think of it as your third arm. Or better yet, your invisible cameraman—always watching, never whining.

An action camera body mount straps your GoPro, DJI Action, Insta360, or whatever else you’re running to your body. That means hands-free filming while you’re biking, climbing, fishing, shooting, or sprinting through brush like you owe someone money. Types of body mounts include:

• Chest mounts (harnesses) – Great center POV, stable for most sports
• Shoulder mounts – Offset angle, more immersive for shooting/hiking
• Backpack/strap mounts – Clip-on style, good for light use or fast detachment
• MOLLE/Vest mounts – Ideal for tactical gearheads, shooters, milsim players
• Magnetic mounts – Cool in theory, sketchy in the wild

Chest Mounts: The Workhorse

If I had a dollar for every chesty I’ve trashed, I could buy a DJI Osmo and lose it in the woods tomorrow. But they’re still my go-to. They offer that reliable, center-mass point of view that just works—especially when you need both hands free and want to keep your line of sight close to the action. I've worn one biking down singletrack in Utah and scrambling granite ridges in the Sierra, and in both cases, it held up better than expected.

Chest mounts excel in dynamic movement. They hug the torso and give footage that feels grounded. If you're wearing a pack, just make sure your shoulder straps aren't interfering with the mount's fit—or you'll be fighting camera drift all day.

Pros:

• Best center-aligned POV
• Stable when fitted right
• Works for mountain biking, skiing, hiking
• Hands-free and low-profile for gear-heavy days

Cons:

• Can bounce if straps are loose or cheap
• May block view or interfere when shouldering a rifle

Shoulder Mounts

If chest mounts are the quarterback, then shoulder mounts are the sniper—precision-driven, tactical, and slightly off-center in the best possible way. A shoulder mount gives your camera a line of sight closer to what your dominant eye sees, especially if you're right-handed. It’s the mount I reach for when I want immersive footage on a solo hike or need my firearm movements to feel natural on camera without anything blocking my stock.

It also shines when filming tactical drills or field scenarios. Your upper body remains unrestricted, and the angle captures both the weapon and the environment with a realism that helmet cams just can't match. It's a perspective that's close to how we actually experience movement, and that makes the footage resonate more.

Pros:

• Less visual obstruction
• Great for tactical footage or solo hikes
• Doesn’t mess with rifle/shotgun posture

Cons:

• Tricky to angle right
• Can slide if not snug

Pro Tip: Use one with a 360° swivel base for fast adjustment under pressure.

Tactical Vest & MOLLE Mounts

When you're deep in a tactical scenario—whether it’s live training, weekend airsoft ops, or creeping through the woods in search of wild hogs—you need your setup to work like a system, not a mess of accessories. That’s where MOLLE-integrated camera mounts shine. These mounts aren’t just strapping a camera to your body; they’re integrating it into your loadout, letting you record clean POV footage while keeping your weapon, optics, and movement unimpeded.

They attach directly to your chest rig or plate carrier, often right over your centerline or slightly off to the side, mimicking how law enforcement and military might deploy real-world body cams. Whether you're reviewing your form on drills, documenting a game scenario, or creating tactical content, this mount has become a staple for any shooter who values both readiness and recording.

Locks onto your plate carrier or chest rig like a sidearm.

Pros:

• Rock-solid if mounted properly
• Looks badass
• Keeps hands and shoulders free

Cons:

• Heavy rigs need balancing
• Can snag in tight terrain

Tip: Not every vest is mount-ready. Double-check your rig.

Backpack Strap Mounts: Light & Quick

Backpack strap mounts are the underrated utility players of the action cam game. If you’ve got a hydration pack, day bag, or rucksack with decently wide straps, you’re already halfway there. These mounts clamp or strap directly to your shoulder strap, giving you a side POV that’s just enough to capture what you’re seeing without loading you down or messing with your balance.

This is the mount I go to when I take my GoPro on hiking long trails, moving light through the bush, or doing recon-style footage for terrain scouting. It's not front-and-center like a chest rig, and that’s the point—you’re getting a more subtle, natural look at the trail or environment. Also a good pick if you're carrying a firearm or poles and need your chest clear.

Best for:

• Long-distance hiking
• Trail running
• Low-impact footage collection
• Lightweight gear setups

Pro tip: Make sure your mount can handle a little vertical flex—some of the cheaper ones will dip or shift when you walk, and that gets annoying real fast.

There’s no universal solution, period. The “best” mount depends on what you’re doing, what gear you’re already carrying, and how aggressive your movement is.

• If you’re into MTB, a chest mount is usually the move for your mountain biking GoPro alternative. It gives you a solid, forward-facing POV that stays relatively stable as you ride. Some folks opt for a handlebar cam, but if you want that immersive feel—the terrain coming at you, handlebars in frame—the chesty does it better. For trail bikers or riders with a hydration pack, a backpack strap mount can also work if you angle it just right.
• Airsoft and milsim players should seriously consider a tactical vest mount. Not only does it integrate cleanly into gear you’re already wearing, but it keeps your hands, shoulders, and weapon mechanics unblocked. A shoulder mount can also work, especially for clearing rooms or moving through tight CQB scenarios where the camera angle becomes part of the immersion.
• Hikers and backpackers are usually better off with shoulder or backpack mounts. You’re in it for the long haul, and comfort matters. You don’t want a tight chest strap squeezing your lungs on a ten-mile incline. The goal is passive recording with your GoPro hiking camera—just let the action camera roll while you move, think, breathe, and occasionally curse at roots and switchbacks.
• Hunters, especially those stalking game or glassing for long periods, will want either a shoulder mount or a MOLLE clip-in. You need something that doesn’t shift, doesn’t squeak, and lets you shoulder a rifle or draw a bow without interference. Bonus if you can mount a remote shutter or voice control function to avoid your hunting GoPro alternative contact during sensitive moments.
• Shooting at the range or out in the field? Go shoulder. The footage lines up better with your point of aim, and your weapon stays in full frame. A chest mount can sometimes work, but it’s not great for prone or bench shooting—it gets in the way, and the rifle or gun camera footage doesn’t track muzzle movement cleanly.
• If you’re in or around water, like surfing, rafting, or fishing, then chest mounts are your anchor. They stay tight to the body and keep the camera stable even in rough conditions. Make sure your camera’s housing is waterproof or you’re using something like a GoPro HERO12 with hydrophobic lens coating.
• Moto and ATV riders often flip between chest and helmet cams, but I lean toward chest for realism. Helmet cams can feel floaty and disconnected unless they’re locked in tight. Chest GoPro alternatives show handlebars, throttle movements, and more of the terrain’s texture.