Introduction: GoPro Camera Chest Mount for Camelbak

About: Architect

I have heard great things about the Chesty GoPro camera chest mount, however, since I typically where a Camelbak when I ride, I figured it would be a good idea to make my own chest mount that works with/mounts to the Camelbak.
I also saved money.
Very easy and inexpensive and customizable to whatever backpack you use.

Video of the finished product in use can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=017kFOcecKc&feature=plcp

Step 1: Materials

Lexan sheet

3/4" wide Velcro

Small machine screws, washers and nuts

1/4"-20 short machine screw

GoPro tripod mount

Step 2: Mounting Plate

I used a small piece of Lexan that I had left over from my motorcycle deflector projects.
It's available at Home Depot and pretty inexpensive ($4 for a 10" x 8" piece).
I used a piece about 4 1/2" x 3 1/2"
Cut the top two corners off on an angle to suit the strap locations.

Mark 4 slots in the 4 corners where the 3/4" Velcro straps will attach,
Angle the top slots to match the cut corners.
Drill a small hole at the end of each marked slot and cut between the drilled holes with a coping saw to complete the slots

Drill a 1/4" hole in the center for the 1/4"-20 thread tripod camera mount screw.

Drill a hole between the bottom slots to suit one of the small machine screws. Locate the hole close to one slot

Step 3: Straps

Run one length of Velcro through the bottom two slots and make a hole to screw the strap to the Lexan.
Use a washer against the Velcro and one against the Lexan.

Run a length of Velcro through each of the upper slots, double back over a short distance and make a hole for a machine screw. use a washer at each side of the Velcro.

Step 4: Attach to Camelbak

My Camelbak has small straps attached to the larger shoulder straps, so I was able to run the upper Velcro through these smaller straps to provide support at the top of the Lexan plate.

The lower straps are then looped around the lower portion of the Camelbak should straps

I am able to remove the Velcro straps from one side and still keep the camera/mount secured to the Camelbak.

This was a very easy, quick and cheap project.
The exact placement and length of the straps will depend on the type of hydration pack you use and the type of shoulder straps it has.

Step 5: Modifications

After my first mountain bike outing with the new chest mount today, I have made a few modifications.

First, the camera angle was not adjustable with the camera in the standard right-side-up configuration and it was pointing down more than I wanted. This because you are leaning over when riding. I think the first hole and upright camera position would work for walking or other more upright activities.
Therefore, I added a second 1/4" hole for the tripod mount higher than the first hole.
Now the camera can be mounted in the upside down position, using the camera setting with the image flipped.
Now the camera can be angled upward. Much better.

Second, I added some Gorilla tape (like a stronger duct tape but 1" wide) to both side of the Lexan to help give the tripod mount and the screw/washers something to grip onto. The Lexan was a little slick.