Short answer: to film hands-free POV video on a hike or a walk, mount your phone on the backpack shoulder strap at chest height, lock it in landscape, use a tether, and shoot at a wide lens with stabilization on. A chest or strap mount gives a steadier, more natural view than a head mount, and you can lift the phone off for a normal shot in a second.
Key facts
- Chest height matches what you see and hides head bounce.
- Stabilization (action or cinematic mode) matters more than resolution for walking shots.
- Landscape for YouTube, vertical for Reels and TikTok; decide before you start.
- Tether the phone on any terrain where a drop would lose it.
- Cold and heat drain batteries fast when filming; carry a power bank.
Mount options compared
| Mount | Examples | View | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strap or chest mount | Magnetic strap mounts, chest harnesses | Natural, steady | Fast on and off; phone usable between shots |
| Head mount | Head straps for action cams | Follows your eyes | Bouncy; awkward for phones |
| Gimbal | Handheld phone gimbals | Smoothest | Not hands-free |
| Action camera | GoPro-style cameras | Very wide | Extra device to charge and manage |
Chest harnesses from action-camera brands work well but are one more thing to wear. If you already carry a backpack, the shoulder strap is a ready-made mount point.
The strap mount setup
The ICONTACTIC Magnetic Phone Mount clips to a backpack strap with an elastic clip (or to webbing with a MOLLE clip) and holds a magnet-ring phone on a 62 mm magnetic face with built-in N52 magnets. A coiled safety tether clips the phone to the mount, and the body has a 1/4"-20 thread and a cold-shoe fitting for a small light or action camera. On a 14L Modular Backpack strap, it sits at chest height without bouncing.
- Position: clip the mount at chest height on the strap of your dominant side.
- Angle: tilt so the horizon sits a third of the way down the screen while you walk.
- Lock orientation and set the wide lens.
- Tether on, then start recording before you step off.
- Check the first clip; adjust height if your chin or arm appears.
More on mounting in MagSafe phone mounts for backpack straps and mounting gear on a strap.
Light and power for longer shoots
- Power bank and cable in a zip organizer so they don't sink in the pack.
- A flat light for dusk shots and the walk out: the Compact Flat Flashlight clips to the other strap.
- Keep the phone shaded between shots on hot days; overheating stops recording.
FAQ
How do I film POV video hands-free with a phone?
Mount the phone on a backpack strap at chest height, lock the orientation, turn on stabilization and use a tether.
Is a chest mount better than a head mount for phones?
Usually yes: it's steadier, shows what you see, and the phone is easier to reach.
Will a magnetic mount hold a phone while hiking?
On normal trails, yes, with a magnet-ring case. Keep the tether clipped on rough terrain.
Can I attach a light or camera to the mount?
The ICONTACTIC mount has a 1/4"-20 thread and a cold-shoe fitting for a small light or action camera.
Vertical or horizontal for POV?
Horizontal for YouTube and long videos; vertical for Reels, Shorts and TikTok.
Shop Mounts & Hardware.
General information. Respect trail rules and other people's privacy when filming. Brand names are trademarks of their owners; ICONTACTIC is not affiliated with them.