Can I use a snowboarding helmet with a GoPro mount safely?

Absolutely, you can—but doing it safely requires understanding your gear, the risks, and keeping your helmet's primary job front and center: protecting your head. I spend every spare moment chasing powder on a snowboard or fresh tracks on a mountain bike, and I’ve had my share of questions about helmet-mounted cameras. Let’s break down the essentials so you can capture the action without compromising safety.

Understanding Helmet Integrity and Safety Standards

First, your helmet is safety equipment, not just a camera platform. A snowboarding helmet is tested to specific safety standards to protect your head during impacts. The shell and foam liner work together to absorb and dissipate force.

When you add a mount—adhesive, strap-on, or built-in—you’re introducing a potential point of failure. The real concern isn’t the camera’s weight, but how the mount might affect the helmet’s structural performance in a crash. Could it snag? Could it create a pressure point that focuses impact energy? Those are the critical questions.

The Golden Rule: Never modify your helmet by drilling holes or using aggressive adhesives that could degrade the shell or liner. Always use a mount system designed to be non-invasive and that doesn’t compromise the helmet’s original structure.

Choosing and Using the Right Mount

This is where being gear-savvy pays off. Look for mounts designed for action sports helmets that distribute pressure broadly.

• Adhesive Mounts: Common and convenient. Make sure the adhesive pad is clean, flexible, and meant for a curved helmet surface. Apply it to a smooth, flat section of the shell—never over vents or on a severely curved area where it might peel. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol, apply firm pressure, and let it cure for the full recommended time (usually 24 hours) before attaching a camera.
• Strap Mounts: These wrap around the helmet without adhesive. They offer flexibility and no permanent alteration, but you must ensure the strap is tight and secure without deforming the helmet. Check that it doesn’t obstruct vents or integrated systems.
• Built-in Mounts: Some modern helmets come with integrated, reinforced mounting points. These are generally the safest option, because the manufacturer designed the helmet with the mount in mind, ensuring it doesn’t compromise safety. Our approach to gear is rooted in this kind of considered design—creating products that are easy to use, durable, and facilitate great experiences without adding friction or risk.

Mitigating the Risks: Your Pre-Ride Checklist

Before you drop into the bowl or hit the bike park, run through this list:

1. Secure Attachment: Double-check that the camera is locked into the mount and that any safety tethers are used. I’ve seen too many cameras become high-speed projectiles.
2. Profile Awareness: Be mindful of the added height and width. A camera can increase the chance of snagging on tree branches or other obstacles in a fall.
3. Weight and Balance: A heavy camera can make the helmet feel unbalanced, leading to neck strain or the helmet shifting at a critical moment. Keep it as light as possible.
4. Inspect Regularly: Before each use, inspect the mount for any signs of cracking, peeling, or fatigue. Check the helmet itself for any damage that may have occurred since you last rode.

The Right Mindset: Adventure, Safely

We believe life is better when we connect outside. We’re adventurous, spirited, and grateful for every moment in the mountains. But we’re also enduring and approachable—which means we prioritize doing things the right way. Safety isn’t the enemy of fun; it’s the foundation that lets the fun last.

The goal is to design and use gear that removes friction and enables those shared experiences in nature. It’s about deepening your discovery, not complicating it with worry.

Final Verdict

Yes, you can safely use a snowboarding helmet with a camera mount, provided you:

• Use a non-invasive, purpose-built mount.
• Follow the application instructions meticulously.
• Religiously inspect your setup.
• Never sacrifice your helmet’s integrity for a shot.

Your memories are priceless, but your safety is irreplaceable. Set up your gear with care, so you can focus on the feeling of the wind in your face and the thrill of the ride—knowing you’ve done everything to protect the adventure and yourself.