Double sided tape can hold a camera mount to a helmet, but success depends on the type of tape, surface prep, and riding conditions. While convenient and affordable, it may fail under extreme heat, moisture, or high-speed impacts. For best results, use high-quality automotive-grade tape and reinforce with mechanical fasteners when possible.
This is a comprehensive guide about will double sided tape hold camera mount to helmet.
Key Takeaways
- Double sided tape can work temporarily: It’s a quick, tool-free solution for mounting cameras on helmets, especially for casual use or indoor filming.
- Surface preparation is critical: Clean, dry, and smooth surfaces ensure maximum adhesion and reduce the risk of the mount falling off.
- Not all tapes are created equal: Standard office or craft tapes fail quickly; opt for high-bond, weather-resistant tapes like 3M VHB for better durability.
- Environmental factors matter: Heat, cold, rain, and vibration can weaken adhesive bonds over time, especially at high speeds or during crashes.
- Reinforcement improves safety: Combining tape with straps, screws, or clamps adds security and peace of mind during intense activities.
- Regular inspection is essential: Check the mount before every ride to catch early signs of loosening or wear.
- Helmet type affects adhesion: Smooth polycarbonate or composite shells work best; textured or matte finishes may reduce grip.
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Will Double Sided Tape Hold Camera Mount to Helmet?
So, you’ve got a cool action camera—maybe a GoPro, DJI, or Insta360—and you want to capture your rides, whether you’re shredding trails on a mountain bike, carving up asphalt on a motorcycle, or soaring through the sky on a paraglider. You’ve seen people with cameras mounted right on their helmets, and it looks awesome. But here’s the million-dollar question: can you just slap it on with double sided tape and call it a day?
The short answer? Yes, it can work—but with major caveats. Double sided tape is a popular DIY solution because it’s cheap, easy to find, and doesn’t require drilling holes into your helmet (which could compromise its safety). But while it might hold up for a slow ride around the neighborhood, it’s not always reliable for high-speed, high-impact, or long-duration use.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using double sided tape to mount a camera to your helmet. We’ll cover how it works, when it’s safe, what types of tape to use, and how to maximize your chances of a secure, long-lasting hold. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional content creator, this info will help you make smart, safe decisions.
How Double Sided Tape Works for Camera Mounts
At its core, double sided tape is just adhesive on both sides of a carrier material—usually foam, film, or paper. When you press it between two surfaces, it bonds them together. For camera mounts, the idea is simple: stick one side to the helmet, the other to the mount, and voilà—your camera is attached.
But here’s the catch: adhesion isn’t magic. It depends on several factors, including the quality of the tape, the surface it’s applied to, and the forces acting on it. A camera mount isn’t just sitting there—it’s exposed to wind resistance, vibrations, sudden movements, and sometimes impacts. All of these can weaken the bond over time.
Types of Double Sided Tape
Not all double sided tapes are built the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of common types and how they perform:
- Foam tape (e.g., 3M VHB): This is the gold standard for outdoor and high-stress applications. It’s thick, flexible, and designed to absorb shock and resist weather. Great for helmets.
- Acrylic film tape: Thin and strong, but less forgiving on uneven surfaces. Best for smooth, flat areas.
- Paper or cloth tape: Common in craft stores. Cheap and weak—avoid for anything safety-related.
- Removable adhesive strips: Like Command Strips. Convenient for temporary use, but not meant for high loads or outdoor exposure.
For helmet mounting, foam-based tapes—especially high-bond varieties—are your best bet. They conform to slight curves, resist moisture, and maintain grip under stress.
How Adhesion Works
Adhesion isn’t just about stickiness—it’s about molecular attraction. The tape forms a bond with the surface at a microscopic level. But that bond can be disrupted by:
- Contaminants (dirt, oil, wax)
- Moisture
- Temperature extremes
- Surface texture (too rough or too smooth)
That’s why surface prep is so important. Even the best tape won’t stick to a greasy or dusty helmet.
Pros and Cons of Using Double Sided Tape
Before you grab that roll of tape, let’s weigh the good and the bad.
Advantages
- Easy and tool-free: No drilling, no screws, no permanent changes to your helmet.
- Lightweight: Adds almost no extra weight, which is crucial for comfort during long rides.
- Reversible (sometimes): High-quality tapes like 3M VHB can often be removed without damaging the helmet, especially if done carefully.
- Cost-effective: A roll of good tape costs far less than a dedicated mount system.
- Clean look: No visible hardware—just a sleek camera sitting flush on your helmet.
Disadvantages
- Risk of failure: Tape can peel, slip, or detach unexpectedly, especially in hot or wet conditions.
- Not crash-proof: In a fall, the camera could fly off, creating a hazard or losing your footage.
- Weather sensitivity: Heat softens adhesives; cold makes them brittle. Rain and humidity weaken bonds.
- Uneven surfaces: Helmets aren’t perfectly flat. Tape may not make full contact on curved or textured areas.
- Long-term degradation: Over time, UV exposure and oxidation can break down the adhesive.
So while double sided tape is convenient, it’s not always the safest or most reliable option—especially for high-risk activities.
When Double Sided Tape Is Safe (and When It’s Not)
Not all riding scenarios are created equal. Your risk level depends on speed, terrain, weather, and how much you value your camera (and your safety).
Safe Use Cases
- Casual cycling or commuting: Low speeds, short durations, and predictable conditions make tape a reasonable choice.
- Indoor filming: No wind, no rain, no crashes—ideal for testing setups or recording tutorials.
- Lightweight cameras: Small action cams (under 100g) put less stress on the bond than heavier rigs.
- Short-term use: Using tape for a weekend trip or a single event? Probably fine with proper prep.
When to Avoid Tape
- High-speed riding (motorcycles, e-bikes): Wind force increases exponentially with speed. At 60 mph, even a small camera can act like a sail.
- Off-road or extreme sports: Mountain biking, motocross, or skiing involve constant vibration and impact—tape may not hold.
- Wet or humid environments: Rain, snow, or sweat can seep under the tape and weaken the bond.
- Hot climates: Direct sun can heat the helmet surface to over 140°F (60°C), softening many adhesives.
- Valuable or irreplaceable footage: If losing the camera would be a disaster, don’t rely solely on tape.
Bottom line: tape is a temporary or low-risk solution. For anything more intense, consider reinforcing it or using a mechanical mount.
Best Practices for Using Double Sided Tape on Helmets
If you decide to go the tape route, do it right. These tips will help maximize adhesion and minimize the risk of failure.
1. Choose the Right Tape
Go for high-bond, weather-resistant tape. Our top recommendations:
- 3M VHB Tape (Extreme Duty or Outdoor): Industry standard for outdoor mounting. Comes in various thicknesses and strengths.
- Scotch Outdoor Mounting Tape: Affordable alternative with good weather resistance.
- Gorilla Heavy Duty Double Sided Tape: Strong hold, but harder to remove cleanly.
Avoid generic or “multi-surface” tapes—they’re not built for this kind of stress.
2. Prepare the Surface
This step is non-negotiable. Even the best tape won’t stick to a dirty helmet.
- Wash the helmet with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry completely with a lint-free cloth.
- Wipe the area with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) to remove oils and residues.
- Let it dry for at least 5 minutes before applying tape.
Pro tip: Use a cotton swab to clean hard-to-reach edges or vents near the mount area.
3. Apply the Tape Correctly
- Cut the tape to size—slightly smaller than the mount base to avoid peeling edges.
- Peel one side and press firmly onto the helmet. Use a roller or credit card to remove air bubbles.
- Peel the other side and attach the mount. Press down with firm, even pressure for 30 seconds.
- Let it cure for at least 24 hours before use. Adhesives often reach full strength over time.
4. Reinforce When Possible
Even with great tape, adding a backup is smart.
- Use a safety leash: Attach a thin cord from the camera to the helmet strap or D-ring.
- Add a strap mount: Some mounts have built-in strap slots—use them!
- Combine with a clamp: For curved helmets, a flexible clamp can hold the mount while tape handles the rest.
5. Inspect Regularly
Before every ride, do a quick check:
- Gently tug the mount. It shouldn’t move.
- Look for peeling edges or discoloration (signs of heat damage).
- Check for cracks or warping in the tape.
If anything looks off, reapply or switch to a more secure method.
Alternative Mounting Methods (and Why They’re Better)
While double sided tape is convenient, it’s not the only—or best—option. Here are some alternatives that offer greater security.
Helmet-Specific Mounts
Many brands sell mounts designed for specific helmet models. These often use:
- Adhesive bases with mechanical locks: The base sticks with tape, but the camera clicks into a locking mechanism.
- Strap systems: Webbing wraps around the helmet and tightens with buckles—no glue needed.
- Suction cups: Work on smooth surfaces, but can fail under vibration or heat.
Examples: GoPro Helmet Front + Side Mount, RAM Mounts, and Peak Design Capture.
Drilling (Yes, Really)
We know—drilling into a helmet sounds scary. But if done correctly, it doesn’t compromise safety. Modern helmets are designed with layered shells, and small, properly placed holes in non-critical areas (like the side or rear) are generally safe.
- Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw.
- Go slow to avoid cracking the shell.
- Seal the hole with epoxy or rubber grommet to prevent moisture ingress.
- Only drill if you’re confident and the helmet is not under warranty.
This method provides the strongest hold and is common among professional riders.
Hybrid Solutions
Why choose? Combine tape with another method:
- Tape + strap: Use tape for initial hold, then wrap a strap around the mount and helmet.
- Tape + clamp: A flexible clamp grips the helmet edge while tape stabilizes the base.
- Tape + suction: For smooth helmets, a suction cup with tape backup adds redundancy.
These hybrids give you the best of both worlds: easy installation and serious security.
Real-World Examples and User Experiences
Let’s hear from people who’ve tried it.
Case Study 1: Weekend Cyclist
Sarah, a casual rider in Portland, used 3M VHB tape to mount her GoPro to her road helmet. She cleaned the surface with alcohol, applied the tape, and waited 24 hours. For six months, it held through rain, wind, and daily commutes. She only removed it when switching helmets—and the residue came off with Goo Gone.
Case Study 2: Mountain Biker
Jake, an avid trail rider, tried tape on his full-face MTB helmet. It held for two rides—then peeled off during a fast descent. He switched to a strap-mounted system and hasn’t looked back. “The tape looked clean,” he said, “but the vibration just worked it loose.”
Case Study 3: Motorcyclist
Raj mounted his camera with tape on his motorcycle helmet. After a 200-mile highway trip in 90°F heat, the mount was dangling by one corner. “The sun baked the adhesive,” he realized. He now uses a drilled mount with a locking mechanism.
These stories show a clear pattern: tape works for low-stress use, but fails under pressure.
Final Thoughts: Is Double Sided Tape Enough?
So, will double sided tape hold a camera mount to a helmet? The answer is: it can—but only under the right conditions.
For casual, low-speed, short-duration use, high-quality tape like 3M VHB is a viable, non-invasive option. It’s easy, clean, and reversible. But if you’re riding fast, riding hard, or relying on that footage, don’t trust your camera to tape alone.
Invest in proper prep, use the best materials, and always have a backup plan. Whether that’s a safety leash, a strap, or a drilled mount, redundancy saves rides—and cameras.
Remember: your helmet protects your head. Don’t compromise its integrity or your safety for the sake of convenience. When in doubt, go mechanical.
And if you do use tape, treat it like a temporary solution. Check it often, respect its limits, and upgrade when your needs grow.
Because at the end of the day, the best mount is the one that keeps your camera safe—and your adventures captured.
FAQs
Can I use regular double sided tape for my camera mount?
No, regular office or craft tape isn’t strong or weather-resistant enough. It can fail quickly under heat, moisture, or vibration. Always use high-bond, outdoor-rated tape like 3M VHB for safety and reliability.
Will double sided tape damage my helmet?
High-quality tapes like 3M VHB are designed to be removable without damaging most helmet shells. However, improper removal (e.g., pulling too fast) can leave residue or, in rare cases, lift paint. Always test a small area first and use adhesive removers if needed.
How long does double sided tape last on a helmet?
With proper application and care, it can last months—even years—for light use. But exposure to sun, rain, and heat will degrade the adhesive over time. Inspect it regularly and replace it if you notice peeling or weakening.
Can I use tape on a textured or matte helmet?
It’s possible, but adhesion will be weaker. Textured surfaces reduce contact area. Lightly sanding the area with fine-grit sandpaper (220+) can help, but avoid damaging the helmet shell. A smooth, clean surface always works best.
What’s the strongest double sided tape for helmets?
3M VHB Extreme Duty or Outdoor Mounting Tape is the top choice. It’s used in automotive and industrial applications and can withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and vibration when applied correctly.
Should I use tape if I’m riding in the rain?
Tape alone is risky in wet conditions. Water can seep under the edges and weaken the bond. If you must use tape, choose a waterproof variety and consider adding a silicone sealant around the edges or using a protective cover over the mount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is will double sided tape hold camera mount to helmet?
will double sided tape hold camera mount to helmet is an important topic with many practical applications.