Some accessories are better made than others, and prices range from off-the-charts expensive to extremely affordable. But if you consider yourself the MacGyver type and want to save some money along the way, this clever little DIY Backpack Strap Mount might be just the project for you.
Created by Kyle Martin, this little contraptions costs mere pennies and could probably be made with scrap pieces of hardware you have lying around the house. Below are the required components to make the backpack strap:
- (1) Hard plastic material (cut to the width of your backpack’s shoulder strap)
- (2) 1-1/4 X 20 round head bolt
- (2) 1/4 x 20 nut
- (2) 1/4 x 20 wing nut
- (1) Flat GoPro Adhesive Mount
Once you have the required pieces, it’s time to get out the tools needed to construct it. Below is a list of tools Martin uses for his project:
- Measuring tape
- Pliers
- Saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Marker
When everything is ready to go, it’s on to making the actual strap. For the hard plastic backing, Martin opted for a thin plastic cutting board he acquired from his local dollar store. You can follow his method or simply use an old piece of plastic you have in the garage.
Whatever you use, measure out two pieces large enough to wrap around your backpack’s shoulder strap and cut the material to the appropriate size. Martin doesn’t mention this, but you could use a scrap piece of sandpaper to smooth down the edges to give the strap a cleaner look and prevent the hard edges from scratching you or your clothes during your adventures.
Once you have the two pieces, mark off where you need to drill the holes for the bolts and drill accordingly with a 1/4-inch drill bit. Thread the bolts through the two holes, add the spacing nuts on the opposite side of the bolt head, then place the other piece of plastic on top and add the wing nuts.
The final step is to attach the GoPro Adhesive Mount to the front of your new strap. Once you’ve attached it and let it securely adhere, you’re good to go.
Taking into account the need for a dollar store cutting board and a flat GoPro Adhesive Mount, the project shouldn’t cost you more than $10–15 to make, tops. If you find the time to make this project, we’d love to see your results posted in the comments below.
