MOLLE Phone Mount for Vests and Backpacks

When it comes to budget-friendly gear, my expectations are usually tempered. I hope for something functional, but I usually brace for compromises in quality, durability, or ease of use. However, every now and then, a piece of gear comes along that defies my expectations. That’s my feelings with this MOLLE phone chest mount I found on Amazon. I am actually blown away by how solid it feels. From the first time I opened and handled it. It feels built well enough and could compete with some of the higher quality options on the market. (This Article was Updated after 1 year of original posting)
This MOLLE case is holding up to all the abuse I’ve put it through. I’ve worn it on multiple range trips, night hikes, and day hikes.

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I picked this mount up as an affordable alternative to higher-end brands like the Juggernaut Mount (I do plan on doing a review of that in the future). I was looking for a simple solution to securely hold a device during hikes, range trips and outdoor activities. This mount comes in right at $16 dollars making it cost 1/5 of the price of the ones it’s attempting to imitate. I was pleasantly surprised by its performance after hikes and range trips with it.

Why use a MOLLE phone mount?

Why mount a phone to your chest, backpack or gear? ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit), and CivTAK (Civilian Team Awareness Kit), is a key factor in why MOLLE phone mounts are standard on tactical gear now. ATAK is a spatial awareness application developed for military use, but now widely adopted by civilians. It runs on phones and tablets. ATAK creates a shared visual map for the entire team. It works by using a device’s GPS to transmit a user’s exact location to everyone else in real-time. Team members can instantly mark and share locations using icons and notes to highlight hazards or objectives. This live feed provides immediate awareness for everyone. ATAK is used by first responders, emergency services, civilian rescue groups, and some commercial services for coordination. Stay tuned, we plan on doing a full ATAK/CivTAK article soon. In the meantime you can read about it HERE.

Another good use case is getting footage while hiking hands free, or getting footage while at the shooting range. It’s also nice to have your phone secured somewhere not in your pockets. This mount makes it easy to mount it on your plate carrier, vests and backpacks. Keeping your device in your pocket might restrict movement such as crouching or going prone. Wearing a range belt or tactical belt may also obstruct standard pockets. Keeping your device elevated on your body is also wise if you need to wade through water that is waist or abdomen deep.

Civilian Usage for GPS and Maps

I wore this MOLLE mount attached to an H-harness during a recent night hike, and it was perfect for navigating with GPS and maps. Because it was dark and the terrain was unfamiliar, staying on course was critical to avoid racking up wasted miles. The mount meant I didn’t have to constantly dig my phone out of my pocket while wearing gloves, which were essential for keeping the bugs from eating my hands. Instead, I just flipped up my NOD monocular, flipped down the phone mount, and instantly had my route, remaining distance, and loop progress right in front of me to get back to the vehicle safely.

Build Quality & Design

Right out of the box, the mount feels more robust than expected for its price point. The materials, while aren’t sure exactly what they are, have a sturdy and reliable feel. The plastic components are reinforced enough to inspire confidence, and the straps and attachment points feel durable enough for regular use.

The clasping mechanism is secured by shock cord, and I haven’t encountered any issues with slippage or unexpected detachment. Adjustability is smooth, allowing for easy positioning of the phone. Whether you’re angling for hands-free navigation, recording, or simply keeping your phone accessible, it holds its position well without needing constant readjustments. There is a screw on the side that can be used to adjust tension on the hinge. Be careful not to over torque it as the screw is gripping the hard plastic and could strip out. The cutout for the phone camera could be larger. For our test phone (Pixel 3a) the camera lens doesn’t naturally sit right in the cutout window, it had to be pushed far to one side for the lens to not be obscured.

Performance on the Trail

For a budget-friendly phone mount, the performance has exceeded expectations. We attached it to a chest strap and took it out for several walks and hikes over varying terrain. So far, the mount has held up great. It keeps the phone secure without excessive movement, making it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and tactical users.

One of the standout aspects has been its value/reliability ratio. We’ve encountered no looseness or unexpected shifts, even after hours of movement. It stays locked in place and doesn’t require frequent adjustments, which is crucial when you’re focused on the trail ahead or engaged in an activity that requires both hands.

Ease of Use

One of the key selling points of any phone mount is how easily it integrates into your setup. This mount scores well in that regard. Attaching and detaching the phone is simple, with a straightforward rubber strap retention system that doesn’t require excessive force or fidgeting. You slip each corner of the phone under those rubber straps. The rubber contact points on the back side ensure the phone doesn’t move.

I also appreciate how lightweight it is. The mount alone is 4.3 oz. Heavier mounts can become a burden, especially on longer hikes, but this one is light enough that you barely notice it’s there.

Any Downsides?

Since the initial impressions review and the 1 year update, I haven’t encountered any major issues. However, as with any budget gear, long-term durability remains the biggest question mark. Will the plastic components hold up after months of consistent use? Will the locking mechanisms maintain their integrity over time? If this falls apart or starts to have issues I’ll be updating you with those details.

Final Thoughts on the MOLLE Phone Mount

At this price point, we weren’t expecting much beyond basic functionality. However, this tactical phone mount has proven to be a surprisingly reliable and well-built piece of gear. It’s easy to use, holds up well during hikes and range trips, and provides a stable mounting solution without breaking the bank.

We’ll continue putting it to the test in different environments and conditions, updating this review as we continue to test its long-term performance. But as of now, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone chest mount that delivers above its price tag, this one is definitely worth considering.

Stay tuned for updates as we push this MOLLE phone mount to its limits! It’s currently on our Everyday Carry Holiday Gift Guide