I was pretty excited when I discovered they make these.
You can get field replaceable buckles to replace "sewn in" side release or ladder style buckles. They come in various configurations with one or two pin side release, or 1 pin ladder release. I never knew.

I broke a ladder buckle on the side compression strap on one of my packs, and dreaded having to send it back to the manufacturer to rip the old seam on the webbing and re-sew a new buckle in. A couple of these are going in my repair kit, for sure. They could save a trip if a buckle breaks on a backpack strap in the middle of a long trip.

Joe

Appreciate this info; I need to replace a buckle on a pack and now do not have to hassle getting someone else to do it!

Frenchy, I'm a casual user of this site but I recognize your username and appreciate you participating in the discussions. Thought I'd try to add something useful too!
you can get 'em on amazon ebay rei etc...
Joe

joewildlife: "Frenchy, I'm a casual user of this site but I recognize your username and appreciate you participating in the discussions. Thought I'd try to add something useful too!
you can get 'em on amazon ebay rei etc...
Joe
"

Ordered one directly from SS yesterday along with a 2 liter dry bag. They have a promo going, so it was worth it. Only 5 bucks for flat shipping, and that is not bad! Again, thanks for the post!!

These really are great. When they first came out, I asked Midwest Mountaineering to order me some and they now stock them. I sew well, but it’s worth a few dollars to not have to deal.

joewildlife: "I was pretty excited when I discovered they make these.
You can get field replaceable buckles to replace "sewn in" side release or ladder style buckles. They come in various configurations with one or two pin side release, or 1 pin ladder release. I never knew.

I broke a ladder buckle on the side compression strap on one of my packs, and dreaded having to send it back to the manufacturer to rip the old seam on the webbing and re-sew a new buckle in. A couple of these are going in my repair kit, for sure. They could save a trip if a buckle breaks on a backpack strap in the middle of a long trip.

Joe
"

Well you just cost me some money but thanks for posting anyway.
Kidding. Will be buying a few.

Same idea different maker, Gear Aid has snap replaceable buckles. I have a few for repairs, never broke a buckle since buying them. I guess they work darn well!

butthead

Just noticed my latest dry bag from them come with the field replaceable buckle.

A lot of hardware stores stock the buckles (and strapping if you need it).

I could have used this on a backpacking trip to Isle Royale. I broke a buckle on my pack and had to make a quick repair. I had to take it to a sewing repair shop after the trip.