Buckingham Retrofit Suspenders

Buckingham retrofit suspenders add a set of shoulder straps to a compatible Buckingham saddle, taking some of the weight of saws and hardware off your hips. They suit climbers who carry a full kit and want the saddle to stay in place.

When suspenders help

Saws, a flipline, carabiners and a hand saw add up. Hung from a waist belt all day, that weight pulls the saddle down and presses on your hips. Suspenders lift some of it onto your shoulders and keep the saddle from sagging.

Climbers who spend long days on spurs during removals often notice the difference most.

They also make it easier to get a heavy saddle on and off, since the straps hold it in place while you buckle up. For climbers who carry a lot of hardware, that small change makes the start and end of each climb a bit easier. They are simple to remove on days when you climb light and do not need the extra support, so there is little downside to having a set in the gear bag. Check that the straps do not rub against your saw lanyard while you work.

Fitting and inspection

Attach the suspenders as Buckingham describes and adjust them so they carry weight without lifting the saddle out of position. Confirm your saddle model is compatible.

Inspect straps and attachment points before every climb. They are for support and comfort, not fall arrest. Saddles are life support, so use one within the maker's instructions and ANSI Z133 practice, inspect it before every climb and get trained. Find more saddle parts.