I have tried all kinds of bags and in the end always go back to the ebags Weekender. My only complaint is the external compression strap buckles which seem to be very flimsy and don't hold that well. Any suggestions as to where I could find replacement male and female buckle components and couldn't any shoe shop replace these components if I can find them?

Try REI or another sports store.

You don't have a profile so I don't know where you are but the Academy stores in Texas carry these things in the camping section. Also, they can be ordered online at any kayak outfitting shop like kayakone. I bought the strap material and the buckles (they have different widths so measure your straps) for a strap to go over the hatch on my kayak.

Any competent shoe shop or outdoor repair shop can fix your buckle, and may have them on hand for instant gratification. With a shoe shop, it is important to ask what kind of thread they will be using to attach the new item. They don't know? Don't use them.

Check with your closest outdoor/hiking shop for their recommended repair shop. None close? Can't find the buckle locally? For mail-order, try this site: seattlefabrics.com. If you have a tape measure and the bag on hand, it helps when you call. I've been getting stuff from them for many years now, and have never been disappointed with their service.

If the shipping hurts for one buckle, maybe you could go in with other travelers/hikers/climbers and make a joint order, since SF has so many items.

FYI: This is where I get my Cordura to make matching stuff sacks for my Red Oxx items. If you have Cordura bags, the Royal Blue 1000 Cordura at Seattle Fabrics is the same as Mariner Red Oxx and Sapphire Tom Bihn (I have both).

Also, perusing the offerings at Seattle Fabrics often leaves many travelers with the 'I can make THAT' idea. Yes, you can, sort of. Seattle Fabrics has lots of patterns you can view online; if you can't find a bag you like premade, maybe you can sew one. I will mention that I can sew, used to do it professionally, but unless you know what you're doing, if you are using a standard sewing machine, most people would be much happier if they BOUGHT a bag from someone else. But making a simple accessory is not that hard!

If you decide to make a full-blown bag with all your wanted bells and whistles, feel free, but if you are making a multi-layered Cordura (or, shudder, Ballistic) bag, without using an industrial, you do so at your lightweight sewing machine's peril.

(So, if the machine's not your very own, DON'T you DARE.........)