A ratchet buckle system including an elongate adjustment strap having a plurality of inclined teeth transverse to a length of the strap. A ratchet mechanism is provided for engaging the teeth of the adjustment strap. The ratchet mechanism has a lever having a first end for actuating the ratchet mechanism and a distal end having an adjustment pawl for selectively engaging the teeth of the adjustment strap. The lever is pivotally mounted on a first axis transverse to the adjustment strap. A release mechanism having a release button lever is recessed in an opening in the first end of the lever and a locking pawl distal from the release button adjacent the adjustment pawl of the lever. The release button lever is pivotally mounted on a second axis transverse to the adjustment strap for locking engagement of the locking pawl and teeth of the adjustment strap.