Abstract: A survival backpack system includes a main bag, and a pair of shoulder straps for mounting the main bag on a user's shoulders. The system includes a plurality of gear packs, all the same size, and each containing a different type of survival gear. The main bag forms a plurality of gear compartments, each slightly larger than each of the plurality of gear packs, each of the plurality of gear compartments being accessible through an opening in the top panel. A hydration compartment is accessible through an opening in the bottom panel, the hydration compartment being sized and shaped to receive a hydration pack therein.