#251 Joe Gauvain - United States Coast Guard / Drifter Hydration
Watch the episode here
Listen to the podcast here
Joe Gauvain - is an active-duty Chief in the United States Coast Guard and the co-founder of Drifter Hydration, an innovative hydration system built for the toughest environments on earth. Throughout his Coast Guard career, Joe has been stationed in multiple locations around the globe, spending much of his service in the rugged, unforgiving terrain & seas of the northwest and Alaska, where resilience, preparedness, and durability are not optional—they’re survival. An avid outdoorsman and dedicated backcountry hunter, Joe has spent years pushing deep into remote wilderness, often hunting animals at high altitude in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. Through those experiences, he repeatedly encountered the limitations and failures of traditional hydration systems used by hunters, mountaineers, and expedition travelers. Drawing from his operational experience in the Coast Guard and countless days in the backcountry, Joe helped develop what would become the Drifter Hydration System—a rugged, durable alternative to the traditional water bladder. Built to withstand extreme environments, the system has quickly become a trusted tool for serious backcountry hunters, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes who demand reliability when they’re far from civilization. Joe Gauvain joins Bobby Marshall in studio on The Mountain Side Podcast to talk about life in the Coast Guard & what led him to join the US Coast Guard, operating in Alaska, backcountry hunting, innovation in the outdoor industry, and how hard-earned lessons in the wild helped shape a product that’s redefining hydration for those who truly like to get after it.
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In the latest episode of The Mountain Side Podcast, we sit down with Joe Gauvain, an influential figure in the outdoor space and co-founder of Drifter Hydration. Joe’s extensive experience as an active duty chief in the United States Coast Guard, coupled with his passion for the outdoors, hunting, and innovation, has led to the creation of a groundbreaking product for backcountry enthusiasts.
Joe Gauvain is not your average outdoorsman. When he’s not serving his country in the Coast Guard, Joe spends a significant amount of time in the backcountry, pursuing epic hunts and pushing the boundaries of outdoor innovation through Drifter Hydration. In this episode, we dive deep into Joe's journey, the challenges he's faced, and the innovative solutions he's brought to the outdoor market.
The Journey to Drifter Hydration Joe’s journey into creating Drifter Hydration was driven by personal challenges he faced during backcountry expeditions. The idea sparked during a whitetail hunt in Oklahoma with his co-founder, Ross, where they encountered issues with traditional hydration systems. They envisioned a product that combined the best features of Nalgene water bottles and bladders, focusing on durability and ease of use.
Revolutionary Hydration Solutions Drifter Hydration is not just another product on the market; it's a game-changer for hikers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Joe highlighted the importance of having a reliable hydration system, especially in challenging terrains where other systems fail. The rigid design, coupled with an innovative hand pump and filtration features, ensures that adventurers can stay hydrated without the hassle and failures of traditional systems.
The Backcountry Experience Joe emphasizes the spiritual and primal connection he feels in the mountains, a sentiment many outdoor enthusiasts can relate to. He discusses the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the mental clarity achieved during backcountry hunts. Joe’s approach to hunting is not just about the chase but about the entire journey, including the lessons learned and the personal growth achieved.
Drifter Hydration at Mile High Hunt Expo. For those attending the Mile High Hunt Expo, Joe and the Drifter Hydration team will be showcasing their innovative products at booth 435. The Expo is an excellent opportunity for attendees to firsthand experience the features that make Drifter Hydration an essential part of backcountry adventures.
Drifter Hydration embodies the spirit of innovation through necessity and passion. Joe Gauvain's dedication to enhancing backcountry experiences is evident in the thoughtful design and functionality of Drifter Hydration products. Whether you are a seasoned hunter, hiker, or someone who simply loves the outdoors, Drifter Hydration offers a reliable and innovative solution to stay hydrated on your adventures. For more insights into Joe Gauvain’s journey, the innovations at Drifter Hydration, and the wonderful world of backcountry hunting, be sure to catch the full episode on The Mountain Side Podcast. --- To learn more about Drifter Hydration, visit their [website](https://drifterhydration.com) or follow their journey on [Instagram](https://instagram.com/drifterhydration).