Backcountry Squatters

Backcountry Squatters is for women and non-binary students who love the outdoors. Lead and grow in outdoor spaces.

Why you should join: University chapter groups, virtual and in-person events, carpool buddies and advice, ProDeals and DEI and technical skills education from a national nonprofit.

The one-liner

A nonprofit's Mighty Networks app connecting college outdoor chapters for women and non-binary adventurers.

What they actually sell

Backcountry Squatters lives on Mighty Networks. Its public pitch: "Empowering Tomorrow's Outdoor Leaders." The public page does not spell out a join price. Backcountry Squatters is a 501c3 nonprofit with chapters at universities across the US. The app lets members join their chapter, plan events, find carpool buddies, ask for advice, message people met on trips and access ProDeals. Each chapter has its own group, members can browse other chapters, and an alumni network keeps graduates linked. The Mighty Networks door is the main public surface.

Who pays and why

Women and non-binary students in university outdoor chapters, and alumni. They want an inclusive outdoor community and leadership opportunities. They come for chapter groups, events, carpool help and gear deals.

Where the members come from

Members come from the university chapters themselves, so campus recruitment and chapter events are the main feeder.

What's holding it back

Activity depends on student leaders, who change every year, so chapters can go quiet quickly. The page is also aimed at people already in a chapter, so a student at a university without one has no obvious way in. Funding for a nonprofit app like this is not explained either, which leaves its future tied to donations and volunteers.

Steal this

Give each local chapter its own space inside one app, so members get both local and national community.

Would this work in another niche?

Yes for any campus-based movement, such as climbing clubs. Weak without a chapter structure.