An opinion on Barter Items

We have had a question come to us about items to keep on hand in large quantities or bulk to use as barter items. The following is a list of some items that would be very beneficial to have, barter or not. The question also came with a concern about ridicule and mockery regarding preparing. I would like to express that the readers should feel comfortable to express his/her views without concern. The choice to engage in preparing your family and yourself should be empowering and should be taken seriously. This list is not all encompassing but it may be a good start.

Let the list begin.


Ammo, Ammo, Ammo. I can't express how important the need for ammunition would be in a SHTF scenario. Ammunition will be worth its weight in precious metals. Commonplace caliber such as .45 acp, 9mm, .308, .22 and 12 gauge will be highly sought after. Also bear in mind that if you don't shoot 9mm someone else might. Bulk ammo can be stored in a relatively small area. Also think of other ammo related items such as extra magazines or gun cleaning and gun smithing items. You could barter cleaning or repairing others guns.

Fire. Lighters, matches, magnesium blocks and fire steels could be great items for barter. Fire, as you well know will be extremely important to survival. Lamp oil, kerosene, and lighter fluid will also be in high demand. Consider items such as Zippo style lighters, they are inexpensive to refill, have a removable flint and the cotton wadding could be used to start wet tinder. The replacement flints and the lighter fluid could be barter items. Disposable lighters are great but they are just that disposable.

Water. Consider items that can be used to collect, filter and purify water. Items such as iodine tablets could be purchased in bulk and stored in a small area. Pool shock to treat larger quantities of water is a suggestion. Water filters, sand, and charcoal elements could also be useful. Pots and buckets for collecting and boiling water would be high demand items.

First Aid items. Band Aids, gauze, neosporin and pain relievers should be at the top of the list. Also items such as medical tape could be needs. Sunscreen, soap, toothbrushes, baby powder and baking soda would work for barter. Baking soda has many uses including as a toothpaste. Bug repellant, disposable razors and feminine products would be valuable. Scissors, fingernail clippers and files may also be sought after items.

Light: I have already mentioned fire but fire can only make so much light. Headlamps, flashlights, candles and lanterns would be items of interest. The wind-up type flashlights would be excellent. Extra rechargeable batteries and lamp oil, camping fuel or propane would be great additions to your stores.

Tools/Knives. Now I don't know how much I would barter my tools away, but with proper management tools could be loaned. I have 1st hand experience with loaning tools and having to "borrow" them back, not a good situation. The situation could also be very beneficial due to the knowledge that can be gained from the person that needs the tools. Tools are very expensive and can take up a lot of room. Having the right tools could be a tough propostion, but having useful tools and keeping them maintained could pay huge dividends in life in the unknown.

Food Items. Another item that could be scary items to let go. The problem comes with how much do I barter away, how much do I keep or how much will I need. Items such as salt, pepper, flour, and rice can be easily stored. Spices and pepper sauces such as Tabasco could also be great items. Packages of drink mixes and dried soup mixes, beans and other vegetables would be good. Also the prospect of being able to grow your own food would be great. Seeds can be easily stored and a lot can fit in a small area. Coffee and possibly tea would be highly prized items.

Alcohol. This might sound strange but alcohol will be a very valuable commodity. Alcohol, especially the higher proof grain alcohols have so many uses other than an interesting evening. Alcohol can be used as a disinfectant as well as an anesthetic. It can be used to start fires and as a defensive tool. It can also be used to calm frayed nerves when things are at their toughest. It could be bartered in small quantities. The easy way to purchase could perhaps be in the "airplane" bottles or the small pint sizes. It is also relatively inexpensive and can be stored for a long time.

Comfort Items. Another extensive list of items. Books, games, and cards could be good for both barter and to keep us entertained on bored days. Think about things that make you feel comfortable and feel at home and use that as a primer for your stores. This may be a strange one, but tobacco products could be a barter bonanza. Pipe tobacco and cigarette tobacco bought in small tins bartered a small amount at a time could keep people happy and ready to barter.

Knowledge. The best barter item that I can think of is the knowledge and skills that can be obtained from any number of sources. The internet, books, field manuals and "on the job training" can not only be bartered away, but passed on for generations. Some of the skills and knowledge that I have are things that were passed down to me from my father and grandfather. They are the basis from which I grow and adapt. To have knowledge or skills that others need will be invaluable as a barter item. Gardening knowledge, Mechanical ability, First Aid and Construction knowledge could be as useful as any item that could be bartered away. I don't think that you could ever have enough knowledge of things that could potentially save lives. Stock up on lots of knowledge because it will give you a powerful barter item.