What do you think will be the best bartering items when the SHTF?

**dalewick** · 06-01-2012, 01:39 AM

Hate to sound like a dumb a$$, but who are you planning on trading with and how soon. Will matter alot I would think as to whats wanted.
I would say skills first. If you can create knives, tools, etc. for trade out of available raw materials, you have trade items (as an example)
Short term trade:
food, clothing, shelter items (tarps, plastic,etc), fire, alcohol
Long term trade:
tools, alcohol, medicine, skills, spare parts for energy sources

Have to agree with some of the others, won't be trading away any weapons or ammo.
World Lesson #1. Those with the weapons make up the rules.

Dale

**Morgan101** · 06-01-2012, 12:33 PM

I don't know if Bic Lighters have a shelf life. I do know that I have had one in a BOB for 10 years. I checked it and it lit right up like it was brand new. The fluid level was still high, so it had not evaporated.

I have several Zippo lighters as well, but I will not use those to barter. IMHO the Zippos today are not as good as the old ones. I had one from 1971 that I carried for thirty plus years before it was confiscated by the airlines. Best lighter I ever had. Today's models seem to leak fluid, and don't hold nearly as much. It seems like you have to fill them much more often. Also with Zippos you need fluid and flint, both of which I have stocked.

I also have butane lighters and extra butane, but again, not to barter. These are keepers.

**wac220** · 06-01-2012, 11:13 PM

Thanks for the Info. That is why I keep coming back. Everybody has seen something unique and I am trying to pick all of your brains.

**ZAGran** · 06-22-2012, 08:06 PM

Since your post started with number 5 I don't know if this was on your list but plain old ordinary SALT should be up toward the top. Flavor for food - to preserve food - for wounds and electrolite balance. Of course for barter I would stick to small amounts. You would be suprised what people on a saltless diet would give for a 1 lb box of Morton's.

**Chefsimms** · 06-23-2012, 06:15 PM

I think ammo, booze, and food will be of the most value…but I doubt weather I would trade any of it, unless it is for something I really need. I think guns and ammo are better than investing in the stock market right now.

**Morgan101** · 06-26-2012, 07:27 PM

Always be cautious about bartering with ammo or weapons. You don't want to trade away what might be used against you later. IMHO.

**tunaguy** · 06-28-2012, 10:05 AM

My personal thought, short term would be communication. Not knowing what is going on or how your family is would drive me crazy. If not for Family (kids -grandkids) Knowing they are alright would (could) make someone do dumb things trying to find out or leave to help them when you should stay put. This may be more of an urban thing but my whole being is to help and protect my Family- even if they will not listen now and are so busy trying to raise a family in these very hard times.

**Flyflinger** · 06-29-2012, 10:45 PM

I think it would depend on your location and how long it has been since the SHTF. In my case it would be salt for a number of reasons. To dry food and keep the flies off of it but you could also use ground mint for that. To preserve food by fermentation, sauerkraut is an example but almost any vegetable will work and last for months, which if you have not looked into that process you are overlooking a valuable resource. Easy to store and cheap, you can buy a 50lb salt block for a few dollars. You can entice animals to come to an area with the smell of salt.