Top 17 Barter Items During SHTF

During disasters, traditional currency might lose its value, and bartering could become the primary means of trade. In such situations, certain items will become highly valuable due to their utility, scarcity, and demand.

GEAR & TOOLS

9/3/20247 min read

people in a bunker trading barter items during a disaster

17 Barter Items During SHTF

When a SHTF (Sh*t Hits The Fan) scenario unfolds, traditional currency might lose its value, and bartering could become the primary means of trade. In such situations, certain items will become highly valuable due to their utility, scarcity, and demand. Below are the top 17 most valuable barter items to have on hand once SHTF starts.

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It wasn’t long ago when I worked with a client—a pragmatic sort, deeply concerned about the growing uncertainties of our era—who tasked me with helping to create a plan for self-sustainability. As we assessed the priorities, from securing long-term water and food to fortifying shelter, one point struck me like a well-delivered tactical briefing: the need to stock up on barter items. My experiences working with individuals like this, combined with a lifetime of studying logistics and human behavior, revealed something crucial. In times of crisis, tangible resources often hold more power than paper money, and the ability to barter becomes as essential as the air you breathe.

When society begins to teeter, the dynamics of value shift. You might find that a single pack of batteries or a jar of honey carries more weight than a pocketful of cash. Barter items are the currency of survival, and the right ones can bridge the gap between mere existence and the semblance of a functional life. History has proven this time and again. Look at the fall of major empires or the aftermath of natural disasters. In each instance, it wasn’t the minted coins or printed bills that kept people afloat; it was what they could trade to meet their needs.

Consider what people will want when resources run thin. Luxuries fade quickly, replaced by the essentials of comfort and survival. Items like over-the-counter medications, lighters, feminine hygiene products, and basic tools become treasures in their own right. This isn’t about hoarding; it’s about foresight. The ability to stockpile items that others may need doesn’t just give you an edge—it makes you indispensable in a fractured world. Picture it as an economic strategy even during hyperinflation planning, for a society turned upside-down, where the rules of commerce hinge on need and availability rather than established monetary systems.

Strategic thinking is the backbone of successful preparedness. Diversifying your stockpile ensures you’re equipped to trade with different types of people in varying scenarios. It’s not enough to have one type of item in abundance; flexibility is key. A savvy survivor understands the psychology behind trade and knows that someone with a hungry family will prioritize food over almost anything else, while a mechanic might value spare tools above all. Tailoring your inventory to meet diverse needs transforms you into a linchpin for community survival.

But stockpiling barter items isn’t just about the tangible goods; it’s about understanding human nature. Desperation alters people, often bringing out both their resourcefulness and their ruthlessness. When the time comes to barter, the goods you offer are only half the equation. Your ability to negotiate, to read a situation and adapt, could mean the difference between a mutually beneficial trade and a dangerous confrontation. This is where preparation extends beyond the physical and into the mental realm—knowing when to stand firm and when to offer a compromise.

There’s another layer to this strategy, one often overlooked by the unseasoned. Relationships matter. In the chaos of a societal breakdown, trust becomes a rare and valuable commodity. Building a reputation as someone who is fair and reliable in trade can safeguard you against hostility. Even in times of desperation, people gravitate toward those they perceive as allies rather than adversaries. Bartering isn’t just transactional; it’s a form of diplomacy.

In my work, I’ve encountered individuals who dismissed the idea of barter items, believing their stockpile of cash or gold would suffice. But when I’ve pressed them—asked them to imagine the desperation in a community where food has vanished from the shelves and fuel has run dry—I’ve seen the realization dawn. Gold might shine, but it won’t light a fire or purify water. It’s the small, practical items that hold the real value when the fabric of society frays.

I’ve come to view bartering as more than just a survival tactic. It’s a skill, a mindset, and an art form. It’s about preparation, yes, but also about adaptability and resilience. It’s about understanding that value is fluid and that in the most trying times, survival hinges on more than what you have—it hinges on what you’re willing to trade.

1. Food and Water

Food and water are the most critical resources during any crisis. Non-perishable food items like canned goods, rice, beans, and dehydrated meals will be in high demand. Clean water, or the means to purify it, such as water filters or purification tablets, will be even more valuable as access to clean water may be limited.

Why Valuable:

Essential for survival.
Limited availability in a prolonged crisis.

2. Medical Supplies to Hoard

First aid kits, pain relievers, antibiotics, antiseptics, bandages, and other medical supplies will be indispensable. With healthcare services potentially disrupted, having access to basic medical supplies can be life-saving and a highly sought-after trade item.

Why Valuable:

Essential for treating injuries and illnesses.
Can save lives, making them highly desirable.

3. Ammunition

In a world where security might be compromised, ammunition for firearms will be incredibly valuable. People will need it for protection, hunting, and self-defense, making it one of the top barter items.

Why Valuable:

Essential for self-defense and hunting.
Difficult to manufacture on your own.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol, particularly spirits like vodka or whiskey, can be used for both consumption and as a disinfectant. It has a long shelf life and can serve as a comfort item, making it a prime barter item during tough times.

Why Valuable:

Multifunctional (consumption, sanitation).
Long shelf life and high demand.

5. Tobacco

Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and loose tobacco, will be in high demand as stress levels rise during a crisis. Smokers will value these items highly, and they could become a significant barter currency.

Why Valuable:

Habit-forming, leading to high demand.
Easy to store and trade in small amounts.

6. Fuel

Fuel, including gasoline, diesel, and propane, will be critical for transportation, generators, and heating. As fuel supplies diminish, its value will increase exponentially, making it a powerful barter commodity.

Why Valuable:

Essential for transportation, power, and heating.
Difficult to acquire and store in large quantities.

7. Batteries

Batteries will be crucial for powering flashlights, radios, and other essential devices. Alkaline, lithium, and rechargeable batteries will all be in demand, with rechargeable ones being particularly valuable if solar charging is possible.

Why Valuable:

Essential for powering devices.
Long shelf life and portable.

8. Hygiene Products (DIY too)

Hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper will be highly sought after as they run out. Cleanliness will be a priority to prevent disease, making these items essential for barter.

Why Valuable:

Essential for maintaining health and hygiene.
High demand, especially as supplies dwindle.

9. Tools

Hand tools, multi-tools, knives, and other equipment will be invaluable for building, repairing, and survival tasks. High-quality tools that are durable and versatile will be particularly prized.

Why Valuable:

Necessary for construction and repairs.
Durable and useful in many scenarios.

10. Seeds

Seeds for growing food will become increasingly important as people look to sustain themselves long-term. Heirloom seeds, which can be saved and replanted each year, will be particularly valuable.

Why Valuable:

Essential for growing food.
Renewable resource if heirloom varieties are used.

11. DIY Candles and Matches

Candles and matches will be vital for lighting and starting fires, especially if the power grid is down. Long-burning candles and waterproof matches will be particularly sought after.

Why Valuable:

Essential for lighting and fire-starting.
Portable and easy to store.

12. Clothing and Footwear

Durable clothing, especially items like boots, jackets, gloves, and thermal wear, will be important for staying warm and protected. These items will wear out over time, making new or gently used clothing valuable trade goods.

Why Valuable:

Essential for protection from the elements.
High demand as items wear out.

13. Fishing Gear

Fishing equipment like rods, reels, hooks, and nets will be valuable for those living near water sources. The ability to catch fish for food will be crucial, and these items will be in high demand.

Why Valuable:

Provides a sustainable food source.
Durable and long-lasting.

14. Solar Chargers

Solar chargers for small electronics, such as flashlights, radios, and batteries, will be incredibly useful as traditional power sources become scarce. These devices will allow people to keep essential equipment operational.

Why Valuable:

Provides renewable energy.
Keeps critical devices powered.

15. Coffee

Coffee will be a comfort item that many people will miss during a crisis. The demand for caffeine will make coffee beans, instant coffee, or even ground coffee a valuable barter item, especially in the early stages of a disaster.

Why Valuable:

Habit-forming, leading to high demand.
Long shelf life if stored properly.

16. Silver and Gold

Precious metals like silver and gold have been used as currency for centuries and will retain their value even during a crisis. Coins, small bars, or even jewelry can be traded for goods and services when traditional money is worthless.

Why Valuable:

Universally recognized as valuable.
Compact and easy to store.

17. Books and Knowledge

Books, especially those on survival skills, medicine, gardening, and other practical knowledge, will be invaluable. In a world where information may no longer be easily accessible, having a library of useful books could be a game-changer.

Why Valuable: