Top 17 Barter Items During SHTF

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EMERGENCY PREP

9/3/20244 min read

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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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

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

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. 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:

Provides essential knowledge and skills.
Can be shared or traded for other goods.

Final Thoughts

In a SHTF scenario, the value of goods will be determined by their utility, scarcity, and the needs of those around you. Stockpiling these items can give you a significant advantage, not only for your survival but also as powerful barter