It's not a matter of coming out on top but providing someone else what they need for something you need. I shoe horses for a living and my clients bringing me a basket of vegetables means so much to me. My point is we don't need to come out on top but each of us helping each other. I hope this makes sense.

A friend of mine thought of a really interesting preppier item. Bicycle repair kits, parts and numerous bikes. Once the fuel runs low they are a fantastic way of covering distance without getting caught up in “fuel wars”. Bikes are an amazing way to cover distance quietly, quickly and efficiently. Having a way to repair punctures new tyres etc would be a serious feather in a barterers cap.

Another good bartering item(s) is seeds to grow vegitables, I personally would barter them as a high value bartering item. Especially if the vegitable could reproduce.

I have bartered with a neighbor during a long term power outage back in the ‘90’s for my hot water (gas water heater) and gas stove top for his warm shelter (pellet stove heat). We got through over a week in the winter comfortably without power by pooling our resources. Though I wouldn’t have called it bartering, but just sharing resources with neighbors to get through an emergency.

You mentioned diapers. I learned an extremely valuable use for diapers. Take some of your clean, unused diapers, wet them with fresh water, and then put them into your freezer. Once frozen, they make the greatest ice pack EVER! They are refreezeable, they retain the water in their core, and they mold to every bend and joint in your body. I got that info from a maternity nurse.

You may want to try and establish a common known area for trading, such as a Park,Town Square, or empty building. Just bring a few small items at first, but what you do want to bring is a small note book to write down what it is people are looking for. It would be safer for you to be known as the guy who can FIND things for others, rather than the guy who HAS all of these things to barter. Munro

Skills!!! Sewing, sharpening, cooking, tanning, hunting, canning, metalwork, seed saving, herbal remedies, carpentry... Great job on the list. I learned a lot. None of us is as smart as all of us.

Do not tell people you have coffee. They will kill you for it. I use to work at Starbucks and people would literally try to force the door open at 4:30am while we were setting up. They would yell and scream at us.

The feminine hygiene product, especially pads make an excellent dressing for traumatic injuries. After all they are made to absorb blood. Some of the first EMS services kept a supply of pads just for this purpose.

I’m a big believer in bartering. I had my teeth replaced in my mouth with implants and I built the dentist a new kitchen to pay for them.

I am a beekeeper. Honey is a great substitute for sugar, you can make mead, and it never goes bad. If you want to buy in bulk you would be surprised how cheap wholesale quantities sell for. A 55 gallon drum is often available for less than $3/lb.. so yes that's prolly 550 lbs but it's a solid investment for shtf.

Thanks guys for a great video! Female prepper here and I am very glad to hear you bring up RUMPS (reusable menstrual pads/products)! I highly recommend the good quality reusable pads and a good menstrual cup (1-2 per female will last years to more than a decade each depending on how well it is maintained) as well. I've been using both for many years and they are great! And in a non-shtf situation like now, they save you a lot of money not having to buy the typical disposable products. Plus, RUMPS are healthier for your body. GREAT for prepping and bartering!

Really helpful. Well thought out. I'm going to add one you've passed over. VITAMINS. Poor diet, exposure to the elements, bacterial threats from unsafe water and food, wounds and injuries, all will stress-out an immuno system. If your body is not getting essential nutrients from available foods, then you're vulnerable. Vitamin C. Don't wait till you need to barter for antibiotics- prevent problems. Vitamin C for resistance to colds/flu/infections. Also vital to connective tissues(keeping teeth in head, keeping tendons attached to bone, keeping finger/toe nails in place, etc.). Calcium is SO VITAL to brain/body functions, that your system will literally Rip IT OUT of your skeleton and teeth(osteoporosis) if you're not keeping levels up in your blood. Those two at least. And this: Amino acids in the form of protein powder. Rebuild your muscles and body tissues daily. Thanks for the helpful advice you're offering to us all. God bless.

Let's not forget - CHOCOLATE!

Bartering skill sets would be an interesting idea. Not many younger people these days who know how to make or mend clothes, how to adjust sizes, how to treat different types of fabric, how to wash without a washer, etc. Knowing how to grow food, too, would be a big one. Not just knowing what to do but being familiar with pest control, disease identification and prevention, fertilizer needs, watering requirements, pruning, being familiar with when and how to plant; plants have different needs and you knowing those could make you a real asset.

Buy a couple packs of shop towels and run them through the washer a few times, package them up and put them away. You can reuse them hundreds of times. When the toilet paper runs out, having a reusable backup is a good idea. Store them with some kind of long lasting (concentrated) laundry detergent and bleach.

We always think of material items but the most valuable thing to barter is knowledge and skills. Your skills are not a disposable commodity.

I spent 24 years in the army in a few third world countries. One thing I do remember was two big bartering items was tools and machine parts, especially for farming.

I am now seeing this in December of 2020. The TP point has officially sold me to your channel.

Theres a series of books called "Deathlands", by James Axler, which depicts America as a post apocalyptic wasteland. In these novels, the most widely used and accepted form of currency is ammunition, bic lighters are very valuable, as well as fuel.

In Russia we had bad times and when goverment began to show signs of inadecvacy, people to start stock sugar, salt, matches, soap.

Your list of 10 is a good start and most likely will not fail. The comment section here has a lot of good additions.

I think that bartering with food, water, and ammo can be pretty dangerous. The way I see it there will be some bad people and if they see that you have enough of X to give to others they might start getting funny ideas

One item that doesn't have a shelf life is hand tools. There will always be a need for a pair of pliers, a couple screwdrivers, clawhammer and a saw, axe or knife. I bought a jar of cheap pocket knives and a display of pocket folders for less than a hundred bucks. I have many duplicate tools. Rolls of mechanics wire, WD 40 in gallon jugs. It doesn't need to be sprayed. Duct tape. I make 5 ft. wallet packs of it. They are worth their weight in gold. I have made kits in Altoid tins with 5 ft of duct tape, 3 ft of mechanics wire, mini Bic lighter, small pocket knife. Utility knife blades are another good item

There was mention of antacids but baking soda should have been named specifically. Not only is it an excellent antacid but can be used as a tooth cleaner, for baking or for whatever. It’s got hundreds of uses.

Aluminum foil! You would be amazed at how much aluminum foil you can use in a power outage. Duck tape too!

Sd cards full of knowledge such as medical procedures, how to treat illness and injuries, how to generate electricity, etc. An old phone and and a solar charger becomes an entire library.

Lots of pairs of reading glasses from the drug store; priceless bartering items!🤓🧐

Fun fact about salt: The word salary actually comes from the latin word for salt because centurions were paid in salt. Perfect example of something that can be generated but not easilly and that is in high demand and essential to life. (salting your rice and beans is not just a question of making it palatable, you need salts)

I would reiterate candles. You can make them pretty cheap with frozen juice cans for molds. They provide light, heat and can warm a can of beans/hands/feet. They also help calm the mind and last a long time with no storage requirements. Take a piece off to help start a fire. Bulk paraffin doesn't cost much and can be used for waterproofing. Keep prepping and good luck!

Protecting your stores is as important as having them. During the depression, my grandparent's stored harvest was stolen. They had eight kids. Evil people don't care!!

bicycles and horses (and their related items/equipment) will be extremely valuable. i can see new classes emerge based solely on who can ride faster than walking pace. there is power in the ability to travel from point A to point B before the sun sets.

Talk to some people who lived in the badly affected areas of world war 2. Some of the most valuable items were car and bicycle tyres and parts for those. I know of an old guy whose dad bought a big piece of land, paid in full with 5 new tyres.

Bibles. In long-term ‘disaster’ scenarios, people will both want and need them. History shows that millions have given their lives to procure a Bible. I’ve been a missionary and medical professional for 45 years, and I can assure you that’s true. When people have nothing left but hope, the Word of God means everything to them. Love and All Good Things, Jesse.🌹

Probably redundant , but lighters are and will be invaluable. We buy a 4 pk o' Bics at each grocery trip

Alcohol you drink, those in the tiny bottles is a good bartering tool. It can be used for many things, lighting a fire, treating wounds, when someone has anxiety problems to calm them, also helps to flavor food or water if needed

First off; looking to barter as a money making opportunity is a BAD IDEA! "Coming out on top" is only going to make you a target. FAIR TRADE is what WE are after... pure and simple... you have something I need and I can fulfill your need fairly. My top ten without listening are: 1) Food (includes salt, sugar and spices); 2) Water purification capabilities; 3) Self Defense and all that entails; sin items such as 4) tobacco; 5) alcohol and of course 6) medicines (ionic silver is something you can make yourself properly with an ionic silver fluctuating current generator and NOT a 9V battery!); 7) gold and silver (of course); 8) batteries, re-chargers, lights, candles, etc. 9) gasoline and propane and heating and cooking fuels and stove such as the Mr. Buddy series; 10) Wool socks in cold climates or water bottle in hot.

The comments on this video are a gold mine of information! Many many great ideas!

Absolutely correct about tobacco - as an ex-smoker I can tell you that a smoker on a nicotine fit will trade anything for smokes or chew. Best advice, don't ever get hooked on the stuff. Watch out though, drug dealers carry guns for a reason, their "customers" get dangerous when they need a fix, if "Bob" is desperate enough for a pack of cigarettes he may become violent to get his fix.

A very important item I/ my family members keep in quantity for self usage and for bartering purposes are the solar yard lights. I get most of ours from dollar tree. I do have a couple larger ones (more expensive)from home depot that will not be used as bartering items ( my home use only) They never need batteries and apartment dwellers can just lay them on a window sill to recharge. They are SAFE to use/ no worries of fire, like candles/ oil lamps can cause. They never melt away or need wicks like candles do. No need to purchase or barter for lamp oil. They are getting great/ long lasting light, cheap & bright enough to read or work by, or to just lay on counter in bathroom when power is out. They are just plain wonderful.

For your own use or barter: Turmeric is awesome. You need to research it along with ginger, raw honey (if it crystallizes, heat it and it’s perfectly good), sorghum - these things are very healthy. Turmeric and Curcumin are antioxidants, Iodine, colloidal silver sol, tubes of arnica is good for bruising, soreness; Celtic Sea Salt-a small crystal improves health. JR Watkins Liniment, headache/pain over-the-counter type, dog foods. Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, bleach, 20 Mule Team Borax, bug killer/mouse... directions to make rocket stove outside....

A very long time ago during an earlier recession - I was passing through Utah and stopped at a gas station for fuel.. the gasoline prices were $2 per gallon OR 1 silver quarter.

4:32 “Everyone likes a cup of coffee every now and then. And if you don’t you’re a commie and you need to leave.” 😂😂😂 I laughed so hard.

I think your answer with using gold and silver as trade for new dollars nailed it, because I feel the end of the US dollar is coming. Another item to have on hand is matches.

Albuterol Inhalers. There are a LOT of people with asthma and in a stressful situation, it can be the difference between life and death. Also, I would say Epi-pens, but they are crazy expensive now.

ALL SOAPS. To keep, body, clothes and dishes clean. 5 gal buckets, clothes pins, clothes lines.

Anyone remember the little book that they give you to study in basic training? I still have mine, and is packed full of valuable info and is small enough to keep close.

I don’t drink coffee. Never have. But I always carry it into the wilds. I can’t count how many times I’ve come across someone two days from the trailhead who’s run out and jonesing for a cup of Joe.

Another thing to keep in mind, not just food, but herbs & spices. Those go up in value as time goes on, because people will crave flavors. In long-term SHTF, if you have enough space for a modest greenhouse & pay attention to gathering seeds for next year's sowing, you can grow herbs & high-value spices like chili peppers. Adding a little dill to fish makes it taste so much better, even if you don't have any lemons. Adding a little basil to pasta takes it from bland survival to finer dining, even if you don't have any salt. If you have a good dehydrator or a place with good airflow that's dark and cool, you can do all your own drying, grinding, and packaging for transport, because most herbs & spices can be worth pound for pound their weight in gold when people have gone too long without extra flavor in their food. Also, try to familiarize yourself with typical flavor combinations (this is very good with chicken, but not so much fish or beef, that one's good for beef, this third is best on fish...these two herbs go well together, but don't pair either of these with that one)... Another one of those things that most people don't consider in longterm survival, particularly winter, is how to get fresh greens (or the equivalent) in your diet...but if you can grow spinach, lettuce, cabbages, kale, even carrot greens (they're edible, if spicy-bitter), you can dehydrate that, grind it up in a blender, food processor, or even by hand with a mortar & pestle, and jar it up as Green Powder, which gets you the folic acid and other vitamins & nutrients you'd get from a salad. Add it to soups, stews, sauces, casseroles, anything that has a moisture content that can it can sit in and soak up for at least 10 minutes. You can add whatever you like to your green powder, too. I add in onion & garlic powder, sea salt or pink salt, dehydrated vegetables like carrots and potatoes (even instant mashed will work), zucchini & summer squash, peas etc. Just one caveat, be prepared to answer what's in your mix if you're going to sell it as a mix, because people will have food allergies, and they or their next-of-kin could come looking for you. My mother has celiac (gluten intolerance), my cousin has a corn intolerance, my elder sister & other cousin have dill and pepper intolerances, I have a middleborn sister who cannot have onions or garlic (I make her a separate green powder mix), her partner has legumes & nuts allergies, a mutual friend of mine and one of my sisters is anaphylactic-shock levels of allergic to paprika, an ex-bf is also epipen allergic to pineapple (and goose anything, even just goose broth, will make him puke, go figure; learned that one the hard way on a camping trip where I'd brough the broth frozen in a jar in the cooler to keep it cold & make into soup our last night there)... Know exactly what you're bartering with, so you get known as the person who knows what's in what they're offering, foodwise. It's a good reputation-builder...and if people know you're trustworthy, they're not only more likely to trade again with you, they'll spread the word to others to be friendly with & good to you.

One of the things I think about is... a secondary skill.. the ability to sew, repair shoes, sharpen tools, minor first aide training.. skills someone else does not have... they may not be in demand right away.. but if the episode last more than a few weeks.. things will need repair, etc.. etc..

Thanks, guys, for not be know-it-all millionaire preppers pushing endless sponsored items. Listening to you, I felt like I was sitting there at the table with you. You don't get that very often. A great list, and great commentary. Before I forget: I was thinking about your comments regarding breaking down larger bags/buckets of food, for instance. I immediately thought of good quality scales. I have a kitchen scale, bit nothing larger. I just added a bigger scale to my list. Maybe someone else will find that idea useful as well.

To me, bartering is an equal exchange of energy. Where two parties come to an agreement on both feeling satisfied with the giving and receiving that is taking place. Or at least that would be bartering with integrity. Rather than someone coming out on top.

Here you go... #1 salt and sugar #2 coffee #3 feminine hygiene products & toilet paper #4 ammo #5 tobacco and alcohol #6 food and water #7 batteries #8 medicines #9 fuel (in all varieties) #10 precious metals (gold and silver)

Seeds possibly? if it extends into the long term being able to grow food and maintain at least a semi constant food income is a good morale boost.

For keeping salt for long term, transfer it to mason jars because a pound of sugar is equivalent to a pint. Mason jars are airtight and waterproof.

Great starting list. Another thing I would absolutely add to your list of great barter items which will have increasing value as time moves forward are seeds. Many seeds do not have a very long “shelf life”, but there are many that can last decades.

I bought on Amazon a folding solar panel that has 2 USB ports to charge 2 smartphones. Most smartphones these days come with a flashlight function. So, in effect, the solar panel converts your phone into a solar-powered flashlight.

If you add small amounts of twisted toilet paper to about a half inch of melted candle wax as a candle is lit the candle will give more light, burn slower, and give off enough heat to keep a 4 person tent warm. This was a 40 hour candle with 3 wicks. Just another reason TP is crucial. Thanks Guys great video. Credit for this goes to my wife. She's a genius.

Fero rods, and other fire starting materials. Lightweight cooking pots and pans, stainless steel and titanium. Blankets, camping gear, like hammocks, tarps, and tents. Tools, nails, screws, and building materials. Boots, shoes, and clothing. Cold weather gear and rainy weather gear, depending on where you live. Heavy duty contractor trash bags. Paracord and bank line. Fishing and hunting gear. Camouflage clothes and gear. Military surplus gear. Tons of things to add to that list. But it was definitely a very good list. I try and keep as much of what you guys discussed on hand. Along with everything I mentioned and more.

My Dad was a welder during WW2 in Baltimore Md. The restaurant where he ate lost their coffee maker due to a leak. He looked at it n said he could fix it. He took it back with him to the shop n he fixed it. From then on they always gave him free coffee.

Depending upon where you live, VITAMIN C! Without it, you get scurvy

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Gents. Great tips in the comments below as well. So in the spirit of giving something back: Regarding antacid/indigestion tablets, of course store whatever you like to use or barter, but what is way cheaper, as or more effective and has other uses? Yep good old Bicarbonate of Soda (NOT baking powder). I stopped buying the relatively expensive tablets years ago. Just add a quarter of a teaspoon (or less) to a small glass of water, stir well, then drink. It is the working ingredients in most of the tablet, just a fraction of the price. It also has a myriad of other uses from cooking to cleaning.

Barter items I plan to have (don't have yet though) are heirloom seeds and compost. Also fishing line, Bic lighters, bandanas, socks, duct tape, paracord and tarps (tarps come in handy if you sustain damage to your roof and lots of other uses too).

The part about feminine hygiene, the pads and diapers and all that can double as medical bandages if you were in a pinch

Honey, soap, bic lighters (new in package), ferro rods, mora knives, tool steels, tools, nails, shelf stable fats, multi-vitamins, blankets, ...

Maybe a good book on medicinal plants? Also chocolate- cocoa, chips, bars.

Another great video gentlemen. I would like to see more top ten videos. It helps you to think about the things you may have overlooked, or just not thought of. Your delivery and explanation is fantastic. This channel is among the top-tier of survival and prepping channels. I would like to thank you guys personally for doing such a great job.

The Diva Cup is amazing and Evey lady should own one. I've had mine 4 years and just pop it into an old olive jar with with a lid some soap n splash of hydrogen peroxide... It's clean as a whistle with just a shake n few minutes. Absolute neccsity for firtel women.

Guy from Kosovo said he could get anything with Bic lighters a case served him very well during total chaos.

Books and knowledge are amazing bartering items if you read a book and remember some of what's in it you can barter it for something worth much more and you still have the knowledge that you got from that book.

Thanks guys, your list was very good. I would add heirloom seeds, plastic tie wraps, canvas tarps, pepper spray, sewing kits, small tool kits, and I could think of some other items but you get the idea. Last year, I went to a Dollar Store specifically to purchase bartering goods. I probably spent close to $200.00 on toothbrushes, playing cards, coffee filters, writing materials, and a multitude of other items. When you're bartering its a nice touch for your client to return home with a new toy or game for the children and the Dollar Store has plenty of inexpensive items to make someone a hero to the youngsters. So I put these items in a large plastic bin and stored it for a calamitous event; such as Traitor Joe's occupation of the White House. Also, I found that Harbor Freight is a good source for Cow Bells (attach them to gates Trailers, and doors, for a security system that doesn't require batteries), tarps, tie-wraps and pepper spray. Well I wish you the best and may God Bless.

Imagine showing up to the barter table with a 12 pack of coke or Mt dew 😆. After drinking filtered creek water for so long that would seem very appealing

cleaning supplies (e.g. bleach, detergents, etc.) will help to reduce the risk of illnesses. multivitamins will help to maintain well-being. the goal is prevention and to be in good health as much as possible during SHTF. it’s also worth noting, hand hygiene is crucial. hand washing before eating and especially after going to the bathroom will prevent a lot of illnesses.

I have to mention, get out in the woods do some camping, find out how important different items are without the niceties of shopping and quickly you see how salt/spices, coffee, clean water, t.p., clean clothing, a drink/Beer, tools (axe, knife, matches, etc...) are needs not wants, I know what I am not comfortable being without & base my value on that.

Consider owning solar powered gardening lights. Cheap to buy in bulk on amazon now and can provide years of light to someone in need. In a shtf scenario people could bring them in the house to light up rooms without attracting alot of attention from out the windows the same way a flashlight whipping around the house would. You can also charge them outside during day time without attracting alot of attention. I can't say enough good things about this barter item. I have about 25 packed away for barter and maybe a dozen I will use.

I just wanted to touch on water purification tablets for one, because there individualized in the bottle and there cheap and light weight. Two, I wanted to touch on is toilet paper tablets....they come in a box and all you do is just add a little water and they expand into a sanitary napkin you can use for all sorts of situations. And for the same reason, individualized, cheap and lightweight. May God Bless You All.

Also - Light fiction reading is great. I read an article from a survivor of the siege on Sarajevo. He said that Romance novels were passed around like precious little treasures. Most of the time it was mind numbingly boring. Other times, it was shelling and snipers and abject terror. The novels helped to escape both and usually had a happy ending. I would suggest sci-fi, but that's just me. I spent a week in an ice storm that knocked out everything, including most of the trees and roads. It was a loooooooooooooooooong week sitting next to a fireplace with restless kids. I started teaching the kids how to play Dungeons and Dragons to kill the time.

we have a small garden and chickens......can grow your own spices and medicinal plants for personal use and trade better to have a living plan than a survival plan

Nice show guys.many thanks for helping me and my family get ready.

I've posted this on numerous videos and comment sections, but I have actually lived in a barter situation before both on the streets and in hippie gatherings and communities. Her are the top five most valuable and easily trade-able items in order... 1. - Coke/Mountain Dew - I have seen people trade drugs, knives, alcohol, musical instruments and many, many more for a semi-cold can of coke. Trade tip - if it is warm outside and you have no refrigeration, make a swamp cooler by hanging a basket from a tree branch and lining it with a wet rag or cloth. Cold Mt Dew in the field or on the streets is freaking gold. 2. Tobacco - prerolls are best but loosies and rollable also works. Don't scrimp on the generics. Camels are worth waaaaaay more than Pall Malls which are worth waaaay more than GTC. Remember to grab some menthols. Don't get out of hand with the storage though as tobacco goes stale. Let me say, I am a smoker and after a few hours or days, I will mess you up for a cig. 3. Booze - again with the good stuff. Cheap beer does not entice like a nice cold bottle of Heineken. Makers Mark or Jack Daniels is worth waaaay more than Heaven Hill to an alcoholic or even just somebody that needs a good stiff one to get through the fact that the world just ended. Don't be scared to sell/trade it by the shot. Being able to make beer and spirits is like being a physician as far as worth to a survival community or group. Moonshine always sells/trades at the highest value (even though its just unaged whiskey that tastes like crap). 4. Guitar strings - I'm not kidding at all here. You have no idea how boring it gets when your radio (the guy playing guitar in the corner) breaks a string. I have existed for weeks while doing no work at all during hippie gatherings because I can play. I literally lived at the kitchen area and played and they brought me food and weed. Anything to keep the radio going. 5. Speaking of weed/ganja/marijuana, and lets be adults here, weed is possibly the most barterable item in the country. Besides the recreational uses, it has so many medicinal properties. Potheads gonna trade for the kind, of that I am certain. All of the normal survival stuff like batteries, first aid, ammo ect is fine, but for a few hundred dollars in canned cokes and whiskey, you can become the first entrepreneur bar owner of the new order and get anything else you need from there.

Good list, would like to add bic lighters, note pads, pencils, and some controversial seeds that make painkillers "poppy flowers are so pretty in my flower garden"

Bic lighters, flea and tick collars that can wrap around a mans ankle, insect repellent (100% deet) and food seasoning. Pain relief, Tylenol and Advil. This came from my brother who spent time surviving in Afghanistan.

Thank you for validating somethings we've been saying about precious metals for quite a while!

At the height of the ammo shortage shotgun shells were still widely available for a while after handgun and rifle rounds were long gone. That's when I got it in my head to stock up on 12ga, even though I don't have a shotgun. Coffee is one I drink and store so I keep it in rotation. I keep salt and also pepper, any dry spice that will hold long enough for me to cycle through before spoilage. I also keep vinegar because in my experience stuff holds better in vinegar. Also it's a flavor, not one everyone likes but better than no flavor.

I have worked in direct patient care in the mental health field in a variety of non-clinical positions for over 20 years. This has allowed me to develop an understanding of what is REALLY important to most people, despite the fact that they may tell you otherwise. The following is Gospel and should be taken as such: The most important items to have for trade/barter in a SHTF situation are, in no particular order: 1. Hard liquor. Vodka is probably the best. Hard liquor keeps forever and anyone who drinks alcohol can drink vodka. 2. Cigarettes. Cigars and loose tobacco are OK but not as good as cigarettes. If properly packaged, sealed and stored they will last for a loooooong time. 3. Marijuana. Smokeable form is best. If stored properly like cigarettes it will also last a looooong time. 4. Opioid pain killers. The stronger the better. Codeine, in pill form and properly stored, will retain 90% of it's potency for 30 years. 5. Coffee. This is an honorable mention. Not as valuable as 1-4 but still worth having. If properly stored will also last a loooong time. There are tens of millions of people in the United States who will trade literally anything they possess in order to obtain at least one of the above commodities in a SHTF scenario if there is no other way to acquire it. If you have a sufficient supply of these commodities you will be able to obtain anything, absolutely ANYTHING available through trade and barter. Food. Water. Medical supplies. Firearms. Ammunition. Tools. Sex. Anything.

One item that most people don't think of for bartering is a means water purification/disinfection. I keep a good supply of Calcium Hypoclorite. One pound will disinfect 10,000 gallons of water for drinking. In the SHTF situation this would be a huge asset. 1 teaspoon mixed with 1 1/2 cups water makes a bleach solution. 8 drops of this solution disinfects 1 gallon of water. so small amounts of this goes a long way. And if someone doesn't have water this would be extremely valuble.

Was on a 4 day canoe trip into back country, day one, one canoe was swamped, and 2 people lost all cigs. you are right by day 3 they would do anything to be able to smoke my pipe I had with me. I got a lot help with my camp chores the rest of the trip.

When you have a garden you must be prepared to defend it like your life depends on it

I have been storing dehydrated fruits and vegetables. You can make soups or sweeten oatmeal or rice. Plus all the nutrients are still there. The bonus is when you buy a bag of frozen veggies for a dollar, dehydrate the and store them properly I’m sure I could get a good trade for that.

Good job on the salt, it is one not many think of. I have 300+ pounds of salt in my store.

Baking soda while super bland is a good antacid when mixed in water. Jack London wrote of it "sweetening the character."😉

The most important things to keep a stock of are medical supplies, especially antibiotics. I bought some fish antibiotics for my fish just in case they get an infection and the stores aren't open.

Thanks for the suggestions, fellas. I would like to suggest a couple of things: your own trained mind - A. in food and medicines you can gather from the natural world around you; B. Knowledge about fixing or building common structures or machines or knowing who can and C. Kindness and helpfulness without expecting something in return. People will remember these things. My folks lived through the Great Depression and WW2 in Europe. My dad had a price put on his head by the german army because he was good at making them look stupid while helping the underground resistance. As a result of how he was raised to help his neighbours without his hand out, his neighbours would take turns hiding and feeding him as necessary for a couple of years. It's always nice when you can ask for help and get it, but it is also nice when you get asked. It is a mutual trust and respect idea. Further, if you do store anything extra to barter with, remember to keep your mouth shut about it - never show what you have to anyone or you may be the target of a raid. Keep your circle of trading as small as possible unless you need to put out feelers for those items you are running low on; NEVER wait until you need something before replenishing your stock. It may take a while to track stuff down. Bad guys can take your stuff, but can't take your resourcefulness. I'm sure that these things will work whether you selter at home or at a bug-out locale. "Be prepared, not scared". God bless, happy new year and be safe.

Something I haven't seen mentioned, and I have a lot of ol timely ways is a pulley! They come in a lot of different sizes! Someone small or weak can move a log or a body if they have a pulley and rope. A rafter, many,many things you can move alone! A come-along goes long ways too. Easy to carry!

Good common sense list. Fuel is the biggest storage problem and most people aren't smart enough to be "diesel based" so gasoline is the favored fuel. Keep up your good work guys!

I believe one thing that is important is to get your prepping items on shelves so you can see what you have and what you need. I learned from mistakes thinking I needed some items but I over-bought because I forgot I already had these items in abundance.

That’s pretty much the same list I had. Dave Canterbury had a good list of items to stock up on. Chains, tools, and traps are just a few. Items u won’t be able to remake unless u have the right skill sets to do so. One thing I always think about after the shtf to stock pile is clothing and footwear. Even though u could find a lot of these items everywhere there will be people still looking for the right clothing and footwear to survive. Depending on the weather determines what u need. Your clothing is your first line of shelter from the elements. Great video and topic.👍

The most valuable commodity will be strong people with a good moral compass and the broad skill sets that have been forgotten. Tradesman will be at a premium because we can pass our skills along and rebuild. Lesson here, don't be a shitty lazy person 😊

In a SHTF situation, all metals have some value. I have been hoarding steel, aluminum, brass and copper wire from my old appliances that stopped working. I take everything apart and keep the metal, whatever it is. I also just started hoarding tin cans. None of these items are precious metals, but you can melt them down to make containers, tools, even bullets, or barter.

Lead (Pb.) Welding rod. Oxy/Acetylene. Propane. I live in remote Alaska on the coast. No roads in/out. Heavy twine. Fish hooks. Files of all kinds. I could go on and on. Thanks for the reminders. I have most all of what you mentioned.