When times get tough, the right supplies can make all the difference. If systems fail, bartering becomes a crucial skill. It means trading goods or services you have for what you need, no money required. But not all items hold the same bartering value. The best items are those that meet essential needs, have a long shelf life, and can’t be easily replaced or produced. Stocking up on the right things now can help you care for your own needs while building goodwill with others. Here are 50 essential barter items to keep on hand, from practical essentials to useful luxuries.
1. Clean Drinking Water
Water is the most essential survival resource. Having a clean source of water, whether bottled or purified, is valuable for bartering because access to clean water is often limited in crisis situations.
2. Water Purification Tablets
Water purifiers or tablets are lifesavers when clean water is hard to come by. Trading these could make a huge impact, as they allow people to purify water they might find in the wild.
3. Canned Food
Canned foods are shelf-stable, nutritious, and filling, making them ideal barter items. People will look for food that’s easy to prepare and won’t spoil.
4. Rice and Beans
Both rice and beans are high in calories, protein, and fiber, and they have an extremely long shelf life. These basics will likely be highly valued in a bartering economy.
5. Salt
Salt is essential for food preservation and adds flavor, so it will be sought-after when people need to make meals last longer. Small packets of salt are easy to trade and store.
6. Honey
Honey is one of the only foods that never spoils, and it can be used as a sweetener or even a natural remedy. It’s a popular barter item due to its versatility.
7. Coffee and Tea
People will miss their daily comforts like coffee and tea, which also help with morale. These can be traded in small amounts for high value, especially if you have vacuum-sealed packs.
8. Sugar
Sugar can sweeten food and drinks, but it’s also an energy booster. It’s a coveted item for both practical uses and enjoyment, making it a strong barter item.
9. Alcohol
Alcohol is a versatile item that can be used for drinking, cleaning wounds, or even as a disinfectant. Small bottles are easy to store and valuable in trade.
10. Cooking Oil
Oil is important for cooking and can be hard to come by if supplies are cut off. Small bottles are easy to trade and will be worth a lot to those who need it.
11. Vinegar
Vinegar can be used for cleaning, cooking, and preserving food. Its multiple uses make it a highly valuable trade item in a survival scenario.
12. Medical Supplies
Basic medical supplies like bandages, antiseptics, and first-aid kits can be lifesaving. People without access to medical care will see these items as indispensable.
13. Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin will be in high demand. These items are small, easy to carry, and can bring much-needed relief.
14. Antibiotics
If you have any form of antibiotics, they could be invaluable for treating infections. However, be cautious about their shelf life and potency.
15. Soap
Good hygiene is crucial, and soap is one of the easiest and most essential ways to keep clean. Small bars of soap can be traded easily and stored for a long time.
16. Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Dental hygiene items are easy to store and can be scarce in an emergency. People will need ways to maintain health, making these great barter items.
17. Razors
Razors for shaving can be in high demand when people run out of personal hygiene products. They’re compact, lightweight, and easy to trade.
18. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper has already proven to be a high-demand item when shortages occur. Small rolls are highly tradeable and easy to store.
19. Feminine Hygiene Products
These items are essential for women and not easily replaced in a crisis. They will likely be in high demand and can be traded for other necessary supplies.
20. Diapers
Families with babies will need diapers, and they may have trouble finding them. These can be bartered in exchange for food, water, or medical supplies.
21. Fire Starters
Matches, lighters, and fire-starting materials are essential for warmth and cooking. In an emergency, these will be very desirable.
22. Batteries
With power systems down, batteries become essential for flashlights, radios, and other tools. Stockpile a variety of types to maximize bartering potential.
23. Flashlights
Flashlights provide essential light in the dark and are valuable in emergency situations. Small, high-quality flashlights are ideal for trading.
24. Solar Chargers
Solar chargers are more expensive but invaluable for charging small electronics. They will be highly sought after when there’s no reliable electricity.
25. Blankets
Warmth is a survival priority. Compact, warm blankets will be in high demand, especially if temperatures drop and heating sources are limited.
26. Sewing Kits
Being able to repair clothes is essential if new ones are unavailable. Sewing kits are small, inexpensive, and can be traded easily.
27. Duct Tape
Duct tape has endless uses, from repairs to first aid. It’s compact and easy to store, making it a valuable item to have on hand.
28. Rope or Paracord
Rope and paracord are versatile, essential items for shelter-building, repairs, and more. They’re lightweight and take up little space, perfect for bartering.
29. Work Gloves
Work gloves are necessary for handling rough materials and for heavy work. Durable gloves will likely be in high demand.
30. Tools
Basic tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and multi-tools are valuable for repairs. People may need tools to fix their shelters or create basic structures.
31. Gardening Seeds
Seeds for growing food will be in high demand when access to fresh produce is cut off. Stock up on hardy, nutritious options like beans, carrots, and kale.
32. Fishing Gear
Fishing gear will be valuable for those near water sources. Hooks, lines, and small nets can all be bartered for food and supplies.
33. Traps and Snares
Small game traps and snares are valuable for hunting in a survival scenario. Those who don’t know how to make their own will likely be willing to trade for them.
34. Ammo and Firearms Accessories
Ammunition and accessories like holsters or cleaning supplies will hold strong trade value for people using firearms for defense or hunting. Ammo is compact but very valuable, so it’s a powerful trade item.
35. Candles
Candles provide light and a bit of warmth. They’re easy to store, last a long time, and will be in high demand if power sources are limited.
36. Tarps
Tarps are versatile for building shelter or collecting rainwater. They’re lightweight, foldable, and will be valuable for anyone needing to construct temporary cover.
37. Emergency Blankets (Space Blankets)
Emergency blankets are compact, lightweight, and extremely effective at retaining body heat. They are perfect for bartering, especially during colder months.
38. Socks
Warm, dry socks are critical in a survival situation to prevent frostbite and infections. They are lightweight, easy to store, and will likely be in high demand.
39. Shoes and Boot Laces
Replacement laces and sturdy footwear can become essential if people are on the move or working outdoors. These can be traded easily, especially in colder or rough terrain.
40. Vitamins and Supplements
In a long-term crisis, fresh produce may be hard to find, so vitamins and supplements become valuable for maintaining health. A variety of vitamins can help cover nutritional gaps.
41. Baking Supplies (Flour, Yeast, Baking Powder)
Baking essentials can be difficult to come by, but they’re invaluable for making simple, nourishing bread. These items will be highly sought after by those who know how to bake.
42. Garden Tools
Tools for cultivating food, like trowels, hand rakes, or small shovels, are valuable for anyone starting a small garden. In a self-sufficient environment, these tools will be worth a lot.
43. Baby Formula
For families with young children, baby formula is a lifeline. This will be an extremely high-value barter item as it’s hard to replace and highly needed.
44. Wool or Thermal Clothing
Wool and thermal clothing provide warmth in cold weather, which is critical in an emergency. These clothes are durable and retain heat even if they get wet.
45. Hand Sanitizer
In an emergency situation, hand sanitizer becomes important for maintaining hygiene when water is scarce. Small bottles are easy to store and highly tradeable.
46. Pet Food
For those with pets, keeping them fed is a priority, and pet food may become difficult to find. Small bags or cans can be bartered to pet owners who may struggle to find it otherwise.
47. Small Pocket Knives
Pocket knives are versatile tools, useful for a variety of tasks from food preparation to self-defense. Small, quality knives are ideal for bartering due to their usefulness and portability.
48. Books on Survival Skills
Books on first aid, gardening, foraging, or other survival skills can be traded for high value. They’re lightweight and portable, and many people may not have prepped with this kind of knowledge.
49. Hygiene Wipes
Baby wipes or personal wipes are incredibly useful for staying clean without water. They have a long shelf life and are highly sought after when hygiene becomes challenging.
50. Maps
Physical maps of local areas will be extremely valuable for people navigating in a world without GPS or digital aids. Topographic maps are even more useful, as they can assist with finding resources like rivers, hills, and natural shelters.
