I'm just curious what people find helpful outside of food and water. I think part of the stockpile mentality should be using it as an advantage over your surroundings. Not just boarding up the house, but finding a way to turn your stockpile into currency. Here are a few of the things I think are very good things for personal use and some for a form of currency to get things you need or want from others that were somewhat prepared.

-Ammo. I personally think something like ammo in many calibers would be great because it's gonna be impossible to get, and might make good currency.

-Pedialyte. If you get sick this stuff helps you get your electrolytes back and stop diarrhea a lot quicker. Can cut your recovery time in half sometimes, and helps you body truly rehydrate. I also keep a bottle of pedialyte near my bug out stuff, and plan on drinking it if hiking to the middle of nowhere becasue it'll make the fluids I'm carrying go a lot longer and do me a lot more good. Have thought of gatorade dry mix or dry electrolyte mixes, but they just don't work as well as a pre-fluid version.

-Canned Goats Milk of Baby Formula. Imagine the market you would be cornering with this stuff if there were no stores.

-Dried Beans and Rice. This is a big no brainer, becasue you an have so many portions in such a small area of storage. But it could also be a form of currency if neighbors or others are starving. Start a little black market with dried goods. Only carry small amounts so if your life is threatened

-Pain Relievers, and other medicines. Imagine having a migraine and knowing there was a guy that wandered the streets a few hours a day that had some motrin available for a fee. If having a horrible sinus infection, and needing antibiotics. I think a small stockpile of medicines is a MUST have if not just for personal use, but for the ability to make amazing personal benefit from it. Now granted, I'm the kind of guy that would be sharing it for no cost until it was almost gone, but if I was in a tight spot... I'd call in a favor from someone I helped.

-Wood. Imagine if you could harvest a ton of fire wood, and have a few dogs in the yard guarding it and you keep an eye on it too. Tell people they can have 2 or 3 log sections if they pay you by cooking a meal for you while they use the fire to cook for their family. Or any form of trading would be awesome. You could basically buy the things you didn't prepare with, and you'd always have a way to be cooking or staying warm yourself.

-Shoes or Boots. I think it would be awesome to have 40 or 50 pairs of assorted tennis shoes and boots you could get from clothing drives or salvation armies. Imagine someone needing shoes very badly and no stores to buy them at... You could just NAME YOUR PRICE!

So there... I got it started. Not something I ever plan on having to do, and I would certainly not make it well known that I had a stockpile of anything for fear of harm or being robbed.... but I thought it would be a fun conversation!

Ok Ponce...this is where you come in and take over! What are some other items that would be good for bartering?

Some of what I'm acquiring for barter

Scales to get agreed upon weights of items
commercial scale (±500#)
commercial scale (±100#)
commercial scale (±10#)
commercial scale (±16oz)

1.0 oz gold coins
0.1 oz gold coins
40 count rolls silver quarters
50 count rolls silver dimes
blank barter slips

200ml bottles 190 proof Everclear
smokeless tobacco
2 oz boxes tobacco
booklets cigarette papers
smoking pipes
small boxes matches
butane lighter fuel
Zippo lighter fuel
lighter flints
lighter wicks
disposable lighters
straight razors w/strop, soap, & cup
shaving soap
Q-tips

playing cards
dice

lengths candle/oil lamp wick
Coleman lantern mantles

multi-vitamins
2 oz jars instant coffee
16 count boxes teabags
2 oz jars bouillon cubes
tubs add-water-only drink mix

1 pound boxes sugar
2 oz boxes salt
2 oz cans pepper
5 oz cans milk
4 oz cans cocoa
2 oz bars chocolate candy
8 oz bags hard candy (individually wrapped)

4 oz cans Vienna sausage/potted meat
12 oz cans roast beef
7 oz cans Spam (or 12oz)(or Treet)
6 oz cans tuna
10 oz cans soup (heavy on the meat types)

16 oz bags rice
16 oz bags beans

aspirin pain killer
acetaminophen pain killer
multi-vitamin
OTC reading glasses
OTC UVA/UVB resistant sunglasses
Cheap wide-brimmed straw hats

small boxes tampons/sanitary napkins
reusable sanitary napkins

reusable cotton diapers
diaper pins

clothes pins

wooden pencils/ink pens
small note books
legal pads

50 count bottles water purification tablets

6”-12” candles
boxes strike anywhere kitchen matches

rolls toilet paper
bars soap
hair combs/brushes
disposable razors
toothbrushes
boxes baking soda

packets safety pins
packets of sewing needles
spools of thread

mousetraps
rat traps
fly swatters

jersey gloves
cotton/leather work gloves
insulated gloves

tubes silicone sealant
tubes Shoe Goo/Goop
tubes JB Weld
duct tape
mechanic’s wire
electrical tape
friction tape
rubber tape
sheet plastic
divided buckets with a variety of nails, screws, bolts, nuts, and washers
sealed cans of welding rods (6011 and/or 7018 1/8”)
variety of brazing rods
cans of brazing flux

regular canning lids
wide mouth canning lids
P-38/P-51 can openers

1-b propane cylinders
10-lb bags charcoal briquettes

solar 12-volt battery chargers
solar AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt battery charger
rechargeable batteries 20 each AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt


#10 cans heirloom seeds

500-round bricks .22 LR RF cartridges
5-round boxes .410/20 GA shells
single units M6 Scout/Savage 24/Remington SPR-94 O/U .22 RF/.410 or 20 gauge combos


Here are some examples of Tradesman’s Tools that could be stockpiled and either used and the product/service bartered, or their USE bartered out. One wouldn’t barter away the tools that bring in the food.

±500# scale
±100# scale
±10# scale
±16oz scale


Tailor/Seamstress tools
Sewing machine
Serger
Sewing basket (needles, thimbles, thread, measuring tape,
seam ripper, scissors, shears, marking chalk, straight edge, pins,
neck magnifying glass, etc.)
bolts of cloth, patterns, spare needles, pins, chalk, thread, buttons,
zippers, snaps, etc)
Treadle type sewing machine (Janome 712T)
weaving looms
>1,000 watt generator


Food processing tools
Grain grinders, solar dehydrators, butchering tools, manual meat slicer, manual meat grinder, sausage stuffer, stuffing tubes, jerky shooter, water purifier


barbers tools
scissors, combs, hair brushes, dusting brush, broom, dust pan, chair,
neck apron, razor, shaving cup, shaving soap, towels

ammunition reloader’s tools
Dillion progressive tool w/primary caliber dies
RCBS press with common caliber dies
Bullet casting equipment
lead
black powder making tools & screens

laundry tools
Staber washing machine
laundry soap
bleach
clothes lines w/poles, stakes & clothes pins
water heater (kettle w/tripod)
water tank
12v pump & battery
drain line
James washer w/wringer
2+ washtubs
>1,000 watt generator

entertainment tools
band instruments
projection TV
TV projector
Lap-top computer
DVD disk player
VHS tape player
Chairs
Karaoke machine w/cd-g’s
Lighting system
Sound system
>1,500 watt generator
Battery bank, solar panels, and inverter
protective bullet resistant face for TV’s if used
Classic books for storyteller to read

home canning equipment & supplies
firewood cutting tools
knife/edged tool sharpening tools
printer’s/newspaper publisher’s tools
butcher/meat cutter’s tools
meat processors tools (sausage, etc.)
tanner’s tools
milk processors tools (cheese, etc.)
baker’s tools & supplies
bath house/shower room tools
candle maker’s tools & supplies
gardener’s tools
mechanic’s tools
machinist’s tools - Smithy Granite 1340 Industrial Max metalworking all-in-one machine
woodworker’s tools - Shopsmith Mark V woodworking all-in-one machine
blacksmith’s tools - Oxygen accumulator, acetylene generator
plumber’s tools
lumber making tools - portable sawmill
electrician’s tools
carpenter’s tools
roofer’s tools
stonemason’s tools
primitive building tools
cobbler/shoe maker’s tools
soap maker’s tools
brewer/wine maker’s tools
distillery tools
miller’s tools
spinner & weaver’s tools (looms)
teaching tools and supplies K-12
smelter/foundry/metal worker’s tools
sheep sheering tools
papermaking tools
rope, cordage, and net making tools
millwright’s tools
farm tools (prepare, sow, cultivate, harvest)
biodiesel equipment & supplies
wood gas generator equipment & supplies
charcoal making tools
black powder making tools
paper making tools
reference/do-it-yourself library (books/magazines/CD-ROMs/DVDs)(never let the media out of your control)


Here are a few skills I think would have barter/trade potential


Alternative energy specialist
Ammunition re-loader
Appliance repairman
Artist
Assayer
Baker
Banker
Barber
Basket maker
Bathhouse/shower room operator
Beekeeper
Bicycle Repairman
Biodiesel maker
Blackpowder maker
Blacksmith
Bookbinder
Botanist
Brew master
Brick maker
Bullet caster
Butcher/meat processor
Candle maker
Candy maker
Carpenter
Cartridge maker
Cartwright
Chandler
Charcoal burner
Cheese maker
Chemist
Chimney sweep
Cobbler/shoe maker
Comedian
Cook
Cooper (barrel maker)
Coppersmith
Dentist
Distiller, drinking alcohol
Distiller, fuel alcohol
Doctor
Dog trainer
Dye maker
Electrician
Electronics tech
Entertainer
Farmer
Farm hand
Farrier
Firewood purveyor
Fisherman
Food canner/processor
Furniture maker
Gardener
Gatherer (wild plants, useful rocks and minerals)
Glass maker
Goatherd
Goldsmith/silversmith
Gravedigger
Gunpowder maker
Gunsmith/gun maker
Handyman
Harvester/picker
Heavy equipment operator
Herbalist/mineralist
Historian
Horse trainer/wrangler
Hunter/trapper
Ice purveyor/harvester/maker
Ink maker
Judge/arbitrator
Karaoke operator
Knife maker
Knife sharpener
Knitter/crocheter
Laundress/laundry room operator
Leather worker
Librarian
Logger/forester/sawyer
Lumber maker
Machinist
Maid
Massage therapist
Mechanic
Metal worker
Metallurgist
Midwife
Milk maid
Milk processor
Miller
Millwright
Miner
Mulcher/composter/manure collector
Musician
Net maker
Nurse
Optician (eyeglass maker)
Orchardman/arborist
Paper maker
Peace Officer
Pedi-cab driver
Pest control specialist
Pharmacist
Physicist
Plumber
Postman
Pottery maker
Primitive building specialist
Printer/newspaperman
Radio Operator
Rancher
Ranch hand
Repairman
Roofer
Rope/cordage maker
Sail maker
Sailor (Boatswain)
Salt maker
Salvage specialist
Scribe
Secretary
Security guard
Shake/shingle maker
Sheep sheerer
Shepherd
Shipwright/boat builder
Shoemaker
Skill At Arms instructor
Small engine mechanic
Smelter/foundryman
Soap maker
Soldier
Spice purveyor
Spinner/Weaver
Stonemason/brick layer
Storyteller
Sugar maker
Surveyor
Tailor/seamstress
Tanner
Teacher
Thatcher
Tinker
Tire repairman
Tool & die maker
Toy & game maker
Trader/Wagoner
Trapper
Truck driver
Undertaker
Veterinarian
Watch/clock repairman/maker
Weaver
Welder
Well driller
Wheelwright
Winemaker
Wood gas equipment maker
Woodworker

_________________
Jerry D Young

Damn Jerry....that gives me alot to think about going forward...Great post!

_________________
If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

Hi! I am brand new newbie....just reading a bit...

Glad to see that my profession (Massage therapist) is on your barter list.....makes me feel a wee bit better!!!

_________________
~Lori

"Plan for your future...for that is where you are going to spend the rest of your life" ~ Mark Twain

I have no problem with bartering skills and goods that you have plenty of and can make more of.

One thing I would not be willing to barter with (unless I actually know the other party) is alcohol, guns and ammo. Alcohol makes people braver than they normally are (read stupid), and they may try to take what you have. If you barter guns and ammo, they may just use them to take everything you have.

Also, if you are in a barter situation, never let anyone know what you actually have. If they know you have a lot, they may be tempted to make it theirs. Not everyone is like this, but there is more to survival than spending a lot of money on stuff and storing it until needed. You also need to be smart and cautious.

_________________
Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

NRA Certified Instructor for Basic Handgun and Personal protection in the Home.
V.F.W. Life Member
NRA Member
U.S. Army Veteran

WOW!! I am impressed, Jerry! I'm copying your list and getting to work asap on it. I thought mine was comprehensive, but it's only a fourth (if that) as long as yours. And you've got all the good stuff! There are so many possible ways that the SHTF that a comprehensive list covering everything that could happen is probably the smartest thing to plan for.
Rainey and the cats ("Didja pack my catnip mice? Why not? And where's my food?)

I've got three cats here and let's just say they have their own little stockpiles of food, toys and 'nip...

_________________
If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.

I have no idea how I'm going to stockpile food for my Mastiff...


we're looking at 44lbs of food a week for her!!


More then once people have said "use her as your garbage disposal".....or "she'd make good jerky"


either isn't a good option for me...


She's an awesome deterrent though being that she's 125lbs at 8 months old and looks like she could tear you up!!

_________________
~Lori

"Plan for your future...for that is where you are going to spend the rest of your life" ~ Mark Twain

Lori wrote: I have no idea how I'm going to stockpile food for my Mastiff...we're looking at 44lbs of food a week for her!!
More then once people have said "use her as your garbage disposal".....or "she'd make good jerky"...either isn't a good option for me...
She's an awesome deterrent though being that she's 125lbs at 8 months old and looks like she could tear you up!!

IMHO, the Lady Mastiff is one of your best resources: she provides protection through intimidation, love, the ability to pull a cart (were she so inclined) and she's big enough so you can keep each other snuggly warm on bitterly cold nights. Any cretin who would suggest eating her should be ... well, as Hannibal Lector once said, "I'm having an old friend for dinner," and he didn't mean the dog. I should probably warn everyone upfront, I firmly believe one loving, devoted animal who will fight and die to protect me is worth 10 humans I don't know well and at least five that I do.
All breeds of dogs seem to have that bone-burying gene, and stash chow everywhere. Perhaps travel with your lady would work with a supply of dried high-protein food that could be hidden along your route if you were sure you'd be coming back the same way. Our dogs (both Samoyeds) used to go on long backpack trips with us carrying their own dry food in saddlebags they wore like ... saddlebags. Both also wore red bandannas and child-size drover hats to keep the sun off their noses (that pink skin sunburned dreadfully). Those two would do ANYTHING to go along on an adventure with us, and I always wanted to put a watch on one of their front legs and sunglasses on their noses, then wait down the trail a ways and watch the expressions of human hikers as our two canines trotted by, looking just a little too human.
I have absolutely no idea what we'll do with our six cats, should we be forced to hit the road. But I promise we're not going anywhere without them.
However, I know what they're doing to prepare for the coming SHTF -- they're selling real estate to colonies of mice, chipmunks and squirrels who are now living in our walls. Every so often we see a mouse saunter across the floor right past the cats' noses, and I swear they each wave a paw at the other. Is this how ranchers built up livestock for hard times? Am I going to be expected to host a rodent rodeo??
Rainey, starting to watch the cats closer....

With the economy the way it is and if society as we know it were to fall apart, what are the best items to have on hand to barter with? To me, at this point cash is useless and bullion, silver or gold is bulky and heavy if you're bugging out. Plus even that might not be worth much since it can't really help you survive.

_________________
If it's in your pack, but you don't know how to use it...it's useless. So, always test your skills as a form of preparation...Don't wait until your life depends on it. That's a lesson you don't want to learn the hard way.