PREP 90 Best Items to Barter with Following a Societal Collapse

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Story by Emily Standley • 5h



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In the words of Benjamin Frankling, "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." I don't want to sound like 'Chicken Little' but planning for a societal collapse is not necessarily outside the realm of possible reality. It was but only a few decades ago that bartering existed as a common practice that families relied upon for survival. For centuries, bartering has been key to human sustainability, and in the event of an economic collapse, or other potential catastrophe, bartering staple goods will likely return in full force. Here is a list of 90 items you can start collecting today that have been used as currency and traded to be much more prepared for whatever is to come.


Creating your stockpile now therefore could help you prepare for whatever might be headed our way. The best way to assess the value of items in the event of a societal collapse is to look at similar events in the past and attempt to understand the implications regarding how priorities change and radically alter demand and supply.

Note & Disclaimer: Certain items may be more critical for survival at any given time than others depending upon the situation. This post is for informational purposes only. It contains some affiliate links which help us to create more articles. If you make a purchase, we will earn a small commission with no additional charge to you.

Metals and Gems​

1. Gold - A highly sought-after precious metal that has been used as currency for thousands of years due to its rarity, durability, and intrinsic value.
2. Silver - Another precious metal that has many industrial uses in addition to being used as a form of currency.
3. Platinum - A valuable metal with a variety of industrial uses, including in the production of catalytic converters for cars.
   
   
4. Precious gems - Rare and beautiful stones that have been treasured for their aesthetic appeal, healing power and symbolic value for centuries.
5. Copper - An important industrial metal that is used in a wide range of applications, from electrical wiring to plumbing.
6. Aluminum - A lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal that has many industrial uses, including in the production of airplanes and cars.
7. Iron - A strong, durable metal that has been used for centuries in construction, tools, and weapons.
8. Steel - A versatile metal that is widely used in construction, manufacturing, and transportation due to its strength, durability, and ability to be easily shaped.
9. Nickel - A hard, silvery-white metal that has many industrial uses, including in the production of stainless steel and batteries.

Food and Beverages​

1. Water - A basic necessity for human survival that is essential for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
2. Canned foods - Bulk supply of long-lasting food that can provide essential nutrients years after initial manufacture.
3. Freeze dried food - lightweight, compact and portable food with extremely long shelf lives of up to 30 years.
4. 
   
5. Water filters or water purification tablets - methods of ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.
6. Salt - A mineral that has been used for centuries as a seasoning and food preservative.
7. Sugar - A sweetener that is used in cooking and baking.
8. Coffee - A popular beverage that is consumed around the world and has a high value due to its stimulating effects and rich flavor.
9. Tea - Another popular beverage that is consumed around the world and has many health benefits.
10. Cocoa - A key ingredient in chocolate that is also used in a variety of desserts and beverages.
11. Spices - Spices such as cinnamon, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg have been traded for centuries and have a high value due to their rarity and ability to add flavour and aroma to food.
12. Seeds - The reproductive material of plants that is used for growing crops.
13. Honey - A sweet food produced by bees from the nectar of flowers.
14. 
    
15. Wine - A type of alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented grapes and has been enjoyed for centuries due to its complex flavors and health benefits.
16. Whiskey - A distilled spirit that is made from fermented grains and has a complex flavor profile and high alcohol content.
17. Vodka - A distilled spirit that is made from grains or potatoes and is known for its purity and neutrality of flavor.
18. Brandy - A distilled spirit that is made from wine and has a high alcohol content and complex flavor profile.
19. Rum - A distilled spirit that is made from fermented sugarcane or molasses and has a unique flavor profile and cultural significance in many parts of the world.
20. Gin - A distilled spirit that is flavored with botanicals, particularly juniper berries, and has a distinctive flavor profile that is enjoyed in a variety of cocktails.

Fuel​

1. Diesel - A type of fuel that is used in diesel engines, which are commonly used in trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
2. Natural gas - A clean-burning fossil fuel that is used to produce electricity and heat buildings.
3. Coal - A fossil fuel that has been used for centuries to generate electricity and heat buildings.
4. 
   
5. Charcoal - A form of carbon that is produced by burning wood in the absence of oxygen, which is used as a fuel and in the production of steel.
6. Petrol - A refined product of crude oil that is used as fuel for cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
7. Batteries - Used for providing power to a wide range of portable devices from torches to handheld tools and communication devices.

Medications & Medical Supplies​

1. Medications - A variety of pharmaceutical products that are used to treat and prevent illness and disease.
2. Antibiotics - Medication or ointment that are used to treat bacterial infections and have revolutionized the treatment of many illnesses and diseases.
3. Pain relief - Medications that are used to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by a variety of conditions, injuries, and surgeries.
4. Vitamins - Essential nutrients that are necessary for maintaining good health and preventing disease.
5. Anti-inflammatory drugs - Medications or creams that are used to reduce inflammation and swelling caused by a variety of conditions.
6. Antacids - Medications that are used to reduce acidity in the stomach and relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
7. Antihistamines - Medications that are used to relieve symptoms of allergies and anaphylactic allergic reactions.
8. Insulin - A hormone that is used to regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
9. Oxygen tanks - A device that stores and delivers oxygen for people with respiratory problems or in emergency situations.
10. First Aid Kit - Useful for all minor cuts, scrapes and abrasions.

Protection & Utility
​

1. Guns - Weapons that use explosive force to fire projectiles, which can be used for hunting, self-defense, or military purposes.
2. Ammunition - The bullets or shells that are used in guns.
3. Knives - Tools that are used for cutting, slicing, cleaning and chopping.
4. Axes - Tools that are used for chopping wood and other materials.
5. Crossbow/Bows and arrows - Weapons that use tension to fire projectiles, which can be used for hunting or warfare.

Sporting Gear, Chemicals & Tools
​

1. Fishing gear - Equipment that is used for catching fish, including fishing rods, nets, and bait.
2. Hunting gear - Equipment that is used for hunting, including firearms, and hunting knives.
3. Animal traps - Devices that are used to capture animals for food or other purposes. Humane is best!
4. Fertilizer - Substances that are added to soil to promote plant growth.
5. Pesticides - Chemicals that are used to kill or control pests, such as insects and rodents.
6. Farming tools and equipment - Tools that are used for cultivating crops, including seed drills, cultivators and tractors.
7. Shovels - A tool used for digging, lifting, and moving loose materials such as soil, gravel, or snow.
8. Hoes - A tool used for cultivating and shaping soil.
9. Scythes - A tool used for cutting grass, weeds, or other vegetation.
10. Sickles - A tool used for harvesting grain crops, such as wheat or barley.
11. Wheelbarrows - A small hand-propelled vehicle with one wheel, designed for carrying small loads, such as dirt, gravel, or bricks.

Animals and Livestock
​

1. Horses - A domesticated mammal used for transportation, ploughing fields, and other agricultural purposes.
2. Donkeys - A domesticated mammal used for transportation, particularly in arid or mountain like regions.
3. Mules - A hybrid animal produced by crossing a male donkey with a female horse, used for transportation and agricultural purposes.
4. Cows - A domesticated mammal used for producing milk, meat, and leather.
5. Chickens - A domesticated bird used for producing eggs and meat.
6. Goats - A domesticated mammal used for producing milk, meat, and fiber.
7. Sheep - A domesticated mammal used for producing wool, meat, and milk.
8. Pigs - A domesticated mammal used for producing meat and other products.
9. Bees - Insects that produce honey and are vital for pollinating plants.

Materials​

1. Wax - A natural substance produced by bees that is used in the production of candles and other products.
2. Leather - A material made from the skin of animals, commonly used for making shoes, clothing, and other products.
3. Fur - The soft, thick hair of certain mammals, commonly used for making warm clothing.
4. Wool - The soft, curly hair of sheep or other animals, commonly used for making clothing and blankets.
5. Silk - A luxurious fabric produced from the cocoons of silkworms.
6. Cotton - A soft, fluffy fiber that is grown on cotton plants and used for making clothing and other textiles.
7. Linen - A fabric made from the fibres of the flax plant, commonly used for making clothing and household textiles.
8. Hemp - A fiber that is derived from the cannabis plant, commonly used for making textiles, paper, and other products.
9. Tobacco - A plant that is dried and smoked for recreational and medicinal purposes.
10. Lumber - Wood that has been cut and processed for use in construction and for heating, cooking and building.
11. Bricks - Blocks of baked clay or other materials used for building walls, for plants and other structures.
12. Cement - A binder used in construction that hardens and binds other materials together - useful for building permanent structures and shelters.

Clothing & Shelter
​

1. Robust Clothing - Garments worn on the body for warmth and protection.
2. Shoes - Flexible footwear worn for protection and comfort.
3. Boots - Covering a wide range of footwear designed for both indoor and outdoor comfort and protection.
4. Face masks - A protective covering that is worn over the nose and mouth to reduce the spread of disease and infection.
5. Protective clothing - Clothing that is designed to protect the wearer from harm, such as hazmat suits and body armor.
6. Hats - Head coverings worn for warmth and protection.
7. Gloves - Sturdy hand coverings worn for warmth, protection, and dexterity.
8. Blankets - A heavy duty large piece of cloth used for warmth and comfort, commonly used on beds and couches designed to last.
9. Sleeping bags - A portable bed that consists of a large insulated bag, commonly used for camping and outdoor activities, but more critical in the event of power outages.
10. Tents - A portable shelter made of fabric or other materials, commonly used for camping and outdoor activities.

Conclusion​

It's important to note that the value of these items to barter can vary depending on the specific circumstances and needs of a given situation.

In a societal collapse, apocalyptic or doomsday scenario, items that are essential for survival, such as food, water, and medication, would likely be the most valuable.

Additionally, items that have more practical applications, such as tools, building materials, and protective clothing, would be highly valuable for their ability to enable individuals and communities to sustain themselves further in the long term.

Items that have cultural or symbolic significance, such as precious gems or tobacco, may also have a high worth value as tradeable goods.

Finally, many metals and construction materials would increase in value as society begins to re-establish itself once more as many have in the past.
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BFC- This seems like a better list than we usually come across. I'm going to have to re-read it again.

 

[1eagle]

I'd take Gemstones off the list. Too hard for the average person to determine authenticity and value.

 

[Blacknarwhal]

I would not trade ammunition, ever. Not the thing you want people knowing you have.

Booze and smokes are a good way to get around, but a lot of preppers will either have their own, make their own, or otherwise eschew it.

 

[ainitfunny]

They forgot a most important thing.
EDIBLE FAT.
And wax, not from bees -Parrafin wax,
and NEEDLES- ALL KINDS
-CAST NETS & Seines.
Tarps,
Leavenings: yeast, baking soda, baking powder,
Sour dough starter. ( you can make your own starter and sell this in the middle of an emergency!)
Cinnamon sugar( with a 25 lb bag of sugar and
a Costco big còntainer of cinnamon you can turn into
25 lbs of cinnamon sugar and 5-10 times the value of the ingredients.) Everybody want something sweet when times are bad. ( trade for 2 eggs?)

 

[marsofold]

No ammo? 22LR ammo will always be in demand.

 

[WFK]

You all got your NICKEL supply up-to-date?

 

[hiwall]

many of the items listed will have zero value
bogus list

 

[FREEBIRD]

They forgot a most important thing.
EDIBLE FAT.
And wax, not from bees -Parrafin wax,
and NEEDLES- ALL KINDS
-CAST NETS & Seines.

Also spools of thread. Tough to mend clothing and make things out of fabric without it.

 

[Codeno]

I would not trade ammunition, ever. Not the thing you want people knowing you have.

Couldn't disagree more.

Having anything at all in a barter society will make you a target, unless you demonstrate on some level that you have both the will and the means to hold it. I can't think of anything that says "I have the will and the means" quite like surplus ammunition will/would. Anybody trading ammunition obviously has enough of it to use it as a currency, and had the forethought to stockpile. Also, said person would not come across as being afraid of others knowing about it. I would suggest giving such a person a wide berth.

 

[RB Martin]

A lot of those number 4s are kinda vague!

 

[closet squirrel]

They forgot a most important thing.
EDIBLE FAT.
And wax, not from bees -Parrafin wax,
and NEEDLES- ALL KINDS
-CAST NETS & Seines.
Tarps,
Leavenings: yeast, baking soda, baking powder,
Sour dough starter. ( you can make and sell thus in the middle of an emergency!)

I read a doomer story one time when an entire village traveled very far looking for a sewing needle. It was important enough to take the risk.

I immediately ordered like 1000 needles

 

[ainitfunny]

OnonI read a doomer story one time when an entire village traveled very far looking for a sewing needle. It was important enough to take the risk.

I immediately ordered like 1000 needles

I saw on ebay a sewing store going out of business and i got 340 ten packs of sewing needles for $10.
I read the same story.

Its not what you KNOW that makes you successful,
But what you KNOW AND ACT ON, THAT CHANGES YOUR FUTURE. Those who just read that story profited nothing.
I read where those in Bosnia after years of no grocery stores open prayed for even a can of sardines that they didnt have to share! I slowly accumulated 100 cans of sardines! ( and tuna)
The same journal of war hardships taught me that 1 MATCH was as valuable as an Egg in trade, after a couple of years. And having books on what wild plants were edible made you a community leader! Needless to say matches and books on wild foods abound here.
I also bought 100 small ferrocerium rods
100 MEDIUM sized ones and about 10 of the 1/2" X 6" ones. I always take heed to other peoples mistakes so I dont make them.
My Every day carry includes a .380 kel-tec, a flashlight, a multi tool jacknife, a full lighter, a whistle, a fresnel magnifying lens. My coat contains a small mylar emergency blanket, a tiny fishing kit with bank line, a plastic rain poncho, a magic marker, a ball point pen with a small rite in the rain pad, some paracord ( 25 ft) threaded through the lining of my coat. 2 lighters, a ferrocerium rod, a special SOG folding knife that converts to a hefty saw, a bigger flashlight, and other stuff. This doesnt include my EDC neck knife, dog tags, whistle, & nitro bottle .
And, of course, cigarettes.

 

[hiwall]

Following a Societal Collapse​

Think first about what that line above means in the USA. 50% or likely way more people will be dead. But the stuff those people had and the stuff left in businesses (after the looting) will still be there.
Dead cars, trucks, trains, boats, cycles, etc will be all around. There will be no fuel other than possibly some random people having a stash that is still viable. Any moving vehicle would be a Huge target.

The article lists several common metals which will be available to everyone in abandoned buildings and vehicles.

Coal and charcoal are listed but who would be after those things when wood is free? And if you bartered for some how would you transport it?

Animals and livestock are listed and they would for sure have value but most will be dead. Those animals will be a target for many people and roaming dogs will kill many.

Farming equipment is listed but would be worthless without fuel.

Clothing and shelter are listed but with most of the population dead there will be plenty of houses. Inside vacant houses will likely be some clothing and linens. Dead people will have no use for that stuff. Vacant houses and commercial buildings will contain useful items that other searchers have missed or couldn't use because they couldn't carry anymore. When you only have your two feet to move stuff it limits what you can take.

There will be no barter (except between close neighbors) for a long time. First the killing has to mostly end. That will take a while.

 

[Luddite]

No offense to you BFC but that surely wasn't written by a human.

It seemed like it was written by a Gen 1 version of AI. Running during a brownout. Its CPU went TU.

If you need a definition of a knife you're not gonna make it...

BTW, who the heck is Ben Frankling?

 

[Illini Warrior]

if you want an "items to barter list" - make it for items that will no longer be available from overseas - and not just China - the US is far from a self sustaining country any longer - it's been long enough now for some imported items that any domestic manufacture is now gone .....

item example - little item not given much thought - but mentioned in the postings >> sewing needles - no longer manufactured in the US - eazy enough if you have the machine tool .....

 

[Dusty Lady]

I just got to know Ainitfunny, just how much does that coat weight?

 

[ainitfunny]

Probably about 8-11 pounds
Cuz i carry lots that i didnt list.
(power pack for my phone etc.)

 

[Ractivist]

A sewing machine, have duty if possible. Hand tools. Buckets of nails and screws.

 

[Publius]

That list has just about every thing defined and when you have to go as far to do this with say wool and a horse and just how stupid are the people they are addressing?

 

[shane]

I'd bought years ago 100's of needle/threads
sewing repair kits typically offered by hotels.



Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane

 

[summerthyme]

I'd bought years ago 100's of needle/threads
sewing repair kits typically offered by hotels.

View attachment 452735

Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane

Shane... might want to check a couple for thread strength, especially if they weren't always in climate controlled conditions. Unfortunately, it can be deteriorate...

Summerthyme

 

[Profit of Doom]

I'd bought years ago 100's of needle/threads
sewing repair kits typically offered by hotels.

View attachment 452735

Panic Early, Beat the Rush!
- Shane

We got a few of those.

 

[Abe Froman]

No offense to you BFC but that surely wasn't written by a human.

It seemed like it was written by a Gen 1 version of AI. Running during a brownout. Its CPU went TU.

If you need a definition of a knife you're not gonna make it...

BTW, who the heck is Ben Frankling?

All of this!!!
100 %!!

 

[Terrwyn]

I read a doomer story one time when an entire village traveled very far looking for a sewing needle. It was important enough to take the risk.

I immediately ordered like 1000 needles

Why didn't they just make one out of bone? And why would anyone barter something that was irreplaceable?

 

[tiredude]

When I saw the words ‘precious gems’ I chuckled

 

[Luddite]

When (IF for the terminally optimistic) society collapses those that prepared will need to be extremely lucky as well as extremely careful.

Do you think your small town or small tribe for that matter will be content to have you dole out necessities as you deem prudent?

The town council will have a committee that decides they can manage your resource better than you.

Never forget "death&taxes".

Most families rarely get through the holidays without some kind of trouble. Those dynamics would only get worse after collapse.

The only thing I know to do is pray to be like Jesus with every breath yet capable of being a heartless tyrant at FIRST necessity.

Mindset
Skillet
Toolset

 

[Dux]

No offense to you BFC but that surely wasn't written by a human.

It seemed like it was written by a Gen 1 version of AI. Running during a brownout. Its CPU went TU.

If you need a definition of a knife you're not gonna make it...

BTW, who the heck is Ben Frankling?

Agreed! As I was reading through the explanation of what water was, my eyes revolted.

 

[Murt]

Knowledge and skills

 

[day late]

The thing that gets me about a lot of these 'lists' is as you look at them, many are intended to keep your life going on as close to normal as possible. THIS at a time when there is no normal. i.e.

"Get our solar powered charger for your laptop and phone so that no matter what happens you are in touch."

Excuse me. just how many servers are going to be online after an EMP? What about cell towers? Not many I'm thinking. When it happens, we will be lucky if we only go back as far as the mid-1800's. Forget electricity, only the very rich and powerful will have that luxury. Food will be obtained by the sweat of your brow. And there will be NO relief convoys from the government showing up to return you to 2023 or before.

 

[alchemike]

Buy a box of 50 or 100 Bic lighters.
Very valuable to hold and in trade.

 

[Luddite]

Agreed! As I was reading through the explanation of what water was, my eyes revolted.

If Emily Standley is a real person she needs to be fired. Her superior or editor needs fired too. Jmo

 

[CaryC]

There was a lot of stuff on that list I was like, "Whaaaat?"

IMHO what one needs as barter are items that are ready available now, but won't be then.

For instance Lumber is not one of them. They made ton's of stuff from timber. And an Axe wasn't on the list. Which you won't barter, but rather have the knowledge and skill to trade/barter using an Axe.

Not many people carry a pocketknife anymore. I've been carrying one since Junior High. And had my own hunting knife since I was 5. Not to play with, but rather as a keep sake.

So pocketknife, and wet rock, could be barter items. Not everyone has them now, but will see the need for them then.

Matches/lighters

Candles

Some kind of alcohol for medical/dental purposes. Just make sure the doctor/dentist doesn't drink to much.

While the list is extensive, most are not practical. If you're going to use cows for barter, where are you going to put them? Feed them until you need them. And a lot of the items even lumber in large enough quantities to be useful, will go bad/spoil/rot/lose effectiveness if it is long before you need them.

And a large majority of items I would put on a "for me only" list unless absolutely necessary (as in for survival only) for barter. Seed/food/ammo/precious metals.

I wouldn't even put batteries on a barter list. For my use as a storage item sure.

There are things even in 1800's living you will need and cannot totally supply for yourself. Salt/pepper, material for clothes (even if you have to raid a vacant house) shoes.

But one of the biggest things for barter other than small things like matches, knives, candles is knowledge and skill to trade for.......... Which can include hunting and fishing. Trade you a couple of squirrels for a box of salt. (you need a gun and ammo) Trade you building you a shed for your horse (without nails) for using him to plow my garden. For which you will need an axe, cross cut/bow saw a couple of wedges, a hammer and a chisel. That kind of thing. Which will be hard on us older folk.

 

[Kathy in FL]

if you want an "items to barter list" - make it for items that will no longer be available from overseas - and not just China - the US is far from a self sustaining country any longer - it's been long enough now for some imported items that any domestic manufacture is now gone .....

item example - little item not given much thought - but mentioned in the postings >> sewing needles - no longer manufactured in the US - eazy enough if you have the machine tool .....

Imports such as coffee in the form of green coffee beans so that they last.
Real tea leaves and the knowledge of how to make teas from herbs, etc.
Cocoa in whatever form ... and don't worry about it "going bad" or having a "best use by" date.
Spices such as cinnamon ... commonly and cheaply available now, not so much later.
Oils for cooking, etc. Learn to take rancid oil and turn it into lamp fuel.
In the north, some form of citrus ... to prevent scurvy if for no other reason. In the south ... deciduous fruit and/or items that don't readily grow in that climate.

Nails, screws, bolts, wire, rope, duct tape ... all of the handyman special items.

Knives and the ability to sharpen them.
Scissors for the same reason as knives.

Cloth diapers and safety pins
Feminine hygiene needs

 

[Night Owl]

The most important thing to bater with is your own skills. If you have medical knowledge you are needed most. Any trade like mechanic, farming, handyman, ability to make useful things out of scraps or wood is a big plus. I’m sure there are many rides m ot remembering.

I do know my mother said during the last depression there were men coming around to wash windows or clean the yard for a sandwich. I’m not sure we are the same society to answer the door to a stranger to feed him a sandwich for his ability to work. We will have to know them or have someone recommend them for us to not be concerned they would be checking out the premises or rob us.

 

[von Koehler]

I divide the question into two answers.

If I want to trade or barter with others, booze is a good choice. It doesn't deteriorate with time, is divisible into smaller portions, in high demand, and has a high value to volume ratio.

For personal use it's hard to beat food or ammo.

 

[Profit of Doom]

When I saw the words ‘precious gems’ I chuckled

Probably the most useless item on the list.
Yet, my wife valued them above anything else.

 

[packyderms_wife]

I'd take Gemstones off the list. Too hard for the average person to determine authenticity and value.

Agreed! I'm in quite a few smithing and jewerly making groups and it's amazing how many pros are taken advantage of by lab grown gemstones! Even turquoise is easily faked.

 

[packyderms_wife]

In the north, some form of citrus ... to prevent scurvy if for no other reason. In the south ... deciduous fruit and/or items that don't readily grow in that climate.

Learn to eat local! We have plenty of tree fruits and vine fruits that can replace citrus for scurvy, including parts of pine trees!

We have: apples, pears, quince, figs, plums, peaches, apricots, cherrys, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, black raspberries, gooseberries, cranberries, etc., all of which are easy to grow in our climate and have decent amounts of Vitamin C.

There are also loads of wild plants that grow up here in the north that are very good for you, wild cucumber, purslain, wild lettuce, thistle, cattails, so on and so forth, not to mention wild nuts like hickory, walnut, hazelnuts, to name a few.

 

[day late]

I've always said that if you have fire, you have just about everything. Fire keeps you warm, cook's food, is used in making some kinds of weapons, can be used in defense, or signaling. Just to name a few. In my preps are two items never mentioned above. A flint and steel and a magnifying glass. Neither of these run out of fuel or are damaged by water. In most cases, neither of these usually appear on the 'must-have' list.

 

[Wyominglarry]

The moment you try and barter the other person(s) will know you got stuff they want and need. You become a target and will get killed. No way I would try and barter after the collapse of our society.