Everyone seems to have their own opinions about what are the best items to keep on hand for post-TEOTWAWKI [1] bartering. I did mention a large variety of barter items in the Barter Faire chapter of my novel Patriots [2] (The chapter titled: “For an Ounce of Gold.”) Of course many of the same items are important to keep on hand to dispense as charity.
Since two heads are better than one, and by extension 5,000 heads are better than two, I’m taking a poll: Please e-mail [3] me your lists of preferred barter and charity items, and I will gladly post them.
My personal favorites are:
.22 Long Rifle rimfire ammo
1 oz. bottles of military rifle bore cleaner
Waterproof duffle bags (“dry bags”)
Thermal socks
Semi-waterproof matches (from military MRE [1] rations)
Military web gear (lots of folks will *suddenly* need pistol belts, holsters, magazine pouches, et cetera.)
Pre-1965 U.S. silver dimes
1 gallon cans of kerosene
1 pound canisters of salt (may be worth plenty in inland areas)
Small bottles of two cycle gas mixing oil (for chainsaw fuel)
Rolls of olive drab parachute cord
Rolls of olive drab duct tape
Spools of monofilament fishing line
Rolls of 10 mil “Visqueen” sheet plastic (for replacing windows, etc.)
I also respect the opinion of one gentleman with whom I’ve corresponded, who recommended the following: Strike anywhere matches.
Playing cards.
Cooking spices.
Rope and string.
Sewing supplies.
Candle wax/wick.
Again, I would greatly appreciate seeing your barter and charity item lists. Please e-mail [4] me your lists and I will post them in the next few days.