by Ranger Man on December 6, 2007 I saw a reader comment asking for a post on barter items for the post-cata

clysmic world. Ranger Man will happily oblige. Here we go: 1. Ammo, Ammo, Ammo Do I need to say it again? America is the most he avily armed nation in the world, but I seriously question how many people actually maintain an adequate supply of ammunition for those guns. Think a bout it, how many people do you know that go out and buy a few boxes of sh ells before hunting season starts? Exactly. They dont have an adequate su pply should SHTF. You can have all the guns in the world, but if you cant load em with bullets theyre useless. When the Golden Horde of unprepa red masses descend upon those holding something of value, its only those who can repeatedly pop these zombies in the dome that will find themselves forcing the Golden Horde to consider another house. Stock up on common ca libers (.22, 9mm, .45, .223, 12 gauge and .308) and youll find yourself i n high demand with people that need rounds. Now, the flip side of this is do you really want to give away ammunition that might be used against you? Youll have to decide this depending on the exact SHTF circumstances. I t rust youll make the right decision. 2. Guns, Guns, Guns Do I need to say it again? Yes, theyre expensive , but there are MANY people out there who are averse to owning a gun, but once TEOTWAWKI hits, their minds will quickly change. Theyre expensive, y es, but Im not advocating you stock up on AR-15's to hand out in exchange for everything under the sun (though you could). Im thinking more along the lines of used, single-shot 12 gauge shotguns that can be purchased for around $50. To someone thats unarmed, a single-shot shotgun and a box of shells will be worth its weight in gold. 3. Prescription Medications Yes, this is a difficult one to stock up on , but if you come across them in the post-apocalyptic world SNAG EM. What do you think you could trade a bottle of nitro pills for with someone that has a heart condition? Exactly. If you require prescription medications I wo uld strongly advise you consult with your physician about obtaining a few mo nths extra supplies. 4. Water Purification Supplies Does this really need an explanation? 5. Survival Seeds - This would be for the pro-longed SHTF situation. Their value will be infinite. 6. Fuel - Were talking all types: gas, diesel, propane, firewood, etc. Ca n you have too much? No, so youll likely keep it for yourself, but if you DI D need something that you hadnt already acquired, fuel will be a great commo dity for bartering. 7. Survival Books Books with good information will be huge. Theyre EM

P-proof and dont require electricity to run (unlike the pc youre using). 8. Batteries Stock as many as you can use while rotating stock and stayi ng within the recommended life span. A better idea is to stock a few crank ra dios and flashlights. 9. Soap, Bleach and Cleaning Agents Your local grocery store wont be open. These items are critical for maintaining health and hygiene. 10. Cast Iron Cookware People that run out of fuel will be cooking over an open fire situations that call for cast iron. Settlers used it for a reason. 11. Garden and Hand Tools - Those left alive will suddenly become gardener s and carpenters, whether they like it or not. 12. Canning Supplies How will people survive the non-growing season w ithout these? Some items Id like to cover that are not included above: * Silver and Gold Coins A lot of people advocate purchasing these for bartering purposes, but their value is entirely dependent on the situation. If youre lost in the desert for 14 days, would you rather have a gallon of water or 4 bars of gold? Precisely my point. When the cataclysm hits people WILL NOT look for silver and gold coins, theyll be looking for the items me ntioned above. * Booze Yes, alcoholics will do flips and twists for it when they run dry, but what will your typical alcoholic have to offer in trade? Think abou t it. While I would appreciate a stiff shot of Jack Daniels post-Doomsday, I wouldnt waste my time stocking up on it for bartering purposes. That being said, if you do drink, and you have a pantry stocked with food, itd certai nly be worthwhile to add the booze of your choice to the shelves and rotate stock. Remember: Shop in your pantry for dinner, shop at the store for your pantry. * Toilet Paper Yeah, it has value, but when TEOTWAWKI hits, youll happily use leaves and magazines. Dont waste valuable storage space to s tock amounts beyond your typical household needs. Again, I cant stress enough, everything is relative to the situation. When we had the 1998 Ice Storm in Maine, a box of ammo wouldve been worth a box of ammo, but people were selling generators for 3 or 4 times their original purchase price, typically out of the back of trucks and vans if you know wha t Im saying. Your best bet is to first prepare broadly for items thatll re tain value regardless of the situation, then stockpile goods for specific SH TF scenarios that are most likely to happen in your neck of the woods.