Top 20 Barter Items for Survival in a Grid Down, SHTF Situation: One Year After Total Collapse

In the aftermath of a total societal collapse, where the power grid is down, and basic amenities are scarce, having the right barter items becomes crucial for long-term survival. In this scenario, a year after the collapse, certain items gain immense value due to their practicality and necessity.

Here’s a list of the top 20 barter items to possess one year after the collapse:

While the majority of these are simply common sense, possibly there may be something here that has been overlooked in your preps. Something missing? Comment below.

1. Water Filtration Systems:
– With no electricity, access to clean water becomes challenging. Portable water filters and purification tablets are invaluable for ensuring a safe water supply.

2. Canned and Dehydrated Foods:
– Non-perishable food items with a long shelf life, such as canned goods and dehydrated meals, become essential for sustaining oneself when agriculture and distribution systems are disrupted.

3. Medical Supplies and First Aid Kits:
– A robust first aid kit, along with medical supplies like antibiotics, pain relievers, and bandages, is crucial for treating injuries and illnesses in the absence of professional healthcare.

4. Seed Banks:
– Seeds for various crops become a form of currency for those looking to cultivate their own food sources.

5. Manual Tools:
– In a world without electricity, manual tools like hand saws, wrenches, and shovels become indispensable for construction, repair, and survival tasks.

6. Hygiene and Sanitation Supplies:
– Soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, and other hygiene products contribute to overall health and well-being.

7. Durable Clothing:
– Extra sets of durable clothing, including work boots and weather-resistant gear, provide protection from the elements.

8. Alternative Energy Sources:
– Solar-powered chargers, portable generators, and hand-cranked devices help generate limited electricity for essential needs.

9. Fuel Reserves:
– Stockpile fuels such as gasoline, propane, or firewood for cooking, heating, and other essential activities.

10. Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Lights:
– Rechargeable batteries, paired with solar-powered lights, offer a sustainable source of illumination in the absence of electricity.

11. Candles, Matches, and Lighters:
– Traditional lighting sources become essential for providing light and heat during dark times.

12. Bartering Skills:
– Acquiring practical skills such as gardening, hunting, fishing, and basic medical knowledge becomes valuable for trade.

13. Camping and Shelter Supplies:
– Tents, sleeping bags, and portable stoves facilitate mobility and survival in an environment where permanent shelter may not be guaranteed.

14. Precious Metals:
– Small denominations of gold or silver can serve as a universal form of currency when traditional monetary systems are nonexistent.

15. Animal Husbandry Tools:
– For those engaged in animal husbandry, tools and supplies for the care of livestock become essential for a sustainable food source.

16. Educational Resources:
– Books on survival, agriculture, and practical skills act as valuable resources for continual learning.

17. Communication Devices:
– Hand-cranked or battery-powered radios provide a means of communication, critical for staying informed about the surrounding environment.

18. Fishing and Hunting Gear:
– Fishing rods, hunting equipment, and traps become important for procuring protein-rich food.

19. Sewing Kits and Repair Materials:
– Basic sewing supplies, including needles, thread, and fabric, help in repairing and maintaining clothing and equipment.

20. Self-defense Tools:
– In a world without law enforcement, self-defense tools like firearms and ammunition, where legal and safe, can be crucial for personal safety.

In a scenario where the grid has collapsed and society has gone into the toilet, being prepared with these essential barter items can make a difference in one’s ability to survive and thrive. While hoping for stability, preparing for the worst just names sense.

Have an idea of something to add to the list? Please share below.

Take care all –

Rourke