Money / Barter Items (Building a Bug Out Bag) by TheUrbanPrepper
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- BUILDING A BUG OUT BAG: Money Compartment
(Research & Development Video)
This video shows the Money / Barter Items Compartment for my bug out bag redesign project. In an emergency, I won't be able to rely on debit/credit cards for purchasing goods and services. I will need to have cash, and plenty of it. However, there may be an emergency scenario where the US dollar collapses, in which I will want to have a few items on me that have value in a currency free society.
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As far as the cash,I'd go with much smaller denominations. Nothing over $20 in bills. Mostly $1 and $5. I survived hurricane Gloria in Long Island,NY back in the 80's. The electric was out for two weeks. Most stores still sold items through a locked door. You'd ask for bread, or milk or whatever, and the shop owner would lock the door and retrieve it. They refused to make change,so if (like my father) some one only needed a gallon of milk and only had a $20 bill,you either bought a $20 gallon of milk or was forced to buy $20 in grocery's. AND my father was a cop,and couldn't do anything about it. He was pissed,because not only did we have to walk 12 blocks to the store (So many trees were down,you couldn't drive anywhere.), but drag armfuls of un-needed grocery's 12 blocks. Small denominations.It might be much heavier with $750 in singles and a couple hundred in fives,with a few twenty's thrown in,but in the long run,you won't be forcibly gouged.
I agree with you on having more small bills and less of the larger bills, maybe even some change. In an emergency situation any place that has items for people to buy will not want to make change.
Keep in mind in some scenarios you may need $100s over $1s. Bribing someone is a lot easier when you flash a crisp Benjamin then rifling through and counting out a lot of singles.
This idea just came to me. Looking back on my military days, the things I would have traded most for would be 1.smokes (you nailed it), 2 clean dry socks, 3, baby wipes (they get you pretty damn clean, 4 hand warmers.
I love your liquor idea, I'll probably use vodka or everclear instead because the higher alcohol content will be useful in first aid and fire starting.
Pains me to say it but bullion isn't very recognizable to most people as much as I love to stack it.
Pain meds. I've been addicted to caffeine and nicotine for a long time. Coming off of them in short fashion causes horrible migraines. Imagine all of those smokers and coffee drinkers out there.
Cigarettes, liquor, silver/gold, feminine hygiene items, and antibiotics.
condoms
Stuff thats valuable in prison it seems
Fem hygiene too
Cig lighters
My barter item....WEED!!! LOTS OF IT,WHEIGHT ALMOST NOTHING!
richard castellon Definitely valuable. What's the shelf life?
TheUrbanPrepper I think if I keep some feminized seeds,plus a steady supply of dry herb I should be able to trade it.I never see anyone talk about honey. Honey, bullets, Ramon noodles and, big fluffy buds. end of the world is gonna be just 1 long camping t ft up for me
richard castellon Only problem is it WILL stink up your whole bag, unless you quadruple bag it with aloksaks or something. Like that would matter in this situation... lol
Sam Campbell it will stink,but that's how you know you got the good stuff. ;) funny thing.....some taste just like blueberries,orange,lemon,and fruity pebbles!!!!!
richard castellon Air freshener for your BOB I guess then haha
You may want to change that makers mark to Bacardi 151 because it can be used as an antiseptic, flavor enhancer, fire starter, and also to drink. Always think multi use.
People won't be too brand conscious when nothing else is available. Even 5 O'clock and Heaven Hill will be just as valuable.
Robert Guetschow the reason why he suggested Bacardi 151 isn't because of the brand. It's because it's high proof so it's highly flammable compared to makers mark
Ive been watching your video and all i can say is that all you have in you bug out bag are well thought off. If there are things you would want to add in your barter items, i suggest having packets if sugar, salt and instant coffee. Batteries, band aids and matches are good bartering items as well. Keep it up.
Great video; really good info. For home prep I keep about 5 gal of vodka cheap botom shelf stuff. You can use it when having a party (punch etc.) as well as many other uses not just bartering. I would suggest less $100/50 bills more 5s, 10s and 20s. I have noticed while bartering in other countries that they will lie about having change and just give you the ultimatum of "give me the big bill or you do not get the item." While working in remote areas cigarettes and dip/chew are worth more then their weight in platinum.
As an ex-smoker, I agree that cigarettes would be like gold in certain post-SHTF situations. I wonder about the longevity of name-brand packages of smokes with all their chemicals vs. a bag of tobacco that was vacuum-sealed for preservation (& maybe stored in the freezer until needed?). If you had a decent-sized bag of tobacco & a few small packages of rolling papers, you could roll your own and piecemeal them out. I also like the idea of booze, for barter, morale, antiseptic, anesthetic, etc. Maybe get a large bottle (cheaper) and dole it out to several smaller plastic empties. Finally, maybe a dozen or so mini Bic lighters/ferro rods. Again, under the right circumstances, extremely valuable.
I'd ditch the packs of smokes and go for a small bag of loose tobacco. Cheaper, there's way more tobacco, and the smokes won't get crushed. Then you can trade the tobacco by the handful if need be. Also, as a side note, you can use tobacco in an emergency situation to stem bleeding and (some people say) reduce pain from a deep gash.
Spices, salt, sugar, tea bags, instant and regular coffee, powder drink mix, etc are great items that are light weight, keep forever, and people will want it in a true SHTF and it is a long dig in situation.
I work in Corrections and over the years I have learned that Inmates show you how to survive with minimal things. More importantly their bartering system is a perfect model for what could happen. That said the main things (legal) that they barter is tobacco, coffee, and Debbies (little Debbie snacks). You are on the mark for tobacco with the Marlboros but you should add Black and Milds. Also, your Starbucks packets could be a valuable commodity so keep those safe. Love your channel.
There are 10 gram silver bars you can get fairly cheaply that break apart into single gram segments that would be helpful. Also, it is not a good idea to touch the silver directly as the oil in your fingers will stain polished silver.
At the end of the day it would likely happen anyway, good for people to know though. Tarnished silver would be the least of my worries.
Good idea for the bartering stuff, a couple of things to remember: the smokes have a shelf life of about 1 year, and the people willing to trade vital suplys for booze are the types of people you want to avoid. the smokes are a good idea though. Another thing to think about is know what you have more than one of as far as supplys to trade like knifes for instance.
I would think that many already mentioned this, but I would recommend to add basic survival items to the barter kit. This would include (in my opinion): Bic Lighters, Minor First Aid, Hygiene, pills, water purification tablets, maybe small amounts of food or small fishing kits, batteries, and Chemical lights. Of course, this might be too weighty, but at least some of these are worth consideration. Love your kits and your channel! You are very helpful!
Lead is the best currency.
For the alcohol, I'd recommend buying a 375ml bottle of 190 proof Everclear (if the sale of it is legal in your state). That's 12.7 ounces of liquid, 12 ounces of which is pure grain alcohol. That's the same amount of alcohol in half a handle of 80 proof liquor! In terms of convenience and portability, it makes the most sense. Of course, the only limitation is that you wouldn't want to give a person straight everclear (it tastes awful and is actually pretty dangerous), so that decreases the value of the trade. But if the person has a cup or bottle with them, they can dilute the amount you give them with 1 part water and 1 part everclear such that the resulting mixture is around 45-48% alcohol by volume. Then, they essentially have a strong vodka like drink. Of course, then measuring becomes a problem.
Of course, one solution to the above problem is to buy whatever amount of Everclear you want to buy and then just divide it into mini bottles like the ones you showed in the video. Then you have little 50ml/1.5oz servings of Everclear (but it contains the same amount of alcohol found in 2.5 standard drinks) to trade with and just tell them they need to dilute it half and half before they drink it. A mini that contains 2.5 drinks worth of alcohol is far more appetizing of a trade than a single mini and 1 mini worth of everclear is probably WAY cheaper than a mini worth of Maker's Mark (it may taste better, but in an emergency who cares?).
thanks for the informative series.. I would like to add that some all-in-1 or 3-in-1 coffee package would also be good to have here. Light weight, long shelf life, and ready to go, and most people (esp. NW folks) loves coffee.
Both the alcohol and tobacco can be used medicinally, although I'd go with a higher proof clear alcohol. My father's always used tobacco from cigarettes on bee stings, and the alcohol can be used as a sleep and pain aide, cleaning wounds, or making tinctures.
I would also consider getting some junk silver--particularly silver dimes and quarters--for bartering smaller items. It's easier to trade a silver dime for a loaf of bread, or for a few bullets, than it is to trade a solid, one ounce piece of silver.
Whitfield Parham Very good points. I'm leaning more and more away from precious metals with my BOB. I don't think the exchange rate will be as good as booze/cigs in a real emergency.
TheUrbanPrepper maybe a bag of loose tobacco and rolling papers. You may want to get several packs of rolling papers. With certain plant being legalized in many places someone may want papers vs a cigarette. Repackage the tobacco in to a ziploc type bag, and recycle the waste. Hmmm could also burn the papers or write on them, since the papers have a sticky side you could lick and stick a message somewhere. Also if the tobacco is loose you wouldn't have to extract it from a cigarette to use for medicinals and waste a cigarette.
Chewing tobacco is a bit more popular in my opinion for beatings and such. Comes in a resealable bag, already moist so no need for water. Still good either way.
I have lived through the Bosnia war, 1992-1995. The most valuable items for trade were at that time, in no particular order: foreign currency (at that time US dollars, and German marks), gold, weapons, ammunition, fuel, water, sugar, salt, flour, cooking oil, alcohol, cigarettes, coffee. Foreign currency and gold jewelry was VERY valuable. If you had that you could get ANY of the other items i mentioned above from war profiteers, small paramilitary forces, etc. I like your video/idea.
Again, very good points you mention. I too have been buying those small little plastic booze bottles that have the plastic caps which seal better. I fill them with lamp oil and tape electrical tape around them each, about 2 or 3 feet, but I should caution people who would also like to do that. Fill the bottles first, seal them tight, then put the tape around. I would dampen my cotton balls with the lamp oil a little for better fire starting. Bic lighters will also be very valuable.... Cheers.
Any medical items is a great barter item as well, antibiotics and the good pain relief always useful to many people especially if those items are no longer available.
Fish antibiotics are made by the same manufacturers that make human antibiotics, i have some in my bag. just a heads up. Those would be worth a lot to barter as well.
Agreed, I believe this should be a significant part of go-bags. Imagine the "go-time" situation, would others not being doing the same, or at least you could use help to make it to your destination as safe as possible. Maybe you you barter goods for a in exchange for a bar of soap, change of clothes, map, flashlight, batteries, matches, reflective material or to ride in the back of a truck for a ways to make better time. Have enough clean cotton balls or toilet paper to keep meds quiet and not draw attention. If you carry precious metals, maybe have them wrapped in paper that is easily recognizable to you as for what is inside but draws no attention if it fell from your hand. Label them w/ atomic #'s of periodic table of elements. I keep mine in an old egg carton or diapers smeared with orange, green, and brown paint. I like the idea of having multiple barter ziploc bags that all have the same various items in low quantity so if I have to trade it is there and ready, I don't have to sit there rummaging through a bag vulnerable to attack or the trade turns into theft when the guy sees a bunch of supplies he wants in one spot. It's so crazy it just might work lol.
good thoughts. only thing i would add is disposable lighters to go with the cigs. and the cash is a good idea. if you need it, you have it. if not.... its just an extra 1.8 ounces in your bag
Water filters. You will need them, presumably. If you carry a few, you might be able to barter one or two for some other item that you find you need and don't have.
In the initial stages money will have little value I would think, although small silver might be handy (pre64 dimes silver quarters). Hard core survival items will take precedence (water food meds shelter ammo batteries) initially I am thinking as well as your addiction items (cigerettes booze drugs) and also toiletries (TP toothpaste mouthwash bodywash). Larger silver and gold small and large will be good barter once some sort of societal norm returns (even if it is a new frontierish type of norm). Except for maybe the same day as the initial event I am not sure cash will have a value at all. That said I have some in mine as well.
Here's a suggestion: Plan on making your local convenience store/gas station/booze shop your FIRST STOP in case of SHTF.
Not knowing when it will happen, my stop is about two blocks away, and I'll take whatever cash I have on hand in, buy as many packs of cigarettes and bottles of basic booze I can, to barter with. If the proprietor will allow checks, I'll write a check. If he can run credit cards, I'll fill my gas tanks and every container I can, too.
Don't stock up on cigarettes or tobacco NOW because it has a relatively short shelf life. Wait until the collapse and make it your first/last stop out of town.
If you're planning for a LONG-TERM collapse, go with as much COIN you can in silver. Get the pre-'65 halves and quarters, cause everyone will know what they are and they will almost immediately achieve a "market" value of exchange.
Having that much cash on hand may be silly, and five silver dollars aren't going to buy you much AT ALL.
It sounds like you are referring to a global bug out scenario (TEOTWAWKI). However, I believe there are many more likely localized bug out scenarios (to your region) when having cash will still be important such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, power outages, blizzards, tornadoes, fire, power outage and other emergencies. Silver is more likely to come into play in end of the world scenarios, but for my BOB project I am taking into account the odds of certain emergencies occurring.
I like your ideas. As far as the quarters, you could trade those out for some silver ones as well for a double use. The alcohol could be used as a disinfectant and fire starter so good choice there. Maybe some antibiotics? If someone got a bad infection, they would trade just about anything for those.
I have been thinking about adding tobacco to my setup as well but after thinking it over I've decided to go with "loose" tobacco and rolling papers. It can be vacuum sealed, it's less expensive and unlike cigarettes you don't have to worry about crushing them. I don't smoke but when I was 18 going to concerts at the gorge I learned to bring cigarettes along... I couldn't buy beer but I could but smokes and when smokers get desperate they will trade beer for cigarettes.
Instead of cigarette packs I would suggest pouches of tobacco like Bugler or Tops . There cheaper to buy but contain much more tobacco . The pouches are virtually indestuctible ( cig packs can be crushed ) and no hard edges in you bag . The Bugler brand comes with 40 rolling papers or the equivalent of two packs of cigarettes .
I believe in such a situation .22LR ammunition will end up being the coin of the realm. There are more 22's in the US than any other caliber. It is great for small game and self defense (more people are killed with 22 in the US than any other caliber) . I also have 9mm tucked away. Ammunition will be worth it's weight in gold,especially if they aren't making anymore.
Or bottle caps?
I'd probably swap out that whiskey for a much higher proof like Rum 151 because it doubles the value, and can also be used as an anti-septic or fire starter. Also, some Vasoline to stop cuts from bleeding.
For some people with families (or small kids) bandages, disinfectants, vitamins, anti-venom kits, dehydrated fruits/vegetables, baby formulas, instant dry milks, small first aid kits, water purification kits.
Try switching up the makers mark with ever clear! It has a Much higher alcohol content, which gives it numerous other uses for bartering! It can be used as a disinfectant on wounds, can be used as fuel for molotov cocktails, for starting fires, it can even substitute for gas in deisel engines! If necessary, one can simply drink the contents of the existing airplane shots, then put the ever clear in the empty bottles. Just a thought...
I honestly feel the most valuable barter tool would be without a doubt extra flint rods
Good informative video. One barter item that is very useful in a bugout/shtf that you might want to consider is firearms or ammunition. An extra pocket pistol or especially extra ammo can go quite a long way. I know it would be a little heavy but they will go along way when it comes time to barter. If you don't want to carry an extra firearm, at least carry some extra ammo for trading. My recommendation is .22lr, or 9mm. A box of each would go a long way. Just my two cents.
If I were you, I would stay away from new gold and silver. Trying to barter or trade with any kind of bullion would highlight you as a border or prepper who has more. I have seen some other videos that advise you to keep some odd bits of silver and gold jewellery, like wedding rings. These would look desperate, rather than prepared. Also, i agree with ryunin69, Antibiotics would be a real bonus, and a standard 7 day course of antibiotics weighs next to nothing. Also shots of Adrenaline (Epi-Pen) for Anaphylactic shock would command a good price and also give you a real boost to get out of a situation fast. I reckon Condoms would be worth alot to, multi purpose, but so cheap now, and impossible to make if the economy broke down.
Yes, good point. (what is the prep for). I wouldn't bother with the little liquor bottles. I think liquor is a good idea for barter but only 1/2 pints and pints of whiskey for storing with your food storage at home.
Pro tip for cash try to keep new bills. Newer bills tend to have better security features and in a time of need that could bring peace of mind to people you are buying goods from.
I would include several of the individual moist towelettes. The kind they give away at steak houses. They are very good for sanitation, weigh next to nothing, and are a comfort to those who bathe often. It's funny, but we think of our vices as mere destructive addictions, but in a no water scenario, my wife would give just about anything for a baby wipe or towelettes to feel somewhat clean.
I would probably care 4 or 5 1/10th oz. Gold coins. They are lighter weight than the Silver you have, and they pack more of a wealth punch than a Silver coin. I'd still keep the Silver though.
i know i'm in the minority here, but i just don't see precious metals meaning anything in a catastrophic event. if cash loses it's meaning then i feel the metals will do the same. maybe rich people would want it. but i think you are a wise grasshopper for including the alcohol & cigarettes. those & medical supplies & batteries & food/water these are the things people will want most & first. if you're hungry you can't eat silver & gold. maybe i'm out of touch, but i doubt it. Dave is the man!!!!!
Fire starter items like the magnesium fire starters would be another good trade item. Harbor freight has them on sale for less than $3.00 most weeks.
Have you thought of heat sealing double shots of liquer in small foil wrappers, the same way tomato ketchup packs come from takeaways.
In the third world liquer often comes in these type of sacks.
I agree about the concenpt of appealing to a person's addictions, but I would take it a step further. I would look at a person's desire to provide some form of normalicy for their family. Because of that, I would carry low weight items for children and women. I'd include things like colouring books, crayons, nylons, and make up. It puts you in a position of looking for the right people to barter with and they would all be highly sort after at some point.
Excellent ideas Norman!
makeup? er... nope. antiseptic, dental floss. tootbrush, sunscreen, deodorant crystals, vasoline . Im a woman, frankly looking great is probably gonna get u raped, stuff makeup.bug repellant.
@@nickimillennium my first aid kit already has tampons and pads... if u wanna barter carry some seeds ( heirloom varieties ) weight next to nothing and precious ...very precious .
In a pinch, the alcohol also has medical uses: Sterilizing a wound, or numbing pain for emergency surgery--that's a great item to have.
i would also consider aspirin in those single dose packs for barter light and definitely desirable
I've always thought the best barter items are also backup equipment. If theres a situation bad enough that cash has lost its value, then I'm not going to be particularly excited about silver or cigarettes either, the alcohol has value only as a medical disinfectant. Where as a small good quality multi-tool, knife, lighter, foil blanket, a sewing or fishing kit, medical suppies, water treatment tablets, batteries, calorie dense food, etc will all be of far greater value than any of the items in your video. The advantage is that you also have a backup to your primary equipment, can choose what you can spare at the time and / or can use them to help out others that you care about.
That said, salt is always handy and in some situations is actually a medical necessity so is always worth including. At some times in history black pepper was literally worth it's weight in gold and also makes bland / spoiled food more consumable. Instant coffie is nice to have too and weighs very little. All these things you get free all over the place in little sachets so are easy to pick up and carry a few.
Any left over antibiotics or other type of prescription meds will be in very high demand. Heart meds, etc.
Edited to add...The expiration date is important , but in a do without situation meds are still semi-good for a while after they expire. Just create a bag of different unused meds just in case.
You can ferment fruit stored/canned/dehydrated with sugar and yeast for booze...much cheaper, bigger yeild. I would get those little plastic flasks, they are cheaper than the tiny bottles of MkrsMrk.
tampons, pain killers, asprin, bic lighters. fire steels. compact can opener, rollie papers ie tallyho, instant coffee in small vacume sealed baggies.
I'd avoid too much money in $100 bills, simply because a lot of places don't accept them.
Consider finding a way to replace your cig stock over time. Cigs lose quality over time, and having fresher ones will be all the more enticing.
Consider a larger bottle of some cheap strong booze. Has many uses, and is cheap to invest in.
I like the little "nod" to Dave Ramsey with the "Money" outro!
Swap the packs of cigarettes for a pouch of Top tobacco with rolling papers. You get a lot more cigarettes out of it, and it can be compressed and stored in plastic or a balloon.
I think you have thought it through pretty well. Don't keep all the cash in one place, split it up between a few people and in different pockets, etc. The smokes, booze, etc is also a good idea. Even if you get stuck with the alcohal, you can use it for antiseptic purposes also. Don't waste your time even ressponding to the bashers on here. Keep prepping and don't forget about the small things like toothpaste and brushes, soap, floss, flints, fuel, etc.
Good basic video and thanks for posting. Some thoughts: cash is something I learned is very important as a truck driver because I've been to places where credit/debit cards/checks are NOT accepted. I'm not into gold/silver, but brother is. While they may have value, don't think they'll be accepted as barter for quite awhile, but it's still a good idea. And you never know when/if or why the banks/atm's may not be open/available. As to liquor/smokes, good idea. Last month ran out of smokes while at home and my vehicle was down till the next day, so had the choice of walking several miles to nearest store or go with out. But I had food sealed 2 packs of smokes about 8-12 months earlier and stashed them in bob. Each pack also had a pack of matches. One pack got squished and came out of the pack perfectly square. I smoke non filters and it was like trying to smoke 'em with one, maybe 2 filters on it. But I got it done. The other pack was normal. Don't have any large bottles of liquor, but several hundred of the small, plastic ones as part of my barter preps. So now will be adding additional cash in a separate bag instead of just on me, along with smokes/matches and liquor. And may add some silver just in case.
food item that is great: alfalfa seeds/broccoli seeds for sprouting (or for growing in a settlement situation). takes 3-4 days to sprout for fresh veggies, healthy foods prevent sickness and restore vitamins and minerals. in my pack i have a pound of alfalfa & broccoli along with a small container with many other seeds ( like onion carrots tomato lettuce chili peppers etc - for the "just in case" of permanent bug-out. just food for thought :) being prepared for a long-haul can be lightweight,
Good idea with the quarters, vending machines with those plexiglass fronts that cant be broken into are all yours.
one of the things i carry in my b.o.b. is individual packets of instant coffee with creamer and sugar simply for bartering ... not to mention if i dont need to barter... i love coffee love love love love coffee
Exactly, addictive and recreational items, anything that's good for morale is also great barter items.
I like the cigarette idea because they are very light, the supply will dry up quickly and people will be going nuts when they can't get their cigs. But I'm not sure about how long you can store cigarettes. I'm pretty sure that they will be completely dry within a year of purchase, but I don't know how long they will retain the nicotine.
Couple Suggestions, carry silver quarters, they are good for trade, also can use in payphones if you absolutely have to. #2 buy nips of clear high proof liquor, like high quality vodka, again, multi use, medical use for disinfecting, and also trade, #3 buy a bag of all natural tobacco, tobacco without chemicals, also useful for medical purposes and trade.
Now you've done it, you broke into your money stash! We do the same, but we also keep cash in different areas, like at home and with us since we are truck drivers. I want to get some pre-1965 coins cause that is easier to use than the silver 1 oz coins. Not only is cigerettes good, but so is having seed for tobacco. Also having a variety would be good, like menthol cigs, etc. Good stuff keep it up.
I agree on the cigs but I would also barter with different types of ammo and maybe some take down arrows and arrow tips I would carry both broadheads and field points
Good idea. A few thoughts - minimize the big bills, carry mostly twenties and smaller. Do not carry all your cash together, keep it in smaller groups like $30 - $50. Never show your cash until you are paying for something, then only show the exact amount you’re paying. The silver will probably not get its value when buying/bartering. If you’re buying something in a BOB situation and some one sees your money the sell price could go up. Also showing your cash could attract unwanted attention.
I agree with the items especially the coins, I also have them in my bag ,but have also included gold coins and some necklaces and rings. I also added a couple more weapons to my protection gear. Good video !
You can buy individual sachets of salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, sauces from Amazon online - light enough to carry and they could be worth their weight in gold. Also, spices.
Problem with Cigarettes is that even unopened they are very easy to crush in your bag. Half a dozen Small packets of tobacco (many of which include papers) will take up far less room and be practically unbreakable. And to most smokers (and i am one) in a SHTF situation be far more valuable because it will go much further.
One of those small whiskey bottles filled with perfume extract would be worth well over all you have there. Learning how to make thermite would also work wonders on your urban survival skills, it's quite easy to obtain.
In the event of a disaster with long term effects, were cash is nothing but fire starter,
Good items to trade
Would be anything that the general population is addicted to or luxery (anything making life easier at that point in time) items that people want or need. Food, water, med, weapons, possibly even transportation, are things that people are going to want and need. Cigarettes, cigars, alcohol, drugs (I dont condone drugs btw) ammunition or just even dry clothing. People will trade for what they need, but also what they want.
It could be as simple as one guy wanting your gloves and you have two, trade him something he has that you like.
I enjoyed the video. Keep it up amd stay safe.
Even if you don't smoke or drink--history shows these two items, and fuel and silver are some of the hottest 'commodities" during a collapse....a carton of cigarettes--very light to carry and takes up little space--and believe it or not--may just save your hiney in so many ways....keep both on you if you can. Also, in a pinch don't forget the liquor can cleanse a wound as well.
@TheUrbanPrepper if your a member of Costco, I picked up a pack of 50 lighters for under $6!!! its great to have alot around the house, and would be a great trade item!
Capitalize on peoples addictions, I'm completely with you on that philosophy! 1 lb is a nice round number too. Not that you want to be a dealer, but Vicodine or any strong painkiller could be worth it's weight in gold too. Otherwise this is pretty much what I'm carrying. With the mini whiskey bottles, glass keeps much better though if you can find them.
I don’t consider booze and cigarettes to be capitalizing on peoples addictions. Rather they are tools to aid people’s comfort in a time of difficulty. Yes, you can gain from them some other things that may help you and your difficulty. Someone may have music, extra money, fruits, desserts, different strokes for different folks.
Cash is the universal favorite, so i'd focus on accumulating that. You can also trade essentials like water, food, tools, weapons, gasoline, batteries, etc.
Jolly Rancher's would be a great candy because they can also be used as a cough drop or for sore throat. Life Saver's work better than any cough drop - according to many studies. Also those lemon sugar free candies that won't rot your teeth or cause problems for diabetics.
@2012icon Depends what you are prepping for. Is it going to be worthless if there is an earthquake, or your house catches on fire and you need a hotel for a few days? What about if there is a blizzard and city power is out for a week. You might need to purchase supplies, so cash would be needed (no ATM's). If you're talking TEOTWAWKI, then you're right. But for most emergencies, cash will be king.
very extensive kit for being so compact I'm a Army medic if I could make just one suggestion I'd say swap the SOF T out for the Gen 7 CAT this will save you a little weight and the cat is a faster easier one to use also you need it readily accessible the sof t is a excellent TQ but on upper extremities it's kinda hard to secure the windlass especially under duress and that screw needs to be completely screwed in or you risk the chance of it coming off
Personally I would consider swapping out the $100 and $50 notes for smaller denominations even though they will take a little more space and add a little extra weight. I say this because I can't imagine people are going to give you change for $100 (assuming they have money at all) when they will be most likely trying to get as much as possible out of you for whatever items they are selling or trading.
My suggestion is getting pipe tobacco or loose cig tobacco. It is a fraction of the cost of packs and you can divide it out in small zip lock bags with rolling papers. Corn cob pipes are like $5 at most drug stores and 12oz bulk bag of tobacco is like $13.00.
It all keeps well and no worry about it crushing. Pipe tobacco can be rehydrated. I have seen pipe tobacco that is over 10 years old that can be smoked. Matter of fact like wine tobacco can get better with age.
Good prepping!!
Thank you for all your great videos! The cigarette idea is excellent to have as bartering. I was former smoker and I would certainly value cigarettes over money in tough times or some type of economic collapse. I asked my friend who also used to smoke what he thought would be more valuable in an economic collapse, a pack of cigarettes or a stack of cash? He replied right away "Cigarettes." Then he accused me of being weird for buying wto packs of cigarettes for bartering if need be.
For your bartering items instead of whisky or an addition to, you should get vodka. Pure vodka could be used as an antiseptic if needed.
Matches, Bic lighters could be in high demand, also batteries, any foodstuffs which are light enough for you to carry, tiny bars of soap such as those you find at hotels, nappies, toilet paper.
Or ammo, but just having the stuff to reload like just bullets in one pouch. The brass in another pouch , an the powder an charge extra if they can't reload themselfs of course you be armed to the teeth
if you look at most every day items they have some trade value in a emergency situation.but with that being said you need to also look at how much everything weighs,a deck of cards,money,ammo,arrows,dip/cigs,guns that you no longer want to carry with you or booze are the main things you would see in trade area's plus some of the extra gear you have like flash light's and battery's
Depends on how long term your thinking it is. If its just a few days to like 3 months, then disregard this, but if your looking at the long haul, I'd pack some ungerminated tobacco seeds. Just moisten them in a cool, damp environment and throw them in a hole once they sprout. I'd suggest some hemp seeds too, but obviously it's gonna be a bit harder and less legal getting those. But both are easy to grow and would be high value items.
Not a judgement, but more of a suggestion. I would convert that $1000 in paper money to 1 oz. US. Silver Eagles. In a SHTF world, paper money will be worthless. Consider each Silver Eagle as a ~ $20 bill. But ultimately the market will dictate.
I would consider, instead of the 1 oz coins, getting some "junk" silver instead. Old pre 1964 american coins, just because you can get them relatively cheap compared to those shiny new eagles and can trade them for what you would probably get for the eagles with 1 or 2 quarters of the older silver.
Also use batteries ( all different types - especially smaller less common batteries for things like watches, torches and other things )
I'm currently reading the Total Money Makeover~never thought of putting our $1000 in the BOB! What a great idea! Great video :)
Few options Coffee, sugar, spices, ammunition, seeds for farming
Have you considered arrowheads? They are small, lightweight and have an intrinsic value and attractiveness.
Marb reds are valuable anywhere in the world they have gotten me out of many sticky situations
I agree with possibly using ammo. Not sure I would go .22 as not only does everyone have them, but everyone has them...won't be much to barter with!! Maybe go with 5-10 rounds of .45acp, a lot of people went out and got them, without looking at how available the ammo is, or how much it is. may be worth more. Great Vid!
well made cloth and/or clothes is also a good barter tool
all items use for barter.. the more money or silver the better. booze and smokes ,yes even a zippo lighter to lite them with is a major plus
lol yep that cash is gonna make a nice firestarter
I enjoyed the video as I have been thinking of carrying barter items too. I thought of having booze and alcohol making skills, but didn't think of cigs (I don't smoke, so it just didn't occur to me). Good work!
Not sure if you would want to carry it but ammo would be valuable as well, 9mm is the most popular but its heavy. Perhaps buy some ammo and stash it somewhere.
Nice content. I would add some throw away lighters, flashlights and some batteries