What can help you get through an SHTF scenario? Consider these 15 items

Before disaster strikes, you need to do an inventory check to ensure that you have enough supplies to provide for your family. You may also need to stock up on bartering essentials so you can trade with other like-minded preppers if you run out of supplies after SHTF. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com)

Prioritize high-value items for survival and efficient bartering

Aside from food, you need to stock up on gear and items that other preppers might need more of after SHTF, like first aid supplies or water filters.

There’s an endless list of items that you can use for bartering in a post-SHTF world, but the items below will surely be in demand after disaster strikes. Even if you don’t have to resort to bartering, you can use these items to look after your family and make things more bearable after a disaster.

1. Alcohol – Alcohol ranks high on this list because it’s a versatile item. You may need it to calm your nerves, and other people may trade other items for alcohol if they want to drink their problems away. Stock up on alcoholic drinks like rum or vodka, which you can also use to make extracts or tinctures.
2. Ammunition – Ammunition is important because you’ll need it for hunting or self-defense. Stock up on enough ammo for all the calibers you use, along with the most common calibers other preppers might need more of after SHTF.
3. Batteries – Different kinds of survival gear are battery-operated, from flashlights to radios. Even if you 0wn a hand-crank radio, common battery sizes like AA and AAA will be a necessity for others who use battery-operated tools.
4. First-aid supplies – First-aid supplies will be a godsend after a survival scenario, especially if you encounter an event that causes widespread destruction and various injuries like a natural calamity. You may need items for treating scraped knees, cuts and major injuries. (Related: SHTF bartering dos and don’ts.)
5. Fishing gear – Fishing gear will help you find food after SHTF. Other preppers may need replacement hooks and lures, so stock up on extras while you have the chance.
6. Flashlights – You can’t have too many flashlights. Even high-quality flashlights won’t last forever and you’ll eventually need to replace them.
7. Hand tools – When SHTF, you’ll need hand tools if you don’t have electricity and can’t use your favorite power tools.
8. Personal hygiene supplies – Hygiene is crucial to your survival after SHTF. Stock up on essentials like shampoo, soap and toothpaste.
9. Rope – Rope is always useful. You’ll need it to keep items organized, for repairing gear, building shelter, for first aid, or even as tinder in a pinch. Stock up on different types of cordage like twine, paracord and stretchy bungee cord.
10. Seeds – Seeds will be in-demand in long-term survival scenarios. Make sure you have a lot of different seeds on hand so you can also produce your own food in your survival garden.
11. Sewing supplies – You’ll need sewing supplies to repair clothing and damaged gear like tents or bug-out bags.
12. Spices – When SHTF, spices will help make survival food more palatable.
13. Toilet paper – If you think toiler paper was scarce during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, imagine how in-demand TP will be after SHTF.
14. Water filters – Water purification is essential to survival, especially since dirty water might contain microscopic pathogens that can spread diseases or kill you. Preppers without access to clean, running water will need water filters to purify their water supply.
15. Waterproof matches – Waterproof matches are a must-have for any fire-starting kit. Even if you live in the city, you’ll find many uses for waterproof matches, such as when the power goes out and you need to start a fire using tinder and kindling.

Before disaster strikes, stock up on survival essentials so you have what you’ll need for trading in a post-SHTF world.

Sources include:

AskAPrepper.com

OffgridSurvival.com

TruthSurvival.com