/// 6 Incidentally Barterable Items to Pack in a Vagabonding Urban Go-Bag
These are a list of already pertinent go-bag packing items that happen to be barterable – for emergencies and backup impromptu buying power.
A meticulously pre-packed mobile bag specifically for the city / terrain they are located in or potential locale for survival, extrication or sustainment.
Almost anything can be sold or traded with the right person and in the right situation. But these are the gear types that I have successfully bartered in the field as a vagabond or operative.
Items that are generally more feasible and practical for bartering, as well as having better rates of return than other commonly packed go-bag items.
Folding Multi-Tool
As one of the most useful handheld pieces of kit that exists, a well-made, quality folding multi-tool is also versatile as a powerful bartering tool. Especially brand names; Victorinox, Gerber, SOG or Leatherman. To the right target group, these are as good as gold.
-Currently Equipped: Leatherman Charge TTi
Foreign Cash
A stash of emergency local currency in your go-bag is a must and to a lesser but still useful extent, so is any “leftover” cash from other / previously visited countries. This money is kept separate and used for emergencies or when it’s time to “cash out”.
-Currently Equipped: Vietnamese Dong
Spare Mobile Device
It’s 2018. As a digital nomad and constant traveler, a secondary or spare smartphone is a necessity. Also being 2018, selling or bartering a decent mobile device, phone or otherwise, is easy as they are highly liquid in almost any market, through out the world.
-Currently Equipped: Sony Xperia, Galaxy S8
Power Banks
Portable power sources have become almost as ubiquitous as the smartphones they’re made to charge. And so the demand is strong almost anywhere you go. Although it’s declined in recent years, traditional batteries like AA or AAA types are also barterable, particularly in poorer countries.
-Currently Equipped: Mophie Powerstation, Nitecore NL1475R
Rugged Flashlights
As with multi-tools, these are essential go-bag items, no matter the purpose of your kit. Also similarly, a high quality (especially tactical) flashlight can fetch you an easy barter deal, albeit with not much buying power.
-Currently Equipped: Fenix LD12, 511 TMT L1, BSS V3
Precious Metal Bullion
I wouldn’t buy precious metals for the purpose of potentially bartering as it’s extremely cost-ineffective. However, I acquired an abundance of 1 gram platinum and gold bars from an old OP years ago. Since then I’ve added a handful of them to my general packing list and EDC. –Learn more here >>
-Currently Equipped: Pamp Gold, Platinum
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I see you removed the gold bars from their packaging, so how do you carry them around now?