The skills that would seem to be most in demand would be medical, military and mechanical. Sadly, I have none of these.

Certainly medical skills, military and mechanical knowledge will be valuable. So will being able to make cloth, repair shoes, blacksmithing, pottery, brewing, and many of the little things that wear out but make life easier for people. Weaving, boat repair, there are lots of things that not only can provide goods and services for trade, but can relieve the boredom and provide purpose for people in your group.

Back to items for long term use, it might be good to pack a few cases of Bibles and classic childrens books. Classic books in general if you have the inclination. Moral might be low, chances are there will be some type of churches popping up, and bibles can not only be used for church, as in the past, people learned to read with them. There are Bibles written in modern language that would be helpfull. Children will have birthdays, Books will always be good gifts, and kept sealed, cool and dry will last a long time in storage. You might be able to find crates of them on the cheap, or even see if you can order them in bulk from the publisher. You won't need a truckload, but a few boxes of different books might be worthwhile.

Books are a great idea. Educational books and fun fiction too. Maybe medical and mechanical and construction "how to" books as well.

Quote from: Dan on March 14, 2012, 08:03:32 PM
Books are a great idea. Educational books and fun fiction too. Maybe medical and mechanical and construction "how to" books as well.

Can you imagine the people that don't even know how to cook. 

Me and my sisters are going to learn how to can foods next month. That is a skill that is being revived.

Quote from: Dan on March 15, 2012, 01:39:33 AM
Me and my sisters are going to learn how to can foods next month. That is a skill that is being revived.

Canning is fun. It's can be a lot of work, but once you have a few good recipe's, you have nothing to worry about. Myself and the wench just put up several quarts of greens from the garden.
OTOH, if you can brew a good beer, everyone will love you

I canned 258 quarts of 'maters, beans, chow-chow, pickles(B&B, dill), corn, pickled okra, etc. Gonna have some to carry over from last year while I can some mo' this year.

What are maters?

damn yankee..........its t.o.m.a.t.o.e.s.    LOL!

Quote from: hokiewoodchuck on March 16, 2012, 06:51:17 AM
damn yankee..........its t.o.m.a.t.o.e.s.    LOL!

LOl, I figured that out after I posted, I kept thinking matters.
I grew up in the heart of mater country, even called it Sacatomato. (Sacramento)

I would think assorted flours, sugar, salt, pepper, lard (until you learn how to render goose fat) honey, hand crank machines for grinding nuts/grains into flours, sifters for refining the stuff you grinded (for those without a power source), basic over the counter medicines,, sewing items, knitting yarns and needles, sharpening stones and oil.....just to name a few off the top of my head......

Another long term trade Item to pack away would be Brushes, combs, finger nail clippers and general toiletry hardware.

Quote from: Eyesabide on March 17, 2012, 02:04:27 PM
Another long term trade Item to pack away would be Brushes, combs, finger nail clippers and general toiletry hardware.

Interesting point.
When you think about it, a man would be willing to trade a lot to keep his woman happy during hard times.
Take feminine hygiene products, something men would never think about packing.
Products like that would be worth their weight in gold during scarce times.

Military grade hand crank generators.

Seeds. Lots and lots of seeds.

High quality restraining devices. Collars, cuffs, irons.