I agree that some type of 'cash' value item to barter is important. While gold and silver are great, I would think the MREs would be of high value to anyone and everyone in a long term SHTF situation. Can't eat coins.
I just have to wonder though, where is everyone going to go? In a true crises situation, won't the highways and roads be either clogged or a great place for bad guys to prey on the unprepared?
Sloth