Examples of these products were shirts, tobacco, guns, and other items that were not available before the arrival of the emigrants. One of the most common exchanges was clothes made of manufactured fabric for moccasins, which were better suited for traveling long distances over natural terrain (42,49). Tate also describes the Native American's unique form of bartering referred to as reciprocation. This exchange of goods did not need to be immediate. Instead, one side would provide a needed resource in exchange for a promise that they will receive a necessity at a later point in time. The Native Americans also had a more fluid concept of what counted as an equivalent exchange that could make valuing a trade difficult for newcomers (73). This naturally led to plenty of misunderstandings between the emigrants and Native Americans. Examples ranged from not understanding when a trade had already been made, such as when a wounded traveler was treated with medicine and allowed to recover, to instances where a Chief would request goods from the travelers for using resources from the land owned by his tribe (40-41,51,89). Contrary to conventional beliefs trade ran rampant along the California, Oregon, and Mormon Trails.
Traditionally, narratives of the Western movement rarely, if ever, mentioned the social interaction that occurred between the overlanders and the Native Americans. The only interaction believed to have occurred between Indians and overlanders was that of treachery and violence. "Social exchanges involving feasting, conversation, fellowship, entertainment, and recreation would prepare the way for more substantial acts of friendship between Indians and whites" (103). These interactions were highly valued by the Indians and were as valuable as commodities in their culture. They also benefitted the weary traveler by taking their mind off the grueling task of the trek across country.