If you are traveling in the woods for any period of time, you will happen upon some hippies.
They will try to hug you. Do not be alarmed. I believe hugging is a method they use to determine the vibe of a traveler.
How to hug: You should use both arms and your body should touch the other persons body. Even if you smell, it is disingenuous to do the hand on the shoulder pat hug. Embrace the hippy and show them physically, that your vibe is positive and good natured.
Only after you finish the hug protocol should you begin to trade/transact/anything.
Here are some trades that have been successful in the woods:
1. Herb, spices, anything homeopathic. This is gold in the woods. Trade it sparingly. I have gotten a brand new belt, and many awesome protein allocations with this trading method.
2. Ropes, bungy cord, and tarps do well for trading. I once traded 2 meters of parachute cord for some tofu beef jerky, and a couple pieces of fruit (when you are on the trail...fresh fruit is awesome but for intestinal fortitude)
3. Smile. Smile a lot. If you smile enough and don't talk so much, it is amazing...sometimes, they will just take your positive nature as collateral for hanging out with the group (free food, housing, and just friendly people smiling back).
This is a Smile. Notice how friendly and approachable I look. This is preferred by hippies.
4. Trail info: If you have spring/water source information. If you have a UV filter, or any filter for that matter (they are not cheap), you can bring fresh water to the hippies as a sign of "wanting" to help and add value. Hippies like that.