when I first started prepping and looked online in the early 2010s the lone wolf mindset was every where.

in the last decade and a half or so that has pretty much died off. when do you think that tipping point happened?

Am I correct in assuming that reverse osmosis is ultimately the best way to purify water?

In When Technology Fails by Matthew Stein, p. 74, Stein says, "Boiling your water will kill microorganisms, but will usually have no effect on chemical or radioactive pollutants. Distillation will kill all kinds of microorganisms, but simple distillers will not remove volatile organic compounds since they evaporate and condensed along with water vapor. To remove volatile organic compounds, more advanced distillers include either fractional distillation or an activated carbon cartridge to remove these pollutants. Reverse osmosis and activates carbon filters will remove most organic compounds."

This book is over 25 years old, so my question is concerning the nature of distilling over reverse osmosis. In a survival situation, I'm not sure if reverse osmosis is an option. Is there a way to naturally do this, or is modern technology required?

I have a large Weber grill with plenty of propane. I have a camping stove w/ backup propane canisters. Also have a gas range in kitchen.

My question is what is the most efficient device or means to simply boil a pot of water in a SHTF situation? The grills seem inefficient/overkill to simply boil water.

My thinking is a pot of boiling water lets you make coffee, and make one pot meals… like rice with canned meat and vegetable, heat up soup, make pasta etc. Also to disinfect water.

Thank you for providing guidance.

Edit: thank you everyone for the suggestion.

Hello - getting my deep pantry started and wondering what stores people like to buy canned proteins and veggies from as well as shelf stable grains and whatnot. Was planning on doing Costco and then Kroger to fill in the gaps, but recently found out Target’s canned food items are often cheaper than Kroger’s somehow. Wondering if there’s another better option to stretch the dollar that I’m unaware of. Thanks in advance.