Disconnect to reconnect
Zech Lee leads a busy life in Los Angeles, sharing his life and interest in the menswear space online. It’s a life based on social connectivity, metropolitan lifestyle and trends that rarely slows down.
L.A. is a city that moves fast. If you are not intentional, fatigue sets in. Zech is acutely aware of this and sees the importance of disconnecting from time to time, giving himself both a breather and the means to reset.
“My friends and I joke that one of the best parts about L.A. is leaving and coming back.”
When life gets hectic, sometimes what is needed is to disconnect to reconnect. Luckily for those living in this vibrant Californian city, true simplicity is found just a few hours away in the desert.
The act of digital detox
Few essentials are needed when an adventure is so close to your doorstep. Heading out in his Dometic equipped camping car, Zech’s only plan is to point towards Joshua Tree National Park and enjoy the next three days outside.
“I love stepping out of the city whenever I can to reset, move my body, and reconnect with myself.”
Zech’s mindset quickly shifts from digital to physical. Some mellow hikes were enjoyed in order to get familiar with the land around Indian Cove Campground. Dust kicking up from underfoot and floating in the warm afternoon air. Scrambling on rocks and admiring the emptiness of the landscape, Zech taps into that digital detox.
“We ended up finding ourselves at this spot called the Hall of Horrors and climbed rocks for the better part of an hour. It took me back to just being a kid and I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”
Prescence in the small things
Replacing algorithms for tangible moments, time back at the camp site was focused on being present. Slow moments reading and sitting by the fire are a contrast to a life that never stops moving back in the city.
Simple actions with purpose is what's needed to reconnect. In nature all senses are awoken. Touch, sight, sound and smell. To make things complete, all that needs to be added is a delicious meal cooked at camp to add the taste.
“Cooking real meals, sitting around the fire, and enjoying good conversation. Maintaining that balance is some of the most important things for me.”
Although camping leans towards keeping things simple, there is no reason to compromise on the food. Fresh meat and produce was carried safely in the Dometic CFX5 portable fridge, maintaining a stable cool temperature. Although ambient temperatures during the day rose inside the car, the low power consumption of the fridge allowed it to run off the car battery for the entire trip.
“I hate to sound like a meat-and-potatoes guy, but it just works. Camping forces you to keep things simple, but when you start with high‑quality ingredients, you don’t need much else.”
Adding to the small list of must-have essentials include a portable water solution, and sleep system. The Dometic Recon water faucet offers the most practical solution, enabling you to carry water and access it via a tap just like at home. And when the sun goes down after a long day outside, nothing beats the feeling of melting into a comfortable bed.
The Dometic roof tent unfolds in a matter of seconds into a sturdy, sizable bed that easily accommodates two adults. Laying there under the stars, Zech finds the disconnect he came out to Joshua Tree National Park looking for.
You don't need as much as you think
Stepping away from constant connection doesn’t require going too far off-grid. Out there, without notifications or the glow of screens, all senses wake back up. Touch, smell, sound and taste. The rhythm of the day feels more intentional, and far less demanding. To disconnect and reconnect, the essentials are simple: time, space, and a willingness to let go.
“You get out into nature for a few days and you’re reminded that you actually don’t need much; that you’re actually not missing out on anything.”
Follow Zech: @zechlee_ (opens in new tab)
