Updated 8/17 -- these are still the most functional, practical shorts I've ever owned. Just wore them 24x7 for two straight days crewing with no sleep for a 100-mile ultramarathon in July (100+ temps) and will be wearing them for 4 straight days in a couple of months to crew a 200+ mile event. I stick all kinds of things in the pockets -- socks, medical trash, trauma scissors, travel binoculars, water bottles, empty yogurt cups, apples, batteries, keys (velcro pocket), ID (zipper pocket), phone (velcro pocket)-- and have yet to run out of room. They show no wear at all, no pulled threads or unraveling seams. They don't get stinky and they dry FAST. Stains always come out when I machine-wash. = = = = = I have these shorts in 3 colors - botanic, slate, lt khaki. I'm 5'5", 135#, runner's build. I originally had the size 6, but the rise was a little short and rubbed me, not in a good way. So I ended up going with the 10, that's a baggy fit on me that falls below my natural waist, which is what I wanted. They come to a couple inches above my knees. That's nearer the knee than the Ex Officio website shows these shorts on their model, which is the other reason I sized up to 10 vs 8 -- I wanted them to hit farther down on my leg. I've seen a couple of reviews that say the fit is frumpy. I think the thing to realize is that these are working shorts. They're for active people who sweat -- hikers, geocachers, etc.. In that context, they look great -- functional and capable, like you know what you're doing and buy the right tools for the job, so to speak. And if you pair a baggy pair of shorts with a form-fitting top like a tank or fitted tee, plus fun sandals, they look pretty darn cute according to my Ironman hubby. They are GREAT shorts. I bought my first pair about 3 years ago after a trip to super-hot Tulsa, OK in July. I was out walking all day in 100+ temps, and my cotton shorts looked tacky soaked with sweat down the back, and didn't dry out even overnight! I swore then I was going to find some really good -- and attractive -- technical shorts before the next summer rolled around. This is what I found, and they are PERFECT. I live in Texas and am outdoors in these practically daily in 100+ temps for hours at a time. You can sweat like crazy and these shorts WILL NOT GET SOGGY. Heck, 99% of the time you won't even SEE sweat on them. They are just amazing. And very, very lightweight yet tough. They're a tight weave that doesn't tend to catch on thorns or rough spots that you brush against. The pockets are plentiful and highly functional. Two open + one zipped on one side, one open + one velcro closure on the other side. I can drop my Galaxy S5 in and it doesn't stick out above the edge. Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommended.
