Ok so this is probably the most overlooked gear item, but I’ve not found a pair that I have stuck with for more than one season due to various annoying characteristics.
What are your favorite hiking shorts?
Brett
Hiking Shorts - Pacific Crest Trail
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#2
Columbia Sportsware swim trunks, in Pimp Gold, with the mesh cut out…Under Armour under.
Bushwhack
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#3
Northface power shorts worked for me. No pockets, not too long or short. Pimp gold would rock it hard though.
Avo
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#4
My all time favorite, so far - is made by Prana. Elastic wasteband and side pockets and lite fabric. happy trails
Hawaii 5-0
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#6
since Mountain Hardwear has ventured into the fitness arena they make a great pair of lightweight shorts that i run in but they are great for hiking. They are the Rueffler (sp?) shorts. check em out, some of the lighter weight shorts around that are not skimpy:D
bravefriend
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#7
My favorite shorts so far have been the ones I bought at the north face store in south lake tahoe in 2008. they’re a north face running shorts, with pockets. AMAZING shorts, I never get chafe in them, they’re comfortable, they’re a perfect length and the pockets are super handy for keeping my hands warm and keeping my databook pages accessible.
Joker
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#8
Ex Officio make the best convertible and hiking shorts out there. Mine burned up in a dryer in N. Woodstock during this year’s AT hike. Could not find a Ex Officio replacement and had to go with a pair from NorthFace. They were no where near as good as the Ex Officio’s.
NedtheFed
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#9
I’ve used various brands of running shorts over the years & have found no real difference in quality between the cheap ones and the name brand one’s. I personally don’t like pockets or any bells & whistles on my shorts. You might find some discounted shorts right now with the Tiger Woods logo on them 
Happy Trails!
freebird
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#10
I wear nylon running shorts I got from “Only the Lightest” they weigh 2.8 oz,made by Insport.They have a Coolmax liner,no pockets, but have a “key pocket.” :boy
old&intheway
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#11
Shorts by Columbia (with the zip off legs). Yes they are shorts. Long enugh to help prevent rash (for me). Legs off when hot (of course). Back on when cold, going through thick bushes and to help stop mosquito bites. Side pockets for the guide book, maps, or what ever else you may need. Light weight and easy to hand wash. Dry quickly (while you hike with them on). My two cents…
WB
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#12
Shorts must have elastic waist, no belts, zippers or snaps - all those things get in your way if you need to pull 'em up real fast (or down). I like nylon shorts with pockets - nothing bulky though.
Umbrella Lady