I am a total ArcT junkie, and totally love my Palisade pants, but the main pockets on these shorts are just too low. I am not able to casually stick my hands in my pockets (without bending a bit at the waist... not a good look), and anything of substance placed in them bangs annoyingly against my thighs.

The upper pocket on the left side is ridiculously small... basically only useful for one of the following:
* tube of lip balm
* piece of tissue
* doggy poo bag (size small)
* single key
* rolled up dollar bill.

While I assume that the pockets were placed lower in order to avoid the waist belt on a large backpack, it just doesn't work for me in daily life which is required in order to get adequate value out of an $85 pair of shorts. I am bummed!

I'm usually a 32in waist but went to 34in based on previous reviews and I'm glad I did. The 34 fit my waist well and the nylon belt worked well to pick up the little bit of slack. There is a very soft and comfortable inner waist band lining. I also liked the elasticity in the material....However, these shorts were way to short for my taste and I had to send em' back. I'm 5'9" and the cut on these shorts came about 3in above my knee when I was standing. Obviously, even shorter in stride. This could also contribute to some awkward pocket issues as related to in earlier reviews.If you are looking for tanner lower thighs and showing those bad boys off to everyone else passing you on the trail pick these up.

I love these shorts. I do a lot of hiking, but also a lot of sea kayaking. These shorts do both well. The fabric is stretchy and durable, and the cut is slim but not constricting. Basically, perfect for doing just about anything in the warm weather. I have to remind myself not to wear these around the house. I even took these shorts surfing last weekend and they performed fine.

If you are built like a twig and you like wearing paper-thin material these shorts are for you. Waist size is accurate, however, if you have any muscle (or fat) on your legs you will be disappointed.

So many good things to say about them. Just one note on the size is that they are a bit tight in the butt. I have no butt and I normally wear 35". 35" W clothing is tuff to find so I normally have to go up or down. Normally I go down. I got these in a 36 and was surprised how tight in the butt they were. It isn't a problem and they are very comfortable but if have a big butt you may want to go up one size.

One of my fave shorts. An other good reason for buying these shorts. They are great for there ability to dry after being swamped at the water parks. I was the first person in the family to dry and the shorts came back to the same shape as when I entered the parks. Enough secure pockets and comfortable waist band for when it is hot and humid. The fit works for me. I am picking up another pair.

An interesting array of reviews on these arcteryx shorts. These shorts fit me well. I like the cut. The pockets are handy (although the one on the upper right is a little odd as it's narrow -- maybe good for an ipod). Material dries fast and seems quite durable. I wear these shorts hiking, at the gym, in the water, at summer barbecues, whatever. They work for me.

They fit true to size... very comfortable and light weight. I still do not get the odd size thigh pocket on the right leg?!? Seems to have been made for chap-stick or one single pen. Other than that they are a great pair of shorts. I've been using them mostly for running and some surfing( they dry very quickly).

These are the weirdest pants I have bought since I bought a pair of Joe Namath replica hot pants when I was 12

The seem to be designed by a collaboration between star trek and the village people

Strange fabric and fit

Maybe I'm just too old; give me patagonia canvas anyday

This guy NAILED it.

ps I think all the good reviews are form reps