In hopes that someone at Columbia is reading these reviews, I have resorted to rating these shorts. I have worn this style Columbia shorts since they came out; sadly, I am left with no choice but to shop other brands.

This newer version is shorter in the rise; tighter in the crotch; and much less comfortable & durable. Less material = less functionality for people who actually wear these for active sports. One would think Columbia knows this, right? I can only speak for myself, but even after I ordered a size up to compensate, the shorter legs and tighter crotch make these pretty useless for kayaking, hiking, etc.

Over the years of the original version, I have probably spent $3-4 thousand on other Columbia items, since I sought out the brand to buy new colors and replacements of these shorts - tops, sweaters, pants, crops, shoes, etc.

Sadly, Columbia is no longer my go-to brand for upgrading my active spring/summer wardrobe, now that my old reliable shorts are no longer reliable.

I guess if your most strenuous activity in these shorts is a stop at Starbucks, they might work for you. But I cannot recommend them otherwise.

*sigh*

The length of these shorts is stated as 6, which I believe to mean an inseam of 6 inches. The actual inseam was about 3 inches. I had to return 2 pair and was charged $6 for return shipping. This is Columbia Sportswear's error, I should receive a full refund.

Although advertised as "cargo" shorts, the pockets are too small to safely cary a wallet or cell phone. When you sit down, everything falls out of the shallow side pockets. The little zip pocket can carry cash or a credit card, but that's the only cargo I'd recommend carrying in these shorts.

Need MORE pockets that are larger to hold phones, keys, wallets etc. Zippers or velcro cover so stuff doesn't fall out. Option for a longer length just above the knee. We don't want a tight crotch, but a comfortable fit for ALL outdoor activities. I love Columbia, but tired of looking in the men's department for a pair of shorts that have the design options women want too.

I've always adored Columbia shorts, but sorry folks, not this pair of shorts. I'll wait until Columbia gets it together and brings back shorts with decent pockets. ALL of the pockets are WAAAY too small compared to other older models of women's Columbia shorts I still currently own. The side slash pockets are so short that when I put a bit of change in the pocket and sit down, it falls out. The zip cargo pocket is nearly useless. It's about the size of a credit card. Sheesh. A woman I know who does alterations and tailoring tells me that to cut costs clothing manufacturers, have reduced the size of their pockets to save on the cost of the lining material.

I had purchased a similar pair of Sandy River Cargo Shorts about 15 years ago and they are starting to show their age and need to be replaces. (I'm the same size as 15 years ago!) I was hoping the Sandy River Cargo Shorts were going to be a good replacement for the older shorts I have, but the leg inseam length of 6 inches is too short. They do not measure 6 inches. The older pair of shorts I had purchased have a leg inseam length of 8 or 9 inches. I hope Columbia will make the Sandy River Cargo Shorts in a longer leg inseam length of 8 inches.

Great shorts, nice material & construction, but inseam short @ 6". Would have bought more if longer shorts offered, like 9" inseam. Can use them but not ideal.

I have many Columbia shorts/pants and I'm disappointed that they all fit differently. I am 5'7" and 135 and usually wear a 6. My long hiking pants are a 8 and my cotton Columbia shorts are size Med but the sandy river shorts cut short in the inseam even though they claim to be a 6 inseam. I have other waterproof hiking ones that fit very loose in the Med and are much longer even though they say the are 6 inseam. It would be great if they all had a style name or number so I can figure out which ones work and which ones do not. It's annoying to have to return items so often. The quality seem very nice but since I sent them back, I can not rate the wear and tear of the shorts.

The quality of the product is very good but the pockets in these shorts are so short, everything falls out of them. The cargo pockets with the zipper are so small, I cannot even fit a credit card in them. Please go back to the old style with the deeper pockets!

I have an old pair of these shorts that I bought years ago and have used for exercise since. I love them, they're the right length and perfect fit. I was excited to see these advertised since I have been trying to find a second pair. As other reviewers noted, these shorts are just not quite as good. The length is shorter by about 3/4 of an inch. The crotch is just that much shorter as well and the material is a little lighter. I agree that Columbia should bring back the previous model.