Alternative to Patagonia Baggies shorts

Well, Baggies are marked down all over the place right now. I just replaced my 10 year old pair for $34 (women's version, but it looks like mens are also going for $30-40). Check Backcountry.com, Moosejaw.com, Campsaver.com, etc. Or just google-shop.

If you can't find your size, there are lots of other options. Look around for "river shorts" or "water sports shorts"–the Class V from North Face is very similar: https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/mens-pants-shorts-shorts/mens-class-v-rapids?variationId=682

Columbia has some similar models too (not sure if these have a drawstring, but looks like there are pockets): http://www.columbia.com/mens-pfg-backcast-iii-water-trunk-FM4009.html?dwvar_FM4009_variationColor=487#pg=2&start=1

FWIW, I like Baggies the best. The waistband is lined with a brushed fabric so it's comfortable. The elastic lasts a looong time compared to cheaper shorts. And the nylon is kind of perfect: durable, soft/flexible, not at all crinkly. I used to have cheaper river shorts from EMS and I ended up consigning them because the Baggies are just better. I've never bought a pair full-price because they always hit clearance racks at the end of the summer season.

Broke down and spent the money for the first time a couple of years ago. NO REGRETS. I even like the liner. Shop around. Happy hunting!

I swear by Baggies. I was reminded this weekend of why, as I was scrambling in the Minarets. They're light and comfortable but tough as hell. I did some crab walking and sliding that would have ripped the hell out of most shorts. They held up just fine. Plus, Patagonia stands behind them. A couple of years ago, I was scrambling in Joshua Tree and ripped my Baggies. Patagonia replaced them. I wouldn't have faulted them for not doing so, as I was dragging my butt all over the rocks on that trip.

What size do you wear? I live by the outlet and can get them for ~$25 when on sale. I can check for your sizes next time I go. Otherwise, just shop the sales

Thanks for all the quick comments! I would wear a medium and the sites I looked for sale price don't have that size…naturally. :)

I'll look some more, and check out the other options you all mentioned. Thanks again!

Patagonia baggie shorts have been less than $0.25/year for me.

They do last. And they're tough. A skiing companion shaved hair off his leg with a metal-edged ski, through Baggie long pants. And the pants were fine.

Yeah, trying to find an actual short (not a man capri) with a 5" inseam is about impossible.

My favorite is TNF Class V 5" short. I've got 5 pairs I've horded since, in true fashion, the 5" inseam is no longer offered.

Sooo, Patagonia 5" Baggies it will be in the future. I think I got my first pair around 1982? Tougher than heck as pointed out. I would never BP in anything without a liner, and the Baggies are the real deal.

Yay, bring back short shorts on men! The long baggy thing has gotten way out of hand.

Well, I found a medium size (not easy to find right now!) in a great blue at DicksSports and spent the big bucks. Should have them in time for my first hike of the year.

Thanks for your help, everyone.

Columbia does make a pair of Baggie knock offs (Patagonia made these first right?) but they aren't as good. On the Baggies, the pockets are attached to the shell. The Columbia ones, the pockets hang freely, so if something is in your pockets and you start moving fast, it flops around violently. Other than that, the Columbia ones are good but I much prefer my Baggies. Haven't faded as badly either.

One thing of note is that the Patagonia Baggies are made of Nylon whereas pretty much every other running shorts are made of Polyester. Nylon is more expensive and doesn't have as good of feel against the skin, but is bomber compared to Polyester and doesn't stink.

So, if you are looking for a true alternative, look for a nylon short.

LL Bean Supplex Sport shorts. 6" or 8" inseam, regular or cargo pockets. I cannot wear them out, except for the liner leg elastic eventually dies, as happens with all liners. I've had baggies in the past, these are just as good if not better in my experience.
I like the cargo pockets version for backpacking – I can get into the cargo pockets with my hipbelt fastened.

I did a five day hike with my new Baggies and love them! Medium weight (have durability), comfy liner, deep front pockets, smart snap on the one read pocket. I'm done buying hiking shorts for a long time, baring losing them. Thanks, all!

They are durable. I bought mine in 1982 and they are still in use, a characteristic of most of my Patagonia items