Hiking Shorts annoying

Buy running shorts with a 5″ inseam. Ta-da!

but cant put squat in your pockets in running shorts

It sounds like you have a real dilemma. I doubt I will have your ultimate solution but here are a couple of ideas:

1. Buy a pair of Vuori V411 black pants and cut the legs off to two inches below the pocket. Size 33 weighs 8.3 oz (235 g). Vuori clothing is available from http://www.vuoriclothing.com/
2. Buy a pair of lightweight cargo shorts and take them to your tailor. My tailor can completely transform a piece of clothing.

Here are some links to pictures of me in the Vuori pants:
Start of Trans-Catalina Trail https://flic.kr/p/PwXutb
Parsons Landing Camp Site https://flic.kr/p/QAbUXh
Camp Site 144 https://flic.kr/p/SbbDRA
Granite Camp Chair https://flic.kr/p/TsFYtK

Vuori pants feature three rear pockets, one on the left, two on the right, one of which has a zipper closure so you can carry a couple of cards and some cash without worrying about losing it. It replaces your wallet. The front pockets are hybrid horizontal/vertical entry. I’ve not had an issue with things falling out of the pockets but the pants are a trim fit so keeping stuff in the front pockets restricts movement.

I keep my squat in a pack and never carry things in my pocket.

Patagonia baggies (both inseam lengths: 5″ and 7″, although I like the 5″ best)) have always worked for me., Simple, light, durable.

My “go to” shorts for over 30 years have been 5″ Baggies with the liner removed. Large front pockets. I carry my RX100 in one of the pockets. When navigating I carry my map and compass in the other. The material is robust and lasts a long time.

Although expensive, Patagonia makes a lot of really good clothing. Depending on the trip I use Capilene baselayers, R1 or R4 fleece, Down sweater, and a Houdini windshirt.

I too haven’t always liked off the rack offerings and just cut the legs of of long pants to a length that works for me.  I also like running shorts as well as the “swim” type shorts with the liner cut out but don’t carry much in my pants/shorts pockets.

Nick-I cut out the mesh liner too.

I also have a Houdini jacket – Awesome piece of clothing. Weighs next to nothing, yet does so much!