I have worn 5.11 shorts for three summers now. To heck with the tactical stuff - I like them for other reasons! Biggest thing for me is the pocket on the right side is just big enough for an iPhone 6S - and the Velcro pocket on the left is perfect for car keys. The phone pocket is just the right location to keep from either sitting on it - a big no-no at my weight - or putting too much stress on it if were in a true front-pocket location. They have a reinforced section on each rear pocket for hooking up your Benchmade or Spyderco - and the fabric breathes to keep me cool (on those long walks at the mall to get my steps) ...