I agree the fancy knickers are crazy over-priced. But the shorts in the link are military knockoff, 100% cotton. I absolutely love my cutoff cargo trousers (though not for winter -- why not use the whole version when it's cold?), but the quick-dry synthetic blend fabric is part of the magic. You can find them relatively cheap (under $30) and cut/hem (or even skip the hem -- they're rip-stop) and still come out on top. Er, ahead. (just heading off more wife jokes)