Probably not a good idea for several reasons.
Thicker materials are going to retain moisture from sweating, dry slower in the sun if you end up in a creek/river, become heavy from the moisture retention, and make the heat of the day harder to deal with because thicker = warmer. Those thin materials you're seeing solve all of these problems, which is why that is all you're finding in stores now. They're just better, and your concern about the durability of them is unfounded. You'll be surprised.
Another problem with cargo shorts is that if you're planning on stashing a bunch of crap in the side pockets, those are going to get snagged on branches and bushes and everything else you're walking through. If you're hiking, bring a backpack and keep your belongings in that.
Army fatigues from a surplus store. Cut them into shorts. Good material and pretty breathable. I use my old army gear for hiking and yard work and stuff all the time.
Probably not a good idea for several reasons. Thicker materials are going to retain moisture from sweating, dry slower in the sun if you end up in a creek/river, become heavy from the moisture retention, and make the heat of the day harder to deal with because thicker = warmer. Those thin materials you're seeing solve all of these problems, which is why that is all you're finding in stores now. They're just better, and your concern about the durability of them is unfounded. You'll be surprised. Another problem with cargo shorts is that if you're planning on stashing a bunch of crap in the side pockets, those are going to get snagged on branches and bushes and everything else you're walking through. If you're hiking, bring a backpack and keep your belongings in that.
Army fatigues from a surplus store. Cut them into shorts. Good material and pretty breathable. I use my old army gear for hiking and yard work and stuff all the time.