Been Mountain Biking for about 15 years but have never bought a pair of mountain bike shorts. Started with lycra shorts and then "progressed" to wearing them under my surf shorts, which is what I do now. Have been thinking about getting a specific pair, so what do people reckon are the best. Quite like the look of the Endura Singletrack shorts.
Merlin have a load of Altura stuff with decent discounts... I have 2 pairs of Altura mayhems which I can highly recommend, got one pair free with an MBUK subscription (an offer which is on again I think) then bought a second when the price came down. Tough, comfy, well designed, fast drying too. The only real flaw is that the phone pocket is right on the hipbone, which makes no sense since it's so likely to damage the phone (and possibly you) if you fall. But otherwise spot on. They come with a padded liner, which I couldn't get on with but it's fully removable.
Sugoi Gustovs - Light but tough and comfy
Endura Singletracks are a popular choice - I have a pair and like 'em lots. Can't speak for any other types/brands as I've never used them. They're comfy, fit well and have some really useful pockets - such as two 'map' pockets towards the back of the legs. Kindof like the side pockets on combat trousers, but with the magical quality that anything you put in them won't interfere with pedaling - very handy IMO.
...one downside - the awesome tendancy of most Endura clothing to eventually come unstitched. My shorts fell apart at the crotch after about 1 year of riding. Not a problem if, like me, you know someone who is handy with a sewing machine and can make a better join..