Backpacks and rucksacks are a huge segment of the outdoor gear industry, but many of them look burly, even if strapped to the back of a testosterone-fueled, Himalayan-climbing mountain god. But for women who simply want to enjoy casual day-hikes or outdoor urban adventures, Ellington has the answer.

Ellington is a small company from Portland, Oregon that was founded when Alecia Ellington Elsasser discovered a handcrafted leather rucksack being sold in Sri Lanka. Inspired by the design and craftsmanship, she returned to the U.S. and started Ellington.

There are two packs in particular that jump out and say, “take me outside!” The Annie convertible Tote/Pack is a lightweight nylon bag that can be worn as a backpack, and with a simple adjustment of the straps, a tote bag. It comes in different color schemes, seems very durable, and secures belongings with interior pockets and a key clip.

A new tote bag will also soon be available that has leather straps sized to carry a yoga mat. Women walking by the booth at Outdoor Retailer ’09 Summer Market (including my wife) stopped to exclaim that they want one. It is a large bag that can hold everything needed for an intense yoga session.

For the girly girls out there who like to be active in the outdoors but want to look cute while doing it, Ellington may have just the right pack.