I write about a lot of bags here at Practical Travel Gear, and I always give bonus points for bags that pull double duty. The Amelia Convertible Tote gets quadruple points for its versatility. I’m freakishly giddy with excitement about the different ways I can use this Ellington tote bag this summer.

The major selling point for this sturdy and durable nylon bag: it can be carried several different ways. Grab two top handles to carry it like a tote bag; attach a long strap to wear across the body or over the shoulder; or expose two “stowaway” shoulder straps and use as a backpack.

Like most of my favorite bags I use every day and for travel, I’m partial to how many pockets and pouches this bag has: there are two with top drawstrings on either side for water bottles or a compact umbrella. You can slide a book, notebook or folders into the exterior pouch that also stores the backpack straps when not in use. The other side has two zipper pockets, one with a magnetic closure and a couple of mesh pouches for a cell phone or iPod. The main compartment is huge — and also has a couple of interior zipper and snap pockets.

I foresee bringing this water-resistant bag to the swimming pool, using it to cart books back to the library (the kids love the local summer reading program), or filling it with snacks and water bottles for a day’s outing to the park. I’m thinking it could carry a bottle of wine, cheese, crackers and crusty bread for a grown-up picnic during an outdoor concert.

While I’m way past the diapering stage with my kids, I think the Amelia Convertible Tote would make a great diaper bag. (It’s designed for women, but I bet my husband would carry it.) It’s plenty big to fit a netbook — the bag is 14-inches high), but it won’t zip shut with my 15-inch laptop inside. It’s not as big as many of the bags I’ve used as carry-on luggage lately, but if I don’t need a ton of stuff with me on the plane (i.e. if I’m not traveling with my laptop or my kids), I’d consider using this bag.

The tote comes in seven colors. I have the purple one (pictured above) with subtle olive-green piping; it’s much more dark gray than bright violet.

The bag is available for pre-order now for $79 on the Ellington Handbags website, with delivery beginning on June 15. Order now, and you don’t have to pay for shipping within the U.S. Also check pricing on Amazon.com for many (many!) other Ellington styles, like the Parkrose Tote or the Lightweight Travel Tote/Backpack.