Found at the local resale store a golf bag I assume was intended for travel.
It's either Nylon or Cordura & large enough for my Gitzo 1341 tripod. The compartment for shoes now holds my focusing cloth.
The shoulder strap is both wide and comfortable. Good deal for $5.
Just a hint, for a non-traditional use. sometime you just gotta think outside the box(bag).

Another idea, but more expensive, are plastic fishing rod holders. The lengths are expandable and have a handle. They can easily carry a large Ries tripod down to smaller sizes.

-R

I've not done it myself, but I've heard of people using old jeans -- cut off one leg, tie or sew one end, and sew on a strap or handle.