Rod,
I've thought about the same dilemma for years - only on the rare occasion that I have to take/ship my light stands or can't wedge my tripod somewhere convenient.
The best 'possible' solution that I've seen came up when I was looking at trade show backdrops. They have canister type solutions that would be great for a tripod! My second option was to get some large diameter PVC and rig it somehow.
Do a google (image) for something like "trade show display shipping case" and you'll see plenty of options.
I had my local marine canvas shop make me five padded tripod/monopod bags to my specs. They used Cordura fabric, marine zippers and attached D rings to the ends for straps which I supplied. Cost was less in some cases than comparable Gitzo bags.
Also, because your packing 1 stick, not 3 sticks, consider a single barrel sawed off shotgun bag, or AR-15 style semi auto rifle bag (gun gear might actually be cheaper than camera gear).
The Wimberley packs very flat with the lens foot cradle slipped off, and that end would go in the stock end of the rifle bag, with the stick in the barrel end. 'twould be a thinner set up.
That's a good deal. Another option is a bag meant to hold sporting goods. My everyday tripod bag is meant for baseball gear. You might be at hockey level.
