How I carry the gear depends on the assignment and whether I'd shooting digital stills, or video. There are some commonalties because the video stuff is pretty small now. However, it requires less lighting than stills.
For either medium I came across the Portabrace Slinger, a bandolier carrier (portabrace.com). It has a neoprene padded part that goes over one shoulder and it looks sort of like a half vest. I got with the company and had them issue it in black. Up till then it was blue. It has a pocket on the shoulder part of a large cell phone - or small light meter or extra flash or lens. There are three big pockets, including one large enough for a zoom. It has some small pockets for penlights, tools, pens, etc., and a zippered compartment for papers. YMMV.
For digital cams, I use one of two bag setups. If it is a quick thing, I have a small Samsonite bag which takes one D70 cam with 18-70 zoom and another pocket for either an SB-800 flash or the 12-24 zoom. The flash can go outside the bag in its own sack, too. I have a second body and backup flash and zoom in a little larger Lowepro bag.
It is is a bigger assignment, I have a larger Tamrac bag that will hold everything, including my large lenses and extra flashes. I can fit all the stuff in there, but I still like to have the one body and basic kit in the little Samsonite bag. It enables me to get into the job fast.
I just got a smaller but more efficient Bogen pod and ball head. I carry that and a light stand for side flash in a blue zippered bag. I have a Tri-Kart 800 to wheel the stuff.
If doing video, the stills bags are replaces with two Portabrace DV camcorder bags, and an aluminum Halliburton suitcase with extra electonics, plus the tripod bag.
Many clients and caterers have complimented me on the compactness and neatness of the bags. They are not impressed with photogs who overwhelm the scene with milk crates full of gear.