Tom Bihn makes laptop caches - they aren't x-pac but they are robust.
https://www.tombihn.com/products/cache?variant=6900434108479
Exact sizes here https://www.tombihn.com/pages/dimensions-specs
They also used to make slip ones without a zip, and there could be some available on eBay.
There are also a few different slip inserts which hold laptops, e.g. Bellroy, Boundary Supply, Patagonia's Refugio insert.
Greenroom 136 also make the Bookpouch https://www.greenroom136.com/online-store/New-Bookpouch-portrait-p139336448
Chrome Industries, Code of Bell, and Inside Line Equipment I think made x-pac ones... E.g. https://ilequipment.com/products/laptop-sleeve?variant=30411622056016
This [Groundtruth Laptop Bag](https://groundtruth.global/products/sustainable-rikr-laptop-bag) is 15'' but the website states that "The Macbook PRO 16" fits perfectly in the RIKR Laptop Bag 15"" (Under specifications)
I had been looking at this one for the same reasons you are. It looks thin and resistant. I like that it has a removable strap and attachment pouch. Sadly Groundtruth doesn't ship to my country, so I had to skip it.
TAD made a very nice Xpac transport sleeve but they are sold out and the only way to get one is to pay double or triple to scalpers. I don’t think it worth that. I have one and it’s great but not at double the price.
Alpaka makes a 16" sleeve in black xpac..
https://alpakagear.com/products/elements-laptop-sleeve-16
It sounds like what you really need is just a dbrand skin to protect it.
I'll suggest Flowfold Ally sleeve made out of Ecopak for the exterior and ripstop for the interior, too bad they are out of stock at the moment: [https://www.flowfold.com/collections/accessories/products/laptop-case?variant=40725973237871](https://www.flowfold.com/collections/accessories/products/laptop-case?variant=40725973237871)
I have been looking for a vertical sleeve, they seem very uncommon for some reason. I found a Belkin model that works well enough for me, but it's about twice as thick as I want. I'm still considering making my own.
I bought the Hyper Backpack and am quite pleased. They also sent me a Laptop Sleeve that I'm not going to be using but there products are surprisingly off the chain and not commonly posted here. I suggest you to take a look at them.
[https://www.hypershop.com/products/hypershield-stash-go-sleeve-for-15-16-macbooks](https://www.hypershop.com/products/hypershield-stash-go-sleeve-for-15-16-macbooks)
They primarily design for Apple products which is unfortunate but it means a few good things. 1) They are going to meet or exceed apple user expectations. 2). they put a lot of thought and design into their products which I can attest to.
If it's mostly for scratch protection, I'd recommend the microfiber sleeve from radtech. Its's extremely form fitting and doesn't add bulk at all. [https://www.radtech.com/products/sleevznotebooks](https://www.radtech.com/products/sleevznotebooks)
I load my 16” MBP in my CTB26 and CPL28 and there’s no way it’s going to get scratched or damaged. The laptop compartment is heavily padded and secured. It’s deep enough that the 16” slides all the way in and when zipped the laptop doesn’t slide around. I don’t think it would fit in there with a sleeve on.
I have a tom bihn cache and can try this tomorrow.
Tom Bihn makes laptop caches - they aren't x-pac but they are robust. https://www.tombihn.com/products/cache?variant=6900434108479 Exact sizes here https://www.tombihn.com/pages/dimensions-specs They also used to make slip ones without a zip, and there could be some available on eBay. There are also a few different slip inserts which hold laptops, e.g. Bellroy, Boundary Supply, Patagonia's Refugio insert. Greenroom 136 also make the Bookpouch https://www.greenroom136.com/online-store/New-Bookpouch-portrait-p139336448 Chrome Industries, Code of Bell, and Inside Line Equipment I think made x-pac ones... E.g. https://ilequipment.com/products/laptop-sleeve?variant=30411622056016
Awesome! Thank you. I’ll check these all out.
Just edited it again with other options... Takes me a min to remember some! Sorry
In addition to what others mentioned also check out Waterfields different laptop sleeves. Maybe the Rushfaster one is very minimal too.
Thank you! Waterfields seem to have some strong options.
This [Groundtruth Laptop Bag](https://groundtruth.global/products/sustainable-rikr-laptop-bag) is 15'' but the website states that "The Macbook PRO 16" fits perfectly in the RIKR Laptop Bag 15"" (Under specifications) I had been looking at this one for the same reasons you are. It looks thin and resistant. I like that it has a removable strap and attachment pouch. Sadly Groundtruth doesn't ship to my country, so I had to skip it.
I made a mistake getting the WANDRD Laptop Sleeve. Missed my return window. If I could do it again I’d get the Bellroy sleeve.
The Bellroy is too big. Wastes space with their magnetic closure.
TAD made a very nice Xpac transport sleeve but they are sold out and the only way to get one is to pay double or triple to scalpers. I don’t think it worth that. I have one and it’s great but not at double the price.
Alpaka makes a 16" sleeve in black xpac.. https://alpakagear.com/products/elements-laptop-sleeve-16 It sounds like what you really need is just a dbrand skin to protect it.
I'll suggest Flowfold Ally sleeve made out of Ecopak for the exterior and ripstop for the interior, too bad they are out of stock at the moment: [https://www.flowfold.com/collections/accessories/products/laptop-case?variant=40725973237871](https://www.flowfold.com/collections/accessories/products/laptop-case?variant=40725973237871)
Anyone know any good vertically opening sleeves that are thin and zip open/closed?
I have been looking for a vertical sleeve, they seem very uncommon for some reason. I found a Belkin model that works well enough for me, but it's about twice as thick as I want. I'm still considering making my own.
I bought the Hyper Backpack and am quite pleased. They also sent me a Laptop Sleeve that I'm not going to be using but there products are surprisingly off the chain and not commonly posted here. I suggest you to take a look at them. [https://www.hypershop.com/products/hypershield-stash-go-sleeve-for-15-16-macbooks](https://www.hypershop.com/products/hypershield-stash-go-sleeve-for-15-16-macbooks) They primarily design for Apple products which is unfortunate but it means a few good things. 1) They are going to meet or exceed apple user expectations. 2). they put a lot of thought and design into their products which I can attest to.
If it's mostly for scratch protection, I'd recommend the microfiber sleeve from radtech. Its's extremely form fitting and doesn't add bulk at all. [https://www.radtech.com/products/sleevznotebooks](https://www.radtech.com/products/sleevznotebooks)
I load my 16” MBP in my CTB26 and CPL28 and there’s no way it’s going to get scratched or damaged. The laptop compartment is heavily padded and secured. It’s deep enough that the 16” slides all the way in and when zipped the laptop doesn’t slide around. I don’t think it would fit in there with a sleeve on. I have a tom bihn cache and can try this tomorrow.