Have you heard about packing but are not sure where to start? That’s super fair, there are so many options, and some of them are expensive. Let’s talk about packing, the different available options so you can pick what’s right for you.
What is packing? Packing is the process of using various materials to create a bulge the looks (and often feels) like having a penis. Typically it’s done to help relieve gender dysphoria, often referred to as bottom dysphoria. However, this is not the only reason to use a packer.
Know that packing is not an essential part of the transition process, and not all trans men or transmasculine folks will choose to pack. Some may want to pack only in certain circumstances or not at all. It’s all about personal preference and what feels comfortable to each individual.
Others may want to pack but have experienced some challenges. So, here I will provide some tips on the various ways a person can pack and the different materials available.
Although I am using the term packer here because I will be talking about the different types of packers sold, many transmasculine folks consider their packer to be a non-flesh penis that is an extension of their body. There is no wrong way to feel about your body and no wrong way to engage with packing as long as it makes you feel good.
Picking a Packer
Determining what kind of packer you’re interested in using depends on a few factors, such as budget, intended use, and the type of experience you’re looking for.
There are several uses when it comes to packing;
- To appear like a bulge
- To imitate the look and feel of a penis
- Assist in the ability to stand to pee
- Use for sex
Some simply look for a bulge, and the material is less important, while others want a prosthetic that looks as close to a penis as possible.
Low Budget Packers
When it comes to packing, there are some options for do-it-yourself and some low-budget options to purchase.
Do-it-yourself options, of course, including using some soft materials like socks and tucking them into tight briefs or boxer briefs. Or you can use a packing harness which I’ll talk about later.
From Comfy Packs is another cheap option. They are a lightweight alternative to prosthetics that create a bulge easily in any boxer brief with a pouch.
Want something that’s more penis-like? There are some relatively cheap options.
- DIY packer using nylons
- Knitted packer from Etsy
- Fill a condom with hair gel (make sure you put a second condom over to prevent leaking)
Prosthetics
When it comes to prosthetic packers, there is a wide variety of options as well as prices.
There are some low-budget options; they’re made with flexible plastic and are in the shape of a penis but are often slightly less realistic (i.e. less detailed) than the more expensive options.
The more realistic-looking prosthetics with finer details tend to be made out of silicone. The added benefit of these packers is that they’re more durable and easy to clean (you can put them in the dishwasher or a pot of boiling water). That means you can use them in many different situations, even swimming.
In terms of look, there are a few factors to consider when picking a prosthetic, like colour and size. But these prosthetics also sometimes include other features such as realistic-looking testicles, or they may be cut or uncut.
Looking for a prosthetic that feels like an extension of your body? Some attach to your body with adhesive.
Stand-to-pee (STPs)
Then there are stand-to-pee devices. These are packers designed to help you to be able to stand up to pee. They are hollow and shaped vaguely like a funnel. They can be challenging to use, so if standing to pee is your goal, I suggest trying these at home before using them in public.
Pack and Play
Additionally, some packers are used for penetration – generally the most expensive option for packing. These are intended to be multifunction, so you don’t have to switch between different products for different uses. However, the firmness and size typically aren’t adjustable, so this typically means a more visible bulge during non-playtime.
There are also 3-in-1 devices intended for pack, pee, and play. These generally have a removable rod that is inserted into an STP for play.
Before investing in a pack and play option, I recommend looking up some reviews on these products, including some personal experiences. The rods for play can be made with various materials and may or not be effective for what you’re looking for.
Packing Boxer Brief or Packing Harnesses
Specific packing boxer briefs or packing harnesses aren’t always necessary when packing, but it may depend on your personal goals as well as your activity level. The purpose is to feel like your packer is comfortable and secure (you don’t want to drop it on the bathroom floor).
How to Choose
There are cheaper and DIY options for those with a budget or if you’re trying to figure out what’s best for you.
When trying to secure your packer, consider the weight of the packer.
If you’re using socks or some other light material, you may be able to get away with free parking (just placing the packer into tight boxer briefs). If you’re using this method, I suggest using boxer briefs that already have a pouch, such as Saxx (the semi-compression boxer briefs are one I use). I would also consider briefs or boxer briefs that are pretty tight.
If you’re using a prosthetic that is heavier, you likely want to secure it. One option is to simply put the prosthetic into a sock and safety pin the sock to your boxer briefs. Alternatively, you can make your own pouch in your favourite boxer briefs (YouTube tutorial).
For the more secure options, you can purchase a packing harness or packing boxer briefs. A harness is used to secure your packer and goes inside your boxer briefs, where boxer briefs are made with a specific pouch for packing. Note that some of these products are built with a specific hole to make it easier to use STP devices.
There are several different types of harnesses; some are shaped like a pouch, while others are shaped more like a jockstrap. There are some great options to check out at GenderGear, TransGuySupply, FTMessentials, etc.
Wearing A Packer
Wearing a packer can be weird at first, so take some time to get used to it before going out in public. Secure your packer at home and then move around in various ways to see how it feels – jump up and down, stand, sit, lay down, do squats. If you’re going to try free packing in public, you might also want to try sitting down on the toilet at home; you don’t want to drop your packer in the toilet or on the floor.
Wearing your packer around the house can also help you get a feel for where you like it positioned; this can also influence which type of harness or brief you use).
My Experience With Packing
I don’t experience much bottom dysphoria, but I do have a few different types of packers, and I do enjoy them in a few different situations.
Why do I pack? I don’t think packing is necessary for me daily, but I do find it fun from time to time. Sometimes I am just in the mood to pack, or I am feeling very masculine energy. I also find that when I pack, the bulge is discrete enough to feel like I have a bit of a secret. It makes me feel masculine without being too flashy. The other times I like to pack is when I am fucking with gender. I consider myself a femme boy and sometimes like to wear more traditionally feminine clothes, like crop tops and short shorts. It can be enjoyable to pair something like a packer with a more traditionally feminine outfit.
When I pack, the two things I worry about the most are; (1) whether or not the bulge is too big, (2) it moving around too much or falling out.
Most prosthetics are too heavy and too big for my personal packing needs, so I looked into alternatives. Here are some things I do like when it comes to packing.
Ftm Comfy Packs
Ftm comfy packs that I mentioned earlier are a great lightweight solution for packing, and they don’t move around like a traditional packer. For me, these are great for swimming. The only downside for me was that the bulge was a little too big. But in writing this blog, I realized they have since come out with a smaller size, which I will have to try.
MyPackStrap
The MyPackStrap is an effortless harness made in the US. It’s a new company, and they have continued to innovate and create new products to suit the needs of their customers. The harness is simply a pouch on a stretchy waistband, but it works perfectly. For me, it’s super easy to adjust where the packer sits, and most of the time, I put a pair of socks in the pouch because it’s lighter.
GMPWear
GMP wear is a pre-packed packing solution. These are boxer briefs that come pre-packed with a soft and light insert that feels great to wear. They’re machine washable with no special instructions. The only downside I found with these was that I thought the packer was too big for me or sat a little too high. However, they have a new athletic version that I can’t wait to try.
Final Thoughts
Remember that packing isn’t an essential part of transitioning, and you don’t have to be FTM transgender to pack. Do what you want; it’s your body. Whatever you decide, make sure to keep your products clean as they are regularly close to your genitals.
Have questions? Or something I’m missing here, let me know in the comments.
Or, let me know what your favourite packing choice is and why.