Packing: Quick Crash-Course
This post will serve as a quick introduction to packing, and common concerns and questions people have about this aspect of transition. While there is no one "correct" way to pack, being knowledgeable about different types of packers and methods of packing can help you personalize your packing experience.
First, What is Packing?
"Packing" is a term used by trans people to refer to the practice of using padding, prosthetics, or other such apparatuses in order to give the feel and appearance of having a penis. Many types of trans people pack, including but not limited to trans men, nonbinary and abinary people, as well as an assortment of differently-trans people. There are no requirements in order to pack, and you may choose to pack or not.
What types of packers are there?
There are many different types of packers to cater to your needs, including:
Foam
Hard silicone
Soft silicone
Pack-and-play
Stand-to-pee
DIY
Each of these packers have their own benefits and differences, which may affect your desire to use them. Additionally, these packers typically vary in price, depending on what specs you want.
Foam packers:
These are, like the name suggests, made of foam. They will typically be an economic option if price is a deciding factor in which packer you choose. Here is an example of such a packer
These packers will be less realistic, of course, so if your only concern is having a bulge, then this is likely a good option for you.
Hard/Soft Silicone:
As the name suggests, this refers to a silicone packer made of soft or harder silicones. The softer silicones will give a more realistic pack, while the harder silicones may give the appearance of... well, being hard, so it may be less realistic. These packers are typically pricier than a foam packer, but they can often be customized to your skin tone, and can look more realistic in terms of the packer itself. Often, these packers come with testicles, which can affect the way you pack.
Pack-and-play:
These packers allow you both to pack normally, but also be used for sex (which is why it's called pack-and-play). These packers can be more expensive than the last two options, but they also have more versatile uses than the last two.
There are different methods for one to engage the "play" mode of this packer. The most popular options I have seen are rods (where a rod is inserted into the packer to erect it), or for the packer to perpetually be in a semi-erect state while packing, so all you have to do is lift it up (somewhat like post-phalloplasty phalluses).
Stand-to-Pee:
These packers allow you to stand to pee. Some of these packers double as packers, but they can also be a simple funnel to allow you to urinate standing. This is a great option if you are dysphoric about this, because the last options may not have the ability for you to stand to pee.
DIY:
DIY packers can be repurposed socks, cloth, or anything you have lying about. The most popular DIY method is to roll up socks you don't wear and wear it like a "real" or "conventional" packer. This is a great way for you to explore what size you want or think look most natural if you aren't sure yet.
Of course, packers can have a variety of specs. Some packers are solely for packing, but you can find more specific options out there - the only real limitation is your price range
Choosing a Packer:
There are a ton of ways to pack, a ton of options, and a ton of different companies to choose from, should you choose to buy one.
To narrow down your options, consider what is most important to you, such as asking yourself:
Am I concerned about realism?
What sensory needs would affect my choices?
Is size important for my pack?
What do I want to gain from packing? / What am I dysphoric about? / What would make me euphoric?
All these questions and more can be important when you decide how you want to pack
Important Note:
For some, packing is a matter of safety as it is a transition tool. If you are worried about being a trans person and being harassed or assaulted, then that may affect what packer you may choose (understandable).
For that reason, it can be important to make sure your packer not only packs in a realistic way, but also feels realistic if you were to be touched. It's a misconception that trans men* and transmascs* aren't sexually harassed or assaulted, and many of us have unfortunately had that experience. While I don't want to make this post solely about this aspect of transition, it has been a fear of many trans people (including me), and I think it's important to recognize.
Keeping Your Packer In Place
There are many ways for you to keep your packer in place, including:
Packing underwear
Harnesses
Pouches
DIY
Packing underwear will typically be in whatever style underwear you like (often, masculine styles), but specially-made with a built-in pouch for your packer to lay in. These tend to be pricier than just getting "normal" underwear.
Harnesses won't be underwear, but they will hold up your packer. I've used this method, and it's alright if you don't mind the feeling of a harness down there. Because it isn't underwear, you might have to layer it with your normal underwear, which can be problematic for sensory or temperature reasons.
Pouches can be attached to any underwear you own by clasp, Velcro, or pins. They can go over or under your underwear depending on what you prefer.
All of these methods can by DIY'd by you, especially if you have sewing skills. I upcycled an old shirt as a packer pouch, and it's really easy.
Common Mistakes:
Note: If any of these are things you want to do intentionally, then it isn't a mistake, and thus, is inapplicable to you. Please disregard this section if that is the case. These points are for people who, for one reason or another, want to pack in a different way.
1. Packing too high
Many people place their packer too high on or above the pubis, almost toward the abdominal region. Consider the placement of the penis in relation to the body, as shown below (please excuse the labeling):
As you can see, this person's penis is further down the pelvic region. By packing a bit lower, it adds some realism to the pack as a whole.
2. Packing too large
A large packer may not be realistic for your body if your goal is realism. If you are a smaller person in height, it may make sense to get a packer in a smaller size. I would recommend getting a smaller packer at first, and sizing up from there if you can
3. Packing too hard
Hard silicone packers, for example, are great, but they are harder than a soft packer. These packers can look as though you have an erection much easier than other packers if you place it in specific ways. If that's what you're going for, of course, go for it! But it can be awkward to pack and be in scenarios where it isn't socially acceptable to have that appearance.
I've thrown a lot of information at you, so I encourage you to take your time to think, do research, and explore what you want. Packing is a personal journey, and it is something that you should decide for yourself where you want to go with it. Just as there is no right way to be trans, there isn't a right way to pack or not pack.
This is by no means a complete look at packing, but is an introduction. If there is anybody who wants to add on, then please do. This is a communal effort, and the more information is out there in a variety of sources, the better it is for us all
If you want to window shop or see what is a small selection of packers and different types, I explored this site which congregates different types together: Pick a Packer
I wish you luck on your journey, and may you find something that makes you euphoric.
