What Is Packing?
What is Packing, and how do you do it?
Those undergoing a female-to-male (FTM) transition will inevitably come across the act of packing (or at the very least hear about it). Packing involves creating a bulge in your pants with the use of a “packer” to emulate the look (and sometimes feel) of a penis. Packers come in various different shapes, sizes, and colors depending on the purpose of packing, and your personal needs and preferences. Whether you’re entirely new to packing or already have some experience, in this article, we’ll talk about all the ins and outs of packing and the different options available to you.
It’s important to note that packing isn't for everyone. It’s not something you’re obligated to do as a trans man or a transmasculine person. It’s generally done to relieve gender dysphoria. Therefore, whether to do it and how to do it ultimately comes down to personal preference. There's no right or wrong here!
DIY Packers
Most guys that are new to packing don’t immediately buy a packer but opt for DIY options like socks or gel-filled condoms. For some guys, this might suffice. If it doesn't, there are a number of options you can consider!
Soft FTM packers
First, there are various soft packers made from a very flexible plastic called elastomer. They usually have a very realistic look and feel and come in different skin tones. A downside of these packers is that they have to be kept in place by tight-fitting underwear, jock-strap, or harness. They come in different sizes depending on the look (and feel) you’re going for. It’s recommended to use cornstarch or talc powder, or another layer between the skin and the packer to make it more comfortable.
There are also soft packers made from silicone that are a great option as well. However, they’re often a bit more expensive and could be an excellent investment when you know which size and shape perfectly fit your needs. They are usually more durable, and it have fewer imperfections, making them look a bit more realistic. What’s really great is that compared to their elastomer counterparts, these packers can be easily cleaned by putting in the dishwasher or boiling water. With proper care, these packers can last you a lifetime!
Stand-to-Pee Packers
Some packers are more focused on functionality (peeing, to be exact). These are commonly known as Stand-to-Pee (StP) devices, which, as the name suggests, make peeing while standing possible. These packers are hollow on the inside and have a bowl at the base in which to pee. These are not suited for everybody, but they will feel very liberating for some. Before trying this out on the road, we suggest to practicing in the shower first for as long as you need to feel confident. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to figure out what works for you!
Pack and Play/ 2 in 1s
There are multifunctional packers that can be used for penetrative sex in addition to packing, without having to switch or add anything to the prosthetic. These packers often have a bendable rod inside of it that can help to position the packer into the desired form depending on what the situation calls for. This will work great for when you have an exciting evening planned, but keep in mind that the firmness and the size are usually not adjustable. This usually means that it will be less comfortable and more visible while wearing it. This can be both an advantage or disadvantage, depending on what you need.
There are some prosthetics that are 3-in-1s, meaning you can pack, play, and pee with the same packer. This is usually done by inserting an additional piece, like a bendable rod, into an StP packer.
Packing boxers
Prosthetics aren't for everyone. For people that want more comfort, freedom of movement, and security while keeping the visible budge packing creates, we at Paxsies have come up with the very first all-in-one packing boxers. These stylish boxers include a sturdy foam packer that is secured in a pouch inside the boxers, so it stays in place no matter what you're doing. You can go out to dance, go for a run, or even take a dip into the water. You can feel confident it will stay where it needs to be at all times. You can easily remove the foam insert and hand-wash it or chuck it in the washing machine.
As you can see, there are tons of packing options available. If you think packing is right for you, whatever option you go for ultimately comes down to your needs and preferences. Don't get discouraged if you try something and it doesn't feel right to you! We suggest you try these different options and decide what's right for you. Whether you choose to pack or not, remember, it's what's on the inside that counts!
