The Essential FTM Packers: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Packing, which generally entails placing a penile prosthesis or a simple pouch in the underwear to create the outward appearance of a penile bulge, is a common practice in the Trans community. Having a bulge can be crucial in helping FTM individuals feel a sense of belonging in their male identity and thus can alleviate gender dysphoria.

What Is a Packer

For many others, it can be called the ‘junk’ or ‘a bulge’ when a man’s groin area is visible outside their clothes. Packers, then, are objects which can include phallus prosthesis which are placed in the groin area, in the underpants to create the look of a penis or bulge. Most men will have the bulge naturally when they wear their trousers or undergarments. For FTM individuals, packers can be a DIY experience using a simple object such as rolled-up socks or purchased to create the look of a bulge for a masculinizing look and feeling in your trousers or bulge.

Role of Packers in Gender Expression

The following are the roles of packers;

● Self-Confidence in Gender Identity

When FTM bulges to feel the feeling of having a penis, your desires, sexuality, and anatomy can be the gateway to gender exploration. Once you know how and what packers do for you in your masculine frame, you can open more channel-ways to exploring other aspects of your gender, such as FTM haircuts and trans masculine dressing. All this stems from the confidence and information the packer bulge imbibes in you.

● Self-Acceptance

The use of packers creates a sense of self-acceptance for FTM individuals who have made peace with their masculine side. Through the packer bulge, one can bring out one’s best selves in and out of the bedroom, allowing self-expression. With self-acceptance of one’s body as a Transman, one can have self-compassion to be able to express one’s bodily needs and desires.

● Gender Exploration

Experimenting with different packers has the added advantage that FTM individuals can explore and find adventure in their overall being. From soft packers to 3-in-1 packers, Transmen get the chance to know which part of themselves strikes a chord the most; be it the bulge, the erection, or the ability to stand while urinating, as all these are the hallmarks of gender expression.

Types of Packers

Packers come in varied shapes, styles, and sizes to cater to the vast trans men’s bodies.

Soft Packers/Packer Prosthetics

As the name suggests, soft packers are made from soft silicone and meant to mimic the feel, look and outline of a phallus and scrotum.

Pros

a) It has a spongy feel and is flaccid, colorfully designed, and works by packing up your pants.
b) Easy to use and clean compared to other packers.
c) It comes with vast colors and sizes to cater to the trans demographic.

Cons

a) They are not firm enough to be used for penetration.
b) They are made from elastomer or thermal which can be heat sensitive.

The Stand to Pee Packer

The Stand to Pee packer is a blessing to FTM individuals, especially as it allows them to pee while standing while creating the desired bulge hence making it easy to use the men’s bathroom.

Pros

a) They come with an inner funnel system that helps direct your pee to the topmost area, allowing you to use the men’s bathroom without needing to sit down or remove the packer when urinating.
b) They have a longer lifespan.

Cons

a) Due to its complexity, it can be daunting to clean as it requires constant hygiene practices.
b) It can create an unnatural bulge.

The 3-in-One Packer (Pee, Pack and Play)

The three-in-one packer comes with a multipurpose role of helping you get that bulge through packing, while peeing, and for penetration during sexual intercourse hence the name, pack, pee and play.

Pros

a) They come designed with an inner tube which erects the penis if one wants to penetrate.
b) Allows you to use the men’s bathroom if you have not had bottom surgery.

Cons

a) They can be larger and thus more visible in your clothing; hence, for those who do not want an overtly visible erection, it can be a bad option.
b) They are pricier compared to soft packers.

Choosing the Right Packer

Bear in mind the following factors when choosing the right packer.

● Size

While wearing a packer stem from a personal need, you want a packer that fits you in that you have the right balance. Proportionality matters, and consequently, while others may want an overtly big bulge, other FTMs can choose to strike a balance in size and comfort. If you choose a large packer, it can be cumbersome to walk around in it, which can cause discomfort and self-doubt, and that is the opposite of what a packer should do to you. Packers come in various sizes, ranging from small to extra-large.

● Material

The adult toy industry can be unregulated; meaning the types of material used to make adult toys can be compromising to consumers. Packers are made from thermoplastic rubber, mimicking the look and feel of phallus skin. Silicone is another commonly used material to make packers as it comes with the merit of softness, flexibility, and ease of cleaning, which is good for making packers. Other packers are made from cloth such as DIY socks or form foams. Knowing which material your packer is made from will help you make an informed choice on which packer and the subsequent material is good for you and your partner.

● Functionality

Packers like the 3-in-1 packers come with multipurpose roles such as packing, peeing, and playing. However, others, such as soft packers, are strategically designed to give you the bulge you yearn for. Some packers will work well with walking, running, dancing, sitting, and using the bathroom, while others may limit other rigorous exercises such as working out. Knowing what function, you have for your packer can help you choose which one suits your packing needs.

How to Wear a Packer

These steps to wearing a packer should help you have a good packer experience

1. Choosing the right packer

Understand what works for you and what meets your needs, whether you want a simple bulge or a realistic-looking phallus or the desire to have intercourse and still be able to pee in one packing option. Hence choosing the right packer is the underlining procedure for packing.

2. Experiment for a Fit

Since packing can come with many sensations, knowing what feels ‘right’ for you can be a good way to know which packer to wear and how to wear it. Take time to listen to your body as you position your body to get the best comfort.

3. Strap it in

Whether you are using the harness, tape or strap, consider strapping your packer in for a secure attachment. Use the following to secure your packer in place;

a) Specialized packing underwear

Wear your packer on your underwear inside your innerwear; find the pouch or pocket meant to secure your packer. Place the packer in the pouch as you find your most comfortable fit

b) Packing using harness and straps

Other times, you can pack using accessories such as straps and harness sewn to hold the packer in position around your legs and waist region for more comfort.

I. Wear your packer as you would a typical underwear.
II. Pull the packer up to your groin region using the straps or harness, which are adjustable.
III. Adjust the harness or strap to your desired level of comfort and flexibility.

Other accessories for packing include the KT Tape used to attach the packer to the skin. You can use the KT Tape for packing by sticking it to your skin, as it has the added advantage of matching your skin tone. This is especially true for STPs and Pack and Play packers.

c) Boxer or specialty briefs

These are underwear that comes with a pouch where to place the packer. They can come packed and ready for you to wear or bulge. The Jockbrief is a good example of a specialty brief to use for packing.

Caring for Your Packer

Caring for your packer is an integral aspect of ensuring durability and comfort as you use your packer every day. Always checking the manufacturer’s cleaning and handling process with the packer will help you take care of the packer.

● Cleaning

Cleaning your packer with mild soap and water, especially for silicone-made packers is an important part of caring for your packer. Fragrant soaps are not recommended as they can be the cause of mould growth. Packers are made to be hand-washed.

Adding cornstarch to help it dry will reduce moisture accumulation, or the packer renewing powder from Transguy can help you.

Allowing the packer to breathe and dry out will hinder bacteria accumulation, as seen with Elastomer packers, which come with porous materials that can house bacteria if not properly cleaned.
When using the STP Packer, empty the fluid by shaking it down once urinating. It also shows why washing your STP packer regularly is a hygienic practice.

When using packers for sexual intercourse, ensure you use barriers such as condoms to limit transmission of STDs. Even so, washing the packer before and after using it keeps it sanitized and safe.

● Storage

Storing your packer in a clean, dry place when not in use will keep it free from dust accumulation, damage, and deformities. Store your packer away from sharp and sharp-edged objects that can cause deformities. Store your packer in your ziplock bag, and you can dust it with starch powder to keep it drier and reduce the sticky feeling.

● Handling

You must be gentle with your packer as those, such as soft packers are fragile and can tear or deform easily. Also, when packing, consider wearing packer-friendly undergarments so your zipper does not get torn from rough seems and zipper.

Experiences and Stories

● Gender Euphoria

Remy of the Transactual group asserts that by packing, he achieved the gender euphoria that he had always longed for. He states that at the beginning of his journey, he experienced tough moments as transitions are rarely discussed in traditional Indian communities. By using packers, he was able to feel the joy and euphoria that came with having a bulge.

● Joy and Liberation

Remy is not the only FTM individual who has stated the tremendous impact that packing has had on his life. Finegard Shepard an FTM states that packing has given him the newfound freedom to enjoy hobbies that he could not frequently due to his bodily anatomy. He states that while initially he could not swim freely, now he feels a “presentation that feels good to him” due to the bulge aesthetic that a packer has in his swimming garments.

● Self-Love

A common theme between Remy’s and Shepard packing experience goes to show that self-love is an act that packing can induce among users. Both states how packing changed their life for the better with more emphasis on the positive experience it came with loving one’s true body and identity. Overall, the feelings of euphoria, joy and liberation are packing experiences that we hope many FTM individuals get to experience.

Conclusion

Wearing packers can be the difference between feeling confident in your sense of being or housing feelings of gender dysphoria that can be crippling in one’s daily life. Choosing the right packers means delving into the material quality to avoid skin irritation and functionality when you want to pack, pee and play or focusing on size. Finding the right fit that leaves you comfortable and sure in your bulge is the optimum goal. For those who have tried packers, the positive impact on one’s emotional wellbeing it brings only goes as far as you choose to take care of your packer through approved cleaning, storage and handling procedures.