Packing is the practice of placing an object into the crotch to resemble the look and feel of a penis. Even some cisgender men pack when they feel the need to compensate for their natural bulge. Packing is commonly done by transmasculine people to reduce gender dysphoria and can be completed with a wide variety of devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: DO I HAVE TO PACK?
A: Nope. Many people don’t pack since it’s a personal preference. Packing is not a requirement for being transgender, and there are lots of reasons transmasculine people might choose not to pack.
Q: HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO PACK?
A: There is no set age requirement. With binding, the practice typically starts with the formation of breast tissue – but there’s no comparable process for packing. Packers are NOT sex toys and can be used for any age where there is observable gender dysphoria. There are even packer manufacturers that specialize in smaller age-appropriate devices for youth.
Q: WHAT SIZE SHOULD I GET?
A: Any size works, but most guys prefer packers based on their height and weight. Your packer’s size will affect how you sit, exercise, walk, and move around. Cisgender men typically average at three to four inches while flaccid, but it can also be helpful to compare length and girth based on nationality.
How do I get started with packing?
Packers use either padding or phallic shapes to imitate the bulge of a natural penis. If you have never packed, it can feel strange walking around and getting used to it.
Most folks become acquainted with packing via the sock or gel tube method since both are free.
Sock Packing
There really isn’t a right or wrong way to sock pack. Grab a couple of mid-length socks, roll one inside the other to create a ball shape. Adjust the shape until you’re happy with it. Stick it in your pants. Simple as that.
If you’re wearing briefs or boxer briefs, congrats – your underwear will act as a natural harness to hold the sock packer throughout the day.
Prefer boxers? Any men’s underwear with a non-buttoned flap can have the packer stuck between the fabric flaps and keep the socks from actually touching your skin and causing irritation.
Gel Packing
Once you’re comfortable with sock packing, the next step is gel packing since it better resembles the feel of a penis compared to cloth. Fill a non-lubricated condom with hair gel and tie it off once it’s at a good shaft length. Use additional condoms to double or triple layer the packer, making it stiffer.*
Fill another condom about a quarter of the way with hair gel. Twist the condom and fold it in on itself to create a second layer. Tie it off – you’ve got your first testicle. Repeat these steps to create a second testicle.
Get a pair of nylon pantyhose cutting off one of the legs. Drop the shaft into the toe of the leg and tie it inside. Drop the two testicles into the next part of the pantyhose, tying it firmly and cutting off any loose hose.
Gel packers are surprisingly strong despite how cheap they are to create. To wear a gel packer, you’ll either need well-fitted briefs, boxer briefs, trucks, a jock strap, or a DIY harness. Compared to sock packers, gel packers are more likely to force you to acquire a male gait since there is physically something between your legs.
*Only double or triple-layer packers. Never do this for sex.
Types of Packers
Gel and sock packers are the simplest forms of packing, but there are hundreds of designs available. Here are the most common types of packers and what makes them unique.
Soft Packers
Soft packers resemble flaccid penises and are best suited for casual everyday use. These packers are typically created from elastomer or silicone, designed solely for creating a bulge. Soft packers cannot be used for sex or urination.
Ironically, soft packers were first mass-produced on the mainstream market as a gag bachelorette gift before being picked up by transmasculine consumers. Soft packers range between $15 to $50 based on material.
- Elastomer packers cost significantly less, but are worse for your health since they often contain chemicals that leach into the body through skin contact.
- Silicone packers are the community standard since they are body-safe and last for years. The silicone prevents skin irritation despite daily use.
| Most Popular Soft Packers | |
| Mr. Limpy / Mr. Softie | $13.50 |
| Calexotics | $15.00 |
| Archer & Pierre | $35.00 |
| Karuno Fantasy | $35.00 |
Consider yourself crafty? You can create a basic soft packer with cloth or fabric that’s more advanced than sock and gel packers. Both elastomer and silicone packers are more realistic in shape and feel compared to cloth.
If you’re allergic or sensitive to silicone, stuffed cloth packers are also available for sale on Etsy.
Minimal Packers
Some folks don’t like the phallic look that packers imitate. Minimal packers are abstract and aim to solely create a bulge without traditional phallic shapes. Depending on how abstract and artsy you’re going for, these can range from $3 to $30.
| Most Popular Minimal Packers | |
| MRIMIN | $3.00 |
| Rodeoh | $8.00 |
| Allbulgies | $30.00 |
Stand-to-Pee (STP) Packers
STPs include any device that allows the user to urinate while standing up, such as at a urinal. Most STPs are STP packers, resembling the shape and color of cisgender penises for optimal stealth while in use. STP packers are the most basic type of prosthetic packer.
If you’re interested in peeing while standing but don’t want to pack, there are also options for that! The most common method is the coffee can lid method or the medical spoon.
Stand-to-pee packers have a learning curve since they incorporate different bowls and seals. Always practice using your STP at home before trying it in public to avoid urine dripping down your jeans. It’s natural to be frustrated while learning the process, so be patient and follow the packer’s instructions and community input.
STP packers require either well-fitted underwear, packing pouches, or a harness to hold the device. Non-anatomical STP devices, on the other hand, usually aren’t and are instead held in one’s pocket or bag.
Always clean your packer. Even if you only use a basic soft packer, it’ll naturally get gross and sweaty since it’s in your crotch. Dirty packers can cause UTIs, infections, and skin irritation.
| Most Popular STP Packers | |
| STP Fitz | $38.00 |
| The Number One STP | $50.00 |
| Sam the STP | $50.00 |
| EZP | $195.00 |
Multifunctional Packers
These packers are where most individuals get confused since some companies refer to them as pack ‘n plays, 2-in-1, 3-in-1, or even 4-in-1. Multifunctional packers are prosthetic devices that are designed for everyday flaccid packing plus one additional function.
The most common multifunctional packer model is the pack ‘n play, which allows you to have penetrative sex with the same packing device that is usually flaccid for casual packing. These packers accomplish this through rods or a valve inflation system to stimulate an erection. Since these packers allow you to pack and have sex, they’re also considered 2-in-1 devices.
Technically, STP packers are ALSO multifunctional 2-in-1s since the two functions are packing and peeing. Again, multifunctional packers are where most folks get confused, so make sure to always read the label on a packer for what its functions are.
The 3-in-1 packer allows the user to casually pack, have penetrative sex, and urinate while standing up with the same device. 3-in-1s are hollow like regular STP packers, but are able to later become erect through a rod system designed for the model.
A 4-in-1 model refers to a packer that packs, acts as an STP, allows for penetrative sex, and sexually stimulates the user during sex. The 4-in-1 label is a marketing gimmick – most 3-in-1s provide sexual stimulation to the user regardless of whether it’s labeled as a 3 or 4. Like the 3-in-1, the 4-in-1 is hollow for everyday packing and STP use. Some 4-in-1s, like the discontinued Freetom, have ridges in the silicone to provide stimulation, while others, like the Peecock, provide stimulation through the rod system.
Rods, rods, rods. Are there any packers that allow you to pack, pee, and have sex without rods? Not yet, unfortunately. The Bionic was the closest device to solve this conundrum, but the project has been mostly discontinued.If you’re looking for a rod-less packer but don’t need to urinate standing up, the Peecock Inflatable uses the basic idea of the Bionic to incorporate air valves.
I can’t afford a packer. What should I do?
Compared to binders, there aren’t as many organizations that offer packer charities. On the other hand, packers can be safely created DIY-style, unlike chest binders.
- The Queer Trans Project offers a set number of Build-a-Queer Kits throughout the year based on donations. The kits include a variety of items, like packers and binders, based on individual need.
- The Thrive Fund is a general fund operated by Point of Pride for folks who don’t fall under their other scholarships for surgery, binders, HRT, shapewear, or electrolysis.
Albeit not free, transgender groups are a great option to buy pre-owned items. Multifunctional packers are expensive! While buy/sell/trades exist on all social media platforms, make sure you’re using a reputable one like r/ftm.