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“Packing” generally refers to stuffing your crotchto simulate the look or feel of having a penis, whether with socks or an accessory known as a packer designed for that purpose. For some transmasculine and nonbinary people, using a trans packer can help alleviate bottom dysphoria, allow them to feel more safe in gendered spaces, or simply make them feel more comfortable in their bodies.
Not all transmasc people pack — but if it’s something that you’re interested in trying, it can be hard to know where to start. To figure out if packing is right for you, experts like Scout Rose, president and co-founder of online trans-focused retailer Transguy Supply, generally advise starting simple. “We always recommend that folks start with socks, and wear them around the house,” they tell Them. “See how it feels. See if it feels empowering, see if you feel sexy, or if you feel uncomfortable. That's information that definitely will help someone on their packing journey.”
For those ready to move on to something a little more “realistic” than socks, the process of picking a packer can be daunting. Over the past several years, the market has expanded dramatically. Whereas options used to be limited, those seeking a packer now have an array of options in both function and aesthetic preference. As with many topics related to gender-affirming care, it can be hard to find reliable information — particularly when it comes to more, ahem, sensitive areas.
How do you know what kind of packer will fit you best? Where do you get it? How do you take care of a packer? We’ve got your answers, sourced from queer experts.
If you’re feeling ready to invest in something that’s specifically designed for day-to-day packing, you have a variety of options. From traditional soft packers, which usually resemble a flaccid penis and are made for day-to-day use, to stand-to-pee (or STP) packers to 3-in-1 packers, these gender-affirming accessories address a wide variety of needs.
Soft packers
Soft packers are designed solely for creating the appearance of a bulge. (Fun fact: the first commercially available soft packer was actually marketed as a gag gift for bachelorette parties by the sex toy company Fleshlight, according to Dr. Cole-Kurz, a trans studies and history scholar whose dissertation focuses on the significance of the packer. You can still buy the Mr. Limpy from them today; in fact, Rose recommends the small Mr. Limpy as a good starter packer, noting that it’s inexpensive and fits a wide variety of body sizes.)
In terms of materials, most soft packers are made out of either an elastomer or silicone. Sex educator and product reviewer Mason Lukerecommends opting for silicone-based materials, even though they can be a bit more of an investment. “That’s going to be body-safe long term, not give you any irritation on your skin, [and] not leach chemicals onto your skin,” he tells Them. “I realize that most of the transmasculine community is often underpaid, under-working or not working and money is tight. I get it. But I’d rather you invest in something that is of quality than something that’s not going to last you very long or be detrimental to your health.”
Luke notes that an entry-level elastomer packer should generally cost you about $15, while a basic silicone model will run closer to $25-$50. Rose also notes that if you’re sensitive to silicone, you can buy stuffed cloth packers on Etsy and other craft sites.
Stand-to-pee packers
Stand-to-pee, or STP packers, allow users to pee through the packer while standing. STPs are a great option for those who want to be able to pee standing up, whether for personal convenience or maintaining safety while using the men’s bathroom. If you want to be able to pee standing up, but don’t feel the need to invest in a realistic STP packer, there are other funnel options available like the pStyle, or the unfortunately-gendered but still quite functional GoGirl. It can take some time to get the hang of using an STP — most sellers recommend practicing using one at home before taking it out for a spin. You’ll want to figuratively get your feet wet so you don’t literally get your feet wet, if you catch our meaning.
3-in-1 packers
3-in-1 packers are multi-use packers designed to be used for day-to-day packing, peeing, and sexual penetration. With these, a rod (often sold separately and usually made of hard silicone) is inserted into the packer in the STP hole to convert it into an erect packer that can be used for penetration. Rods are generally specifically designed for a particular packer — so if you’re buying one, make sure to check that you’re getting one that corresponds to your packer!
Pack and Plays
Pack and play packers are erect packers that are designed to be used for sexual penetration — similar to 3-in-1s, but with the rod built in. Some additionally offer the option of stimulation for the wearer by including inward-facing ridges or vibrating components. Pack and plays are not designed to be used for everyday wear.
Experts say this is a matter of preference, and of what works best for your situation. Lots of people enjoy using packing underwear, which are made with an interior pocket that is designed to accommodate a packer and hold it in place. You can get packing underwear at places like Transguy Supply, Trans Tool Shed, or Paxsies. Many of these stores also sell packing harnesses and packing pouches that can be pinned inside non-packing underwear to hold a packer in place. Prices for these run in the $15 to $40 range. If that’s out of your price range, or you’re just the type of queer who loves a project, you can also sew your own with this tutorial from Sewqueer.
If investing in all-new special underwear feels like a bit much to you, Luke suggests putting the packer in a standard jockstrap and wearing your normal underwear over that. He also recommends “the ankle sock method” in place of buying a packing pouch: “Just take an ankle sock and safety pin it to the front of your underwear and make your own little pouch for it to stick in — then it doesn't roll away or accidentally fall out when you go to pee.”
While some like to keep the packer separate from their skin, others like the feeling of being connected to it. If that’s the experience you’re looking for, you can find adhesives that are body-safe and designed to attach the packer to the body directly. This method can help alleviate dysphoria, particularly when it comes to packers designed for play purposes. It also prevents the packer from shifting and moving around as much throughout the day. There are several different types of adhesive to suit different needs, from temporary adhesives to semi-permanent silicone adhesives that can last for several days to reusable silicone adhesive sheets. Luke recommends the latter two, as they tend to be less messy and offer more functionality.
Properly cleaning and caring for your packer can help preserve the material and give it a longer life, in addition to protecting you from all sorts of nasty bacteria. Be sure to keep your packer clean and in good condition — just like you’d want anything that’s sitting near your junk for hours on end to be! Packing underwear will also vary by manufacturer, but generally speaking, you can wash it like you do your normal underwear.
Trans Packer 101: How to Use, Buy, and Clean Your Gender-Affirming Gear
People of all genders have been packing since time immemorial, stuffing all sorts of things down their pants to create a bulge. Historically, everything from pig bladders to socks to condoms filled with hair gel have been used to produce this effect, according to trans scholar Dr. Joshua Bastian Cole-Kurz. But these days, we’ve got more options.“Packing” generally refers to stuffing your crotchto simulate the look or feel of having a penis, whether with socks or an accessory known as a packer designed for that purpose. For some transmasculine and nonbinary people, using a trans packer can help alleviate bottom dysphoria, allow them to feel more safe in gendered spaces, or simply make them feel more comfortable in their bodies.
Not all transmasc people pack — but if it’s something that you’re interested in trying, it can be hard to know where to start. To figure out if packing is right for you, experts like Scout Rose, president and co-founder of online trans-focused retailer Transguy Supply, generally advise starting simple. “We always recommend that folks start with socks, and wear them around the house,” they tell Them. “See how it feels. See if it feels empowering, see if you feel sexy, or if you feel uncomfortable. That's information that definitely will help someone on their packing journey.”
For those ready to move on to something a little more “realistic” than socks, the process of picking a packer can be daunting. Over the past several years, the market has expanded dramatically. Whereas options used to be limited, those seeking a packer now have an array of options in both function and aesthetic preference. As with many topics related to gender-affirming care, it can be hard to find reliable information — particularly when it comes to more, ahem, sensitive areas.
How do you know what kind of packer will fit you best? Where do you get it? How do you take care of a packer? We’ve got your answers, sourced from queer experts.
What is a trans packer?
A packer is either padding or a phallic-shaped object placed in the crotch area, to create the appearance of having a penis or a bulge. As Rose recommends, many people interested in packing use socks or something of a similar shape and size to pack, either just to try it out and see how it feels or in a long-term capacity.If you’re feeling ready to invest in something that’s specifically designed for day-to-day packing, you have a variety of options. From traditional soft packers, which usually resemble a flaccid penis and are made for day-to-day use, to stand-to-pee (or STP) packers to 3-in-1 packers, these gender-affirming accessories address a wide variety of needs.
How should I choose a packer?
How you choose a packer depends on a variety of factors, from what you’re looking to get out of your packing experience to your aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re packing for day-to-day gender affirmation, looking for a packer that can be used for penetrative sex, or you’re hoping to find one you can pee with, there are a variety of options to suit your needs.Soft packers
Soft packers are designed solely for creating the appearance of a bulge. (Fun fact: the first commercially available soft packer was actually marketed as a gag gift for bachelorette parties by the sex toy company Fleshlight, according to Dr. Cole-Kurz, a trans studies and history scholar whose dissertation focuses on the significance of the packer. You can still buy the Mr. Limpy from them today; in fact, Rose recommends the small Mr. Limpy as a good starter packer, noting that it’s inexpensive and fits a wide variety of body sizes.)
In terms of materials, most soft packers are made out of either an elastomer or silicone. Sex educator and product reviewer Mason Lukerecommends opting for silicone-based materials, even though they can be a bit more of an investment. “That’s going to be body-safe long term, not give you any irritation on your skin, [and] not leach chemicals onto your skin,” he tells Them. “I realize that most of the transmasculine community is often underpaid, under-working or not working and money is tight. I get it. But I’d rather you invest in something that is of quality than something that’s not going to last you very long or be detrimental to your health.”
Luke notes that an entry-level elastomer packer should generally cost you about $15, while a basic silicone model will run closer to $25-$50. Rose also notes that if you’re sensitive to silicone, you can buy stuffed cloth packers on Etsy and other craft sites.
Stand-to-pee packers
Stand-to-pee, or STP packers, allow users to pee through the packer while standing. STPs are a great option for those who want to be able to pee standing up, whether for personal convenience or maintaining safety while using the men’s bathroom. If you want to be able to pee standing up, but don’t feel the need to invest in a realistic STP packer, there are other funnel options available like the pStyle, or the unfortunately-gendered but still quite functional GoGirl. It can take some time to get the hang of using an STP — most sellers recommend practicing using one at home before taking it out for a spin. You’ll want to figuratively get your feet wet so you don’t literally get your feet wet, if you catch our meaning.
3-in-1 packers
3-in-1 packers are multi-use packers designed to be used for day-to-day packing, peeing, and sexual penetration. With these, a rod (often sold separately and usually made of hard silicone) is inserted into the packer in the STP hole to convert it into an erect packer that can be used for penetration. Rods are generally specifically designed for a particular packer — so if you’re buying one, make sure to check that you’re getting one that corresponds to your packer!
Pack and Plays
Pack and play packers are erect packers that are designed to be used for sexual penetration — similar to 3-in-1s, but with the rod built in. Some additionally offer the option of stimulation for the wearer by including inward-facing ridges or vibrating components. Pack and plays are not designed to be used for everyday wear.
How do I use a packer?
OK, we know what you’re wondering: How do I keep my dick from falling out in public? Don’t worry. There are a variety of types of packing underwear, harnesses, pouches, and more to keep your packer secure.Experts say this is a matter of preference, and of what works best for your situation. Lots of people enjoy using packing underwear, which are made with an interior pocket that is designed to accommodate a packer and hold it in place. You can get packing underwear at places like Transguy Supply, Trans Tool Shed, or Paxsies. Many of these stores also sell packing harnesses and packing pouches that can be pinned inside non-packing underwear to hold a packer in place. Prices for these run in the $15 to $40 range. If that’s out of your price range, or you’re just the type of queer who loves a project, you can also sew your own with this tutorial from Sewqueer.
If investing in all-new special underwear feels like a bit much to you, Luke suggests putting the packer in a standard jockstrap and wearing your normal underwear over that. He also recommends “the ankle sock method” in place of buying a packing pouch: “Just take an ankle sock and safety pin it to the front of your underwear and make your own little pouch for it to stick in — then it doesn't roll away or accidentally fall out when you go to pee.”
While some like to keep the packer separate from their skin, others like the feeling of being connected to it. If that’s the experience you’re looking for, you can find adhesives that are body-safe and designed to attach the packer to the body directly. This method can help alleviate dysphoria, particularly when it comes to packers designed for play purposes. It also prevents the packer from shifting and moving around as much throughout the day. There are several different types of adhesive to suit different needs, from temporary adhesives to semi-permanent silicone adhesives that can last for several days to reusable silicone adhesive sheets. Luke recommends the latter two, as they tend to be less messy and offer more functionality.
Where do I buy a packer?
While there aren’t that many brick-and-mortar storefronts that sell gender-affirming garments or objects like packers, you can find packers at a number of sex shops, like Good Vibrations, which has a number of locations in California and Massachusetts. You can often find a wider variety online while simultaneously supporting trans-owned businesses, buying from places like Transguy Supply or Trans Tool Shed. Luke sells packers in his online store and also offers a matching service, where you tell him your preferences and he’ll match you with several options that fit your criteria and body. You can also buy online directly from retailers like New York Toy Collective or Axolom.How do I clean my packer and packing underwear?
Not all packers are made of the same material, so make sure to research what your packer is made of and how to properly care for it prior to washing. That said, most packers are best cared for by hand-washing with gentle, non-moisturizing soap and water.Properly cleaning and caring for your packer can help preserve the material and give it a longer life, in addition to protecting you from all sorts of nasty bacteria. Be sure to keep your packer clean and in good condition — just like you’d want anything that’s sitting near your junk for hours on end to be! Packing underwear will also vary by manufacturer, but generally speaking, you can wash it like you do your normal underwear.
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