to pack or not to pack

[boywonder159]

So i dont pack but am thinking about it. Just wondering what are the pros and cons of it.

[joeythejoster]

Well I've been packing her about a few months now. I'd pay some pros include easing dysphoria, feeling more confident, and if you wear tighter pants like I do it might help your self consciousness. I'd argue though that packing isn't as important to passing as binding is. I mean really no one is ever going to stare at your junk and wonder if there's a bulge there or not. However, one major con I could say is that when I bought my first packer I bought it too big. So no matter what position I had it in it look like I had a major boner going on. If that's the look you're going for then go for it. My tip is to start off kinda small and with a soft packer. Tranzwear sells some cheap packers and they have great costumer service and shipping. Hope this helps.

-Joey

[Rengar]

Basically for a lot of guys it eases bottom dysphoria. I have to agree with Joey up there though. Nobody is going to be staring at your nether region thinkin "ooo B^)". If you feel like wearing a packer then wear one! Nobody is stopping you!!

I don't use one as they're just too much of a hassle for me and I don't have a lot of bottom dysphoria due to being a bit lucky with growth on Testosterone. I just can't be bothered with puttin some body powder on it and shoving it in a pair of briefs. I'm more of a boxers kind of guy.

[Tossu-sama]

I used to pack pretty much daily but I stopped after top surgery since packer was a crucial part for my confidence before that and having surgery gave it the much needed lift.

Aaaanywho, one pro is of course the increased confidence. Like joeythejoster mentioned no one's gonna inspect your "goods" so it's not that important for passing but having confidence certainly helps in that.

As for cons it's awkward, annoying and whatnot else when your packer gets out of place, does a roly-poly in your pants etc and you can't fix it anytime soon. A good harness eliminates that problem but you get the idea.
Also some guys get more dysphoric with a packer since it reminds them about what they don't have so I suppose that counts as a con, too.

I used a XS-sized Mr. Limpy and it was just the right size. I've heard that the S-sized one is already way too big and is good for achieveing the constant boner look.

[Alexthecat]

Ball up a sock and walk around the house in it to see if you like it.

[HeyTrace19]

Well, you might want to pack if it makes you feel better about what is in your pants.  You also may want to consider it if you wear styles of clothing which might reveal that area of your body a little more.  Despite what people have said about nobody looking at your junk...they do, in my experience!  More frequently than I would like.  I do a lot of physical activity...running, cycling, swimming, skating, etc., during which the body is under more heavy scrutiny from others, so packing 'looks the part' so to speak.  I also have pretty strong lower dysphoria, so having the weight and feel of the equipment there is important to me.

Packing can be cumbersome, expensive, or further worsen dysphoria in some cases...Or it can be a suitable way to put your mind at ease...but you will find what is right for you. 

[palexander]

Ball up a sock and walk around the house in it to see if you like it.

this. i used to do it when i was younger and it felt right to have something "more" down there.

[kast]

Pros of packing: eases dysphoria (sometimes), confidence, helps you walk more 'masculine'/gives you swag, pants fit better and look better, and it may help you pass a bit more.

Cons of packing: worsens dysphoria (sometimes), sweaty in the summer, sometimes uncomfortable, finding and wearing packing harnesses can be annoying, and sometimes wardrobe malfunctions happen.

I've had a packer for like 5 years, and nowadays I only pack about 50% of the time. The fly of most of my pants sort of makes a subtle bulge anyway, so if someone looks they might just assume I'm small rather than assume I have a vagina. Packing does make me feel more confident, but sometimes I just find it cumbersome. I would totally recommend getting a packer though, because it may make a world of difference to you and it's really fun to get your first packer. I don't notice a difference in passing when not packing, but I otherwise pass so I don't think people bother looking at my crotch to 'check'. If you normally don't pass, people may look to your crotch for guidance.

[Bran]

Honestly, try it-- if it works for you, you'll know.  Even something as simple as a sock, gel-filled condom or a not-designed-for-packing sex toy of about the right shape will work for an experiment.  If it feels right, then you can go get specialized devices if you want.

It doesn't make sense to me that packing should help, but I find that it does.  Logically, I'd think that using an artificial penis would make me feel more self-conscious about not having a real one.  And some guys do find that it worsens dysphoria.  But I really wanted to try it and, when I did, it made me feel better about myself.  It's easier for me to concentrate on other things, and I don't think about my dysphoria so much, if I'm packing.  *Shrugs* Life is strange. 

[aleon515]

I'd say you try to pack cheaply (homemade or Mr Limpy type packer) and see what you think.

--Jay

[makipu]

Apart from helping with dysphoria, does it actually enable you to pee with it? And, can you not wear it with boxers?

[LoriLorenz]

It depends on if you get the model that allows for peeing standing up. The FTM Gear sub-forum would be a great place to learn more about this

[kast]

Apart from helping with dysphoria, does it actually enable you to pee with it? And, can you not wear it with boxers?

There are STP packers you can pee with, although I've never tried them personally. You can pack with boxers if you wear some type of packing strap underneath - like a modified jock strap, or a pouch that you can pin to the waistband.

[youngbuck]

I packed quite a bit in the early stages of my transition, and at that point in time, it was very helpful. Without T and without being able to openly present as male much of the time, it was a big confidence boost and provided some peace of mind. Once I was out and full-time, though, my need to pack really declined. It can be awkward and annoying, and now that I've been on T for a couple years, it can be physically uncomfortable as well. I've also found that most of my pants form a kind of bulge on their own, which is quite convenient. At this point, I don't see myself packing on a regular basis again unless I find a reliable, easy-to-use STP.

[nyrangers30]

If you feel bottom dysphoric or just wanna try it out, the sock thing some others were talking about is a good idea. That's how I began and I am actually still doing it until my packer comes in the mail. I sewed the flaps shut of a pair of boxer briefs and cut an opening on the inside to make a pocket and I stick a rolled up athletic sock in there and it gives me a decent buldge. So I recommend trying that out if you wanna give packing a test run. Because you don't wanna go ahead and spend money on a packer and have it end up not being the kind or size you prefer.

[Daydreamer]

My packer has eased a lot of my dysphoria and has made me overall happier. The only cons I can think of is that some can be pricey and it might be hard to find the best one for you.

[boywonder159]

My packer came in the mail today. Its a mr.limpy xs i got that one cause it was cheap and i heard its good for first time packing. Wore it all day it looked soo good ( i wear tight pants a lot) and helped so much with my dysphoria. To help with the dysphoria with having in terms of using it when the mood hit i switched to a well strap on (one that has an attachment for me to enjoy) and it was a great day. It really helped. As for a stp i would like one right now i use a homemade one ( rarely but it works) i really enjoyed it. It was kinda uncomfortable but i think i will get used to it. It was small but thats okay i will be honest size doesn't matter to me. Thanks for all the advice i am very glad i got it.

[chaseinspace]

I agree with everyone above, and also suggest making the condom & hairgel packer. This was my first "real" packer, and I have gone through several over the years that do not behave as realistically as that one did. The first few years I was never without a packer. 8 years later, some days I pack and some I don't! Do what is best for you