So, I tacked that last bit on for two reasons.
One, because I really wanted to say "Crotch-Related Intrigue" and Two, because I need to know if I'm overreacting or underreacting.

I don't pack, and have never tried it yet. I don't have an stp for money reasons, and also because I haven't really felt the need for one. I'm pretty good at seeking out single-stall bathrooms, and I don't go out all that much in general.

So what I'm asking is of maybe I should be packing with something, anything, at all? (Here comes the crotch-related intrigue part)
I'm also seriously wondering how much attention exactly are people paying to other peoples' crotches? I mean, I highly doubt people are just gonna be staring at my crotch...right? Argh. I keep meaning to ask Ben about this but I always forget or get distracted. I feel like a creeper for doing it, but sometimes I'll check other guy's downstairs areas out to see and unless they're wearing some freaky-tight pants I don't usually see anything, but these are (most likely) bioguys. They don't have to worry about passing.

Sorry this whole thing is so disjointed and rambly, I'm way out of it lately.

So to simplify it entirely:
Do you guys think it's necessary (or at least important) to pack, and do you think most people spend their time ogling strangers' crotches?

Packing isn't something that's going to impact whether or not people read you as male.  Packing isn't something that should be noticeable, unless you're wearing super tight pants.  So no, it's not necessary in that sense, though some people find it necessary for more psychological kind of reasons.

i think liam said it very well, i just pack because i need to to feel comfortable. i like to know that something is down there, but thats just me. it would not hinder your passing

The lack of anything in the trouser department is often the determiner in whether people are read as male or female.

Don't make the mistake of over-packing as that can also out you.

Without making it obvious, check out the difference between male and female crotches in jeans.

also the bulge or lack thereof may become more blatantly obvious when moving about.
Find the difference:

When I'm feeling creepy, I wear sunglasses and check out guys' crotches.
Don't hesitate to do this, cause its the only way you'll REALLY get an idea of what is normal looking.

I'm stealth and at work, people are always messing around and ball tapping eachother with objects...or their foot.
Yeah, factories are weird.
So dont' think it won't ever happen that you'll get touched there, cause you will.

Regardless, I would feel naked if I didn't pack, and incredibly dysphoric.

I just got the "packing strap" from ETB, and its amazing, I highly recommend it if you need something to keep your junk in place.

Hrm, this is interesting. We've pretty much got an even split here...
What I'll do is experiment in my spare time, take some pictures and compare. And I'll try it with all my different pants to see where exactly I stand.
I play the creeper game too, lol. I'm always wearing sunglasses so that definitely helps.

It depends on many factors...if you're stealth, the type of people you spend time with, if you're dating, if you're going to a club, the type of pants you wear...
Its more of a personal preference thing though, cause not every transguy packs or feels the need to in order to pass.
Usually when someone is trying to "figure out" what gender you are, they look at your chest first.(with the mentality that female shaped chest=girl, male shaped/flat chest= boy)
I wear skinny jeans, and girl pants, so its sort of essential for me to pack.
Try wearing your tightest jeans with a rolled up sock, then your losest. Stand in front of a mirror, walk towards it, sit down on a chair, look and see how it all looks. There is a difference in how pants lay against you.

Sounds good to me mic.
I've got something to do tomorrow, ha.
I'm lucky in that I nearly never wear tight pants, I'm fat and top-heavy looking so they'd just look really goofy on me.

I don't wear one because the cut in my pants causes  too much tug in that area. I've tried packing but I had trouble keeping my zipper up.

Quote from: Liam K on April 24, 2011, 02:21:03 AM
Packing isn't something that's going to impact whether or not people read you as male.  Packing isn't something that should be noticeable, unless you're wearing super tight pants.  So no, it's not necessary in that sense, though some people find it necessary for more psychological kind of reasons.

This.  I've spent my fair share of time oogling men's crotches (it was scientific I promise) and some have noticeable bulges, some don't. 

I pass literally 100% of the time and most people are incredibly shocked to find out I'm trans [I'm very open about it]

I also don't pack unless I'm going to jiu jitsu

I don't think its necessary.  I've tried it in day to day life and I never noticed a difference in the mirror I only noticed the discomfort of a sweaty gross packer flapping around in my pants all day.   The decision is up to you.

I don't really have an answer to the question you asked, but I wanted to say two things. One, awesome title. XD Two, I also tend to look at guy's crotches, which I feel really awkward about, but I kinda need to know what it's supposed to look like down there.  What are you gonna do, you know?  So don't feel too awkward about it; you're not alone.

It kinda makes me wonder if I've ever been caught doing this. No one would say anything if they noticed, so I always feel a little paranoid. 

I have added a little extra in that department on occasion. Depends on my mood or where I'm going. Since I don't have nuts on my own (insert sad face) my regular bulge isn't uber impressive. Oddly enough I can get away with wearing tight pants though and people don't usually notice.

I do look at guy's bulges lol and did before transitioning also. Yep some guys have good sized bulges and some seem to have none at all. I feel very lucky that I have never had any lower dysphoria; chest dysphoria was awful, but no lower. With that in mind....

I have a packer and for a while there packed quite often. I live in FL and honestly sometimes its just too damn sweaty to pack, in my opinion.

I HATE underwear so that is another part of it.

I actually really like the feeling of being flat on top, flat on the bottom--no boobs or dick sticking out, flapping around, or sticking to my body.  Maybe thats strange lol.

I do not think it's necessary, for some reason I notice when guys just start transitioning they get this "OMG I NEED A PACKER" urge, then quite a handful say they never wear it.  For me, I tried, but anatomically it's uncomfortable and also, quite frankly, is a royal pain in the arse.  Not having been born with it, I can't seem to get comfortable sitting, then going from standing to sitting and sitting to standing, etc!  It's more hassle than it is personal boost.  Plus, agreed!  Most times you can't see bioguys junk unless they are wearing sweatpants or something, lol. 

Although I have to admit a few pairs of jeans I have "sink" into my crotch and make me wish I was wearing one to fill that void that naturally would fall straight down if it was there.  This only happens with 2 pairs of my jeans, go figure, my favorites.  I have yet to get worried enough to wear it though.