Got a question about packing? You've come to the right place. This article will answer every question you've ever had and then some. If you're looking for specific information, use the links below to take you to the right spot. Otherwise, you can read from top to bottom. Consider it a master class.

WHAT IS AN FTM PACKER?
HOW DO FTM PACKERS WORK?
WHY WOULD SOMEONE WANT TO PACK?
NON BINARY PACKING
WHAT ARE PACKERS MADE OF?
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FTM PACKERS?
HOW TO CHOOSE A PACKER
WHAT SIZE PACKER SHOULD I BUY?
WHERE TO BUY FTM PACKERS
HOW MUCH DO FTM PACKERS COST?
HOW TO GET A PACKER IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD ONE
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PACKER
HOW DO YOU WEAR A PACKER?
HOW DO YOU POSITION A PACKER?
HOW TO PACK WITHOUT MAKING IT LOOK LIKE YOU HAVE A BONER
CAN I PACK AT THE GYM?
CAN I PACK WHILE SWIMMING?
HOW DO I CLEAN MY PACKER?
CAN CIS GUYS WEAR PACKERS?

WHAT IS AN FTM PACKER?

A packer is anything used to create a bulge in your pants. This can range from socks and foam pads to high-end prosthetics. Packers can be made of silicone, TPR (a type of soft, squishy plastic), cloth, hair gel (yes, really), and more. They come in a vast range of sizes - from very small to gargantuan. And though they also can be used for different things, a packer's core function is always... packing. Every packer will create a bulge in your pants.

The purpose of a packer is to create a bulge in one's pants.

HOW DO FTM PACKERS WORK?

Packers create a bulge in your pants by sitting in your underwear. You can also keep a packer in a packing pouch or harness worn beneath your underwear.

Below is a diagram of a standard anatomical packer. We've labeled some of the packer parts that we will be referencing in this article. For a lot of folks, this info might feel obvious. But we know this will be helpful for others, and it's always best to be clear and avoid confusion.

WHY WOULD SOMEONE WANT TO PACK?

There are many reasons a person might want to wear a packer. The most cited reason is to ease bottom dysphoria. Trans and nonbinary folks sometimes feel that their genitals do not align with their identity. This can cause considerable mental distress. For some of these folks, wearing a packer can ease that mental distress.

We should note that not all trans and nonbinary folks experience bottom dysphoria. Having bottom dysphoria is not a requirement for being transgender. Also, packing doesn't help every trans person who does have bottom dysphoria. In fact, some folks say that packing brings attention to their dysphoria instead of easing it. For many trans folks, however, packing can create intense feelings of gender euphoria.

Warning: Packing may cause gender euphoria.

Some of the other reasons people pack are: safety, confidence, and erotic pleasure. For a more in-depth look at the reasons for packing, check out this article on the Top Reasons to Pack.

NON BINARY PACKING

If you identify as nonbinary and are curious about packing, rest assured you're not alone. Many nonbinary folks pack on a regular basis. You don't have to want to present as a man in order to pack. Packing can be a profoundly affirming experience for folks across the gender spectrum. There are lots of nonbinary folks out there who pack all of the time. And just as many who pack some of the time. And of course, many nonbinary folks never pack and have no interest. Whichever category you fall into, you are valid and in good company.

WHAT ARE PACKERS MADE OF?

Since the main function of a packer is to create a bulge, you can make a packer out of anything that will achieve that aim. For example, socks are often used when someone first starts packing. Because most people already own socks, it's a free and easy way to explore whether packing is right for you. But, if you're looking for an anatomical packer, packers are generally made with one of two options. The first of these is Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR).

For those who are unfamiliar, TPR is the term used to describe a range of soft, squishy plastics. TPR is often fossil-based but can also be derived from sources such as corn, sugar cane, and soybeans. Companies that make TPR packers often have their own proprietary compounds. As a result, they also usually have trademarked names such as Cyberskin or SuperSkin. Any time you see a company using a name like this, you can assume that product is made of TPR.

The Mr. Limpy packer is made of "SuperSkin" - a proprietary thermoplastic rubber (TPR) compound.

The second type of material that is used for realistic packers is silicone. There are a lot of similarities between silicone and TPR, but also some key differences. Both silicone and TPR can be soft, pliable, and even recyclable. However, silicone is made from quartz sand. And without getting too scientific - chemically, the two materials behave very differently. Silicone is less porous than TPR and can hold its shape when exposed to much higher temperatures. As such, silicone can also be used to make objects that need to hold up in high heat, like oven mitts and trivets.

So how do you choose between a silicone and a TPR packer? Here are the most important differences when it comes to packing:

TPR Packers are generally (though not always) softer than silicone packers. For this reason, some folks find they are also more comfortable. A softer packer is also much more likely to pass a "squeeze test." That is to say, if someone grabbed onto your package and gave it a squeeze, a TPR packer would feel very much like a cis guy's package.

Also, TPR is generally cheaper than silicone. This makes a TPR Packer an excellent choice for someone on a tight budget.

Some examples of TPR Packers are:
Mr. Limpy
Performance Packer
Packer Gear Packing Penis

Sounds perfect, right? Unfortunately, there are some downsides. First, TPR packers are often made with a trace amount of mineral oil. And there is debate about whether mineral oil is safe for long-term exposure to your skin. It's not uncommon to develop a rash or a breakout after wearing your TPR packer for a long stretch.

We recommend that folks always keep a cloth barrier between their body and their TPR packer. You can do this using a packing pouch or special-made packing underwear (more on these later on).

Get Your Joey's skin tone color STP Packing Pouch holds your packer and pins to your underwear using a strong safety pin.  

Another downside is that due to the presence of mineral oil, TPR Packers tend to be a bit oily. I've had a TPR packer leave a permanent oil stain on my wooden nightstand. As such, you'll want to take care where you set yours down. We recommend storing your packer in a plastic bag with a little bit of packer refresh powder. The powder will absorb any oil your packer produces. And the plastic bag will protect surfaces from stains.

You'll also want refresh powder for your TPR packer because TPR can be sticky after washing. And a sticky packer can be a very uncomfortable experience. It's also more likely to pick up lint and cat hair, which are not exactly the kinds of things you want next to your junk. Refresh powder will keep all these things at bay. Plus, it has the added bonus of absorbing any sweat in your nether regions.

Packer refresh powder will keep your packer dry on hot days.

Lastly, TPR packers are not as durable as silicone. A high-quality silicone packer like the Mr. Right will last you a lifetime if you treat it well. (And keep it away from any animal that might think it's a fun chew toy).

Some examples of 100% body-safe silicone packers are:

#1 Trans Packer
New York Toy Collective's Pierre
Mr. Right

To summarize, silicone is often more pricey than TPR. But the trade-off to the cost is longevity and the assurance that your product is 100% body-safe. Some silicones will also need powdering. However, because they aren't porous like TPR, they're easy to sanitize. You can wash them with hot soap and water. Or you can sterilize them by boiling them or throwing them in the top rack of your dishwasher. If you try to boil your TPR packer, be ready for your packer to turn into a pile of unusable mush. TPR packers WILL melt at higher temps. We've even heard of this happening when stored in a hot room for a long period of time. If you live in a hot climate without access to air-conditioning, a silicone packer is a more stable choice.

One of the first 100% silicone packers ever made - Vixen's Mr. Right is high-quality and durable. 

WHAT IF I'M ALLERGIC TO BOTH TPR AND SILICONE?

For people with both silicone and TPR allergies, fear not. Though they are less common, these days it's not too hard to find a quality foam or cloth packer. There are several small makers on platforms like Etsy who sew and sell cloth packers.

If you're looking for a realistic-looking cloth packer, check out Bean Peens.

If you want something with a little more flair, we recommend Faboutique GB.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FTM PACKERS?

So far, packing seems pretty straightforward, right? Well, here's where it gets complicated. There is a staggering diversity of packers out there. Don't worry, though, we're here to break it down for you.

To date, there are 4 main types of packers:

1. Standard Soft Packers
2. Stand-to-Pee Packers (also called "STPs")
3. Pack-N-Plays (also called 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 Packers)
4. 4-in-1 Packers

Each category of packer is designed to achieve a unique set of aims.

Standard soft packers are just meant to create a bulge.

Stand-to-Pee Packers create a bulge and help you pee standing up. We should note here that not all stand-to-pee devices are also packers. Products like the pStyle help you pee standing up, but are not suitable for packing. Below is a diagram of an anatomical STP Packer. 

The above diagram of an STP Packer features the STP Freely Uncut. 

Pack-N-Play Packers create a bulge and can be used to sexually pleasure a partner (2-in-1). 2-in-1 Packers are firmer than standard soft packers. This is so that they can be used for penetration. However, a good pack-n-play should still be soft enough to wear for long periods of time. If your Pack-n-Play can also be used to urinate standing up, it's called a 3-in-1.

4-in-1 Packers create a bulge, help you pee standing up, can pleasure a partner, and be used for solo sexual play.

For those folks who appreciate a visual, above is a handy chart that breaks down packer functionality. We've included "hard packers" here, to differentiate between Pack-N-Plays and regular Dildos (a.k.a. "hard packers"). The latter are generally thought to be too stiff to pack comfortably while going about your daily business.

For a more detailed explanation of each of these types of packers, you can read up here: What are the Different Types of Packers?

HOW TO CHOOSE A PACKER

Now that you have a general idea of what's out there, you might be wondering - with so many choices, how do you know which packer is right for you? Unfortunately, there's no easy answer to that. As mentioned before, packing is different for everyone. That said, here are some questions to consider:

Do you want a packer that is just a packer or something more?
Standard packers are an excellent place to start your packing explorations. Standard packers are generally cheaper than multi-functional packers like STPs. And the simplicity of the designs means there's a quick learning curve.

Does not being able to pee standing up trigger your dysphoria?
If not using the urinal causes you distress, you will want to consider trying a stand-to-pee packer. While STPs have a might steeper learning curve, we believe that anyone can get there. It's a matter of practice and selecting the right STP for your body. If you've decided this is the right move for you, read this before buying your first STP. Knowing your body and the potential roadblocks will help steer you right.

Master the use of an STP device to use the urinals in the mens room.

Does the idea of having an anatomical packer excite you or make you uneasy?
Some folks are not interested in owning something that looks like a penis. If this is you, you might want to check out non-anatomical packing options like the foam packer or the EZ Bulge.

If you need more help selecting a packer, we've identified the best options based on your individual needs. Click here to read about our top packer recommendations. 

WHAT SIZE PACKER SHOULD I BUY?

This is a common question people ask when selecting a first packer. It makes sense - packers come in a massive range of sizes. And unlike garment sizing, there's no size chart to tell you what you should buy.

The reason that no size chart exists, however, is that packing is a deeply personal experience. Where one 5' 4" trans or nonbinary person might want a very small packer, another person of the same proportions might want a very big one. Neither of these people are wrong. And neither is choosing a packer that doesn't "fit" properly.

Pictured above are the Archer Youth Packer and the Archer 5.25" Packer.

That said, many people have the sense that your packer should be "in proportion" to the rest of your body. In cis men, however, weight and height have almost no correlation to penis size. Short, slim cis men can have very large packages. However, we fully understand that smaller folks may want a smaller packer for aesthetic or emotional reasons. Likewise, bigger folks may want to choose a larger packer.

We've heard many shorter trans and non-binary folks say they feel ridiculous when packing with a moderate-size packer. And feeling ridiculous is the last thing you want when packing. Packing is supposed to make you feel good, confident, and more at home in your body. If a big packer doesn't achieve this, you'll want to look for something smaller.

Keeping this in mind, then, how do you select the right size for you? What measurements should you be paying attention to? The way that companies market packers can make determining this even more difficult. Most companies market their prosthetics by shaft length.

Typical shaft lengths range from 3 to 6 inches. For example, the Performance Packer and the Packer Gear Silicone 4" both have a shaft length of 4 inches. So... it sounds like they'd more or less be the same size, yes? Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Shown from left to right: the Small Mr. Limpy, Medium Mr. Limpy and Performance Packer. 

Some manufacturers determine "shaft length" as the measurement of the top of the shaft. Other companies use "shaft length" to describe the shaft's underside. This is generally a shorter measurement due to the position of the packer's balls.

In addition, we've found that ball size is as important as shaft size in a packer's overall effect. The result is that several packers sold as 4" packers can produce very different bulge sizes. What's more, a packer with a 5" shaft but more petite balls can actually produce a smaller bulge than one with a 4" shaft. So, to give folks a better idea of what size bulge a packer will make, we created a simple, straightforward bulge rating system.

Our Bulge Rating System gives packers a number from 1-5 depending on how big a bulge it creates. A bulge rating of 1 will create the smallest bulge, while a rating of 5 will create the largest. We've also included some recommendations for who might want to select a specific bulge size. We've created these recommendations based on polling hundreds of customers. However, packing is personal. Buy the size that you feel will fit you best, and don't worry too much about what works for other people.

1. Small - Often preferred by people under 5 foot, or adolescents

2. Conservative - Creates a bulge great for shorter or slimmer folks

3. Moderate - the preferred size for most people we polled, average.

4. Well-Endowed - On the larger side, for folks above 6 foot or over 200 lbs. To be clear, the correlation between height, weight and penis size is weak. There are ample cis guys who are under 5' but have a larger than average penis. That said, comfort is key for anyone who packs. If you are a bigger person in weight or height, you may feel like you need a bigger bulge.

5. Extra Large - Creates a bulge the size of a softball. Generally for those who want to draw attention to their package.

For more info on the Transguy Supply Bulge Rating System, check out this in-depth explanation.

WHERE TO BUY FTM PACKERS

To date, most prosthetic companies do not have brick-and-mortar locations. Because of this, most people buy packers online. Today, there is a considerable number of websites that offer a wide range of packing products. Unfortunately, many of these companies also sell sex toys, and you will need to be over 18 to view and purchase them. That said, a handful of companies like Transguy Supply do not sell "adult" products and are therefore accessible to folks under 18.

However, if you are over 18, your local sex shop might carry a small selection of packers. Of course, this is not a guarantee. But, more and more, sex shops are realizing that trans people are potential customers. The selection may be very limited in these cases. However, with brick-and-mortar establishments, you can actually see a packer in person before buying. The benefit of this is clear. Due to the sensitive nature of the items, packers are generally not returnable. Being able to touch and hold a packer before shelling out your money is definitely a bonus.

While online shops and brick-and-mortar sex shops are the two most common ways to buy a packer, you can also buy them from other trans individuals. Several Facebook groups are explicitly geared towards trans and nonbinary folks. And some of these groups have specific spaces for purchasing used packers. Of course, the thought of using someone else's packer may make you uncomfortable. However, this is a great place to find a good deal if it does not. It's not unusual to come across a discounted high-end packer from someone who no longer wants it.

In that same vein, FTM Reddit has similar forums, and we've even seen folks selling packers on Instagram. You might find it too nerve-wracking to Venmo a stranger any amount of money. If so, your worry is not without cause. There are a fair amount of scammers out there and trans folks are particularly vulnerable. If something feels sketchy or too good to be true, it probably is. In these scenarios, it's better to buy something at full price with a guarantee you'll actually get it.

One final place we recommend for purchasing a packer is a trans-related conference. For example, at the annual Trans Wellness Conference in Philadelphia, there's a huge room dedicated to showcasing trans-focused businesses. Conferences like these can be wonderful for packer shopping. Like brick and mortar sex shops, you can see and touch packers before making a purchase. However, unlike sex shops, you will likely get to see several different companies and their full line of products.

HOW MUCH DO FTM PACKERS COST?

Most folks can expect to spend between $30 and $70 for a high-quality silicone standard soft packer. However, depending on the quality of the materials and the functionality of the design, packers can costs you anywhere from $12 to over $1000. If budget is a major concern, there are a number of TPR Packers on the market that you can snag for under $20.

HOW TO GET A PACKER IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD ONE

Do a quick Google search, and you will find lots of organizations donating binders to folks who can't afford one. However, it's a lot harder to find places giving out free packers. That's why we've created our Youth Packer Giveaway Program. To date, we've donated hundreds of Mr. Limpy's to folks who can't afford one. If saving up enough money to buy a packer feels like a far away goal, we encourage you to enter our monthly packer giveaway.

There's also an organization called Trans Family Support Services that will purchase a packer for you and have it shipped to you. Alternatively, Transguy Supply works with several smaller LGBTQ organizations across the United States to provide gender-affirming gear to at-risk and low-income youth. If there's an LGBTQ advocacy org near you, it's absolutely worth asking if they can help you get a packer.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PACKER

Unfortunately, not everyone lives somewhere accessible to an LGBTQ organization. If this is your situation, you can easily make a packer with a little craftiness, some elbow grease and things you can generally find around the house.

When I first transitioned in the early 2000s, there wasn't much in the way of silicone or TPR Packers. At that time, lots of folks used the sock method. But folks who wanted something more realistic feeling, resorted to hair-gel-filled condoms. The idea is simple: just filled a condom with hair gel to your desired size and tie off the end of the condom to prevent leaks.

The downsides to this method are plenty. First, you have to have access to condoms. And while condoms are available at most drug stores, and you don't need to be any particular age to buy them, they're often kept locked up behind glass. Not everyone is comfortable with having to ask for a clerk's assistance in this case.

The second downside to the gel-filled condom is that condoms is that condoms can break. While a heavier duty condom is less likely to break, having a hair gel explosion in your pants is the stuff of nightmares.

While we don't recommend the hair gel method, if you'd like to try making your own packer, there's a better way. Inspired by trans YouTuber Ash Hardell, here is a step by step tutorial on how to make a packer out of sheer tights. Check out this article on making your own DIY FTM Packer.

HOW DO YOU WEAR A PACKER?

Ok, so you got your hands on a packer and you're ready to give it a spin. If you're new to packing, trying to figure out how to wear it can be a challenge.

First things first, you are likely going to want to purchase something that helps keep your packer secure throughout the day. There are several different options for this, and we'll break each one for you. If you do not want to, or cannot purchase something to specifically hold your packer, you can also try to pack with very tight briefs. Pouch underwear can work in a pitch. And while some people say tight boxer briefs work for them, we don't recommend it. We've had too many incidents where our packers have slipped down one leg and splatted on the floor.

FTM PACKING HARNESSES

One of the most versatile options for wearing a packer is a packing harness. A harnesses is essentially a set straps that you wear around your body. Some harness are worn just around the circumference of your body, much like a belt. Some harnesses have leg straps for added security, and look more like a jockstrap. Below is our most popular harness - the Cake Bandit Harness. However, if you'd like to see more options, check out our full harness collection here.

PACKING POUCHES

Another great, versatile option for packing is the packing pouch. A packing pouch is basically a small cloth sack that holds your packer and then attaches to your underwear. Some pouches affix to your underwear using safety pins and others with very strong magnets. Folks nervous about having sharp objects near their junk can rest assured that these safety pins cannot accidentally open. They're the same type of safety pin used for reusable diapers and have a very secure locking mechanism.

Get Your Joey's Classic Joeyo Packing Pouch

Some packing pouches have a hole in them that you can pull the shaft through and let it hang down. While lots of folks prefer their packer to stay in the same place all day, others like their package to have a little movement. Some people feel that this is a more natural look, especially if you generally wear loose boxers.

Our favorite pouches are those made my the Canadian-based company, Get Your Joey. They make pouches with and without a hole, as well as pouches made specifically for swimming.

FTM PACKING UNDERWEAR

Lastly, our preferred method for packing is dedicated packing underwear. Packing underwear is underwear that is specifically designed to hold a packer. This is most often achieved by sewing a small pouch into the underwear. You can see an example of this below.

Close-up photo of the inside of Cake Bandit Packing Boxer Briefs.

Some packing underwear is made just to hold a classic packer. Other styles are meant to be used with an STP or a 3-in-1. The primary difference is that classic packing underwear doesn't have an opening in the front. This means that if you are packing with a stand to pee device, you will need to take it out of the pouch completely before using it in the bathroom. STP underwear, on the other hand, is designed to that you can whip it out and use it at the urinal without much fan fare. If you'd like a visual of how this works, check out the video below.

While underwear is a much greater overall investment, for us, packing underwear feels and looks the most natural.

If you only have a drawer full of boxers and didn't pick up a harness, packing pouch, or packing underwear, you are definitely going to want to pause your journey until you purchase one of those things. Hopefully, packing is something that makes you feel more confident. You don't want to spoil it with constant worry that your packer is going to fall out.

HOW DO YOU POSITION A PACKER?

If you've purchased a packer AND something to securely hold your packer, you may still be wondering how you position your packer. It's a reasonable question. How and where to position your package isn't something most of us were taught by our care givers. Fret not, we're going to describe several popular ways to position your packer, with extra tips to boot.

First, no matter what kind of support you are using - a pouch, packing underwear, or a harness - the base of your packer should be tight to your body. This is important even if you opt for a packing pouch that allows the shaft hang down and swing free. This is mostly for comfort. As I'm sure you can imagine, it's incredibly annoying to have something constantly banging against your pubic bone as you move through your day.

You'll also want the base to lay directly over your own junk. A good rule of thumb is to line your packer up so that the shaft is directly above your "little guy." (Note: We've opted not to use scientific language here because we know that for many people these terms are dysphoria triggers. For those that are confused, want further clarity, and are not triggered by the scientific terms, here is what we mean by "little guy.")

A great tip to know when it comes to positioning is that the lower you push your packer, the smaller your bulge will appear. This is a great trick for someone who has purchased a packer they feel is too large for them. Also, if your packer has a shaft that doesn't hang down, but sticks straight out, pushing your packer lower between your legs can also prevent you from looking like you have boner. And lastly, if your packer is an STP Packer, and you've positioned the shaft over your little guy, you may need to adjust before using it in the bathroom. Your urethra is located behind your little guy and you'll want everything to be lined up properly to prevent spills. (For more tips on using an STP, check out these essential tips.)

Once the base of your packer is positioned in the right spot, there are a couple of possible placements for the shaft. While doing research on packing, you may have come across people talking about "packing up" vs "packing down."

Packing up means that the shaft of the packer will point up towards your belly button. If you think of a shaft like it's the minute hand on a clock, packing up means your shaft is pointing towards the 12. Sometimes this means that the head of your packer will rest partially under the waist band of your underwear. This is completely normal, and can be thought of as desirable. This position is often chosen by cis guys who are worried that they might get a boner in public. When a guy becomes erect, positioning his shaft up will help him keep his stiffy close to his body instead of pointing straight out.

Packing down, on the other hand, means the shaft of your packer is pointing straight down - or towards the 6 in our clock-face reference. This is often seen as the "natural" hanging position of a shaft. Cis guys who prefer not to wear underwear at all will generally have their shafts positioned like this. Guys who wear boxers will also often have their package in this shape.

For trans and nonbinary folks, packing down is a position that offers a degree of flexibility in terms of how big you want your bulge to appear. As we mentioned before, if you push your package lower between your legs, your bulge will be more discreet. If you'd like to create a larger bulge on the other hand, you can position your packer more in front of your body as opposed to low between your legs.

When it comes to packing down, some trans and non binary people enjoy the security they feel when their package is tight and all in one place. Others prefer having a packer with a bit of movement to it. They want their junk to swing free like it would if they were a cis guy wearing loose boxers. If you want to achieve this look and feel, you can use a packing pouch that has a hole for the shaft to hang free. We recommend the Classic Joeyo. If you prefer a packing down experience with less movement, we recommend underwear with a dedicated packing pouch like the Cake Bandit Boxer Briefs.

The last two common packing positions are "packing left" and "packing right." If we refer back to that clock face for reference, this means you're either at 10 or 2. Packing left or packing right are great choices for folks with larger packers. This is because placing your packer shaft along the line of your hip flexors creates a more discreet look. Packing in this position tends to work best for those who prefer wearing tight briefs, as the shape of the underwear will more snuggly hold it in this position.

Fun fact: tailors will often ask their customers if they "dress right" or "dress left" when making someone a pair of pants. This is essentially a polite way of asking which side of your body your like to place your package. Tailors will add a bit of extra room to whichever side a customer prefers.

For some STPs - like the Number One Laboratories' Sport STP - it will be more discreet and more comfy to turn your STP on its side instead of having it positioned like you’re getting ready to use it. For other STPs like the STP Freely and the STP Lou, it'll feel best to have your STP packed down using a harness or STP compatible underwear.

To determine which packing position is best for you, we recommend a bit of trial and error. Everyone’s body is shaped differently and depending on the packer you own, some positions may be more comfy than others.

HOW TO PACK WITHOUT MAKING IT LOOK LIKE YOU HAVE A BONER

Looking like you have a boner is a common worry for folks who pack. If you want to pack, but are nervous about looking like you have 24/7 erection, here are two essential tips:

1. Be mindful of the type of fabric your pants are made of. For example, if you are using an STP Pouch with boxers, you are going to want pants with a stiffer fabric to keep your STP pressed down. If you prefer to wear softer fabrics like basketball shorts or sweats, you'll likely want to wear something underneath that more fully compresses your packer, like STP packing briefs or a harness.

This is especially true if your packer is an STP. A good stand to pee device should rest in the "erect" position. This is so that when it comes time to use it, you can be sure that your STP will quickly and effectively eliminate liquid. Think of it this way: your STP shaft is a hose that you DO NOT want a kink in. A bent STP shaft can result in a mess that is far more embarrassing than an erection. When you're not using your STP, you'll want something that will compress your prosthetic. You'll also need an STP that is flexible enough to compress. If you attempt to pack an STP without something to keep it down, you *will* look like you have boner.

Avoid the dreaded 24/7 boner by pushing your packer lower.

2. Push your packer lower between your legs. We've noted this a few times in this article, but it bears repeating. The higher you position your packer, the more prominent the bulge. The lower you position your packer, the more discreet it will be.

CAN I PACK AT THE GYM?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, for some folks, this is the only place they consistently pack. Locker rooms can be nerve-wracking places for trans folks. So having a bulge when you're changing into your workout gear is a must for many people.

That said, while you may be able to get away with tight briefs for packing in other situations, we strongly recommend something more secure when exercising. You don't want to be thinking about your packer when you're doing box jumps or acro-yoga. Packing underwear or a harness will help you keep your mind off what your packer is doing, so you can focus on what the rest of your body is doing.

CAN I PACK WHILE SWIMMING?

It depends. Before taking a dip with your packer, you'll want to know what your packer is made of first.

If your packer is 100% silicone, you're good to go. You can take any 100% silicone packer in the water with you. It will not be adversely affected by prolonged submersion in fresh, chlorinated or salt water. Silicone can also withstand very high temperatures. Feel free to spend as long as you like in the hot tub with your silicone packer.

If your packer is NOT made of silicone however, you may want to take caution. To date, we've never heard any one report damage to a non-silicone packer after swimming. However, I personally would not take a long soak in a hot tub while wearing my Mr. Limpy. TPR packers can melt at higher temps. In this case, better safe than sorry.

If you're looking for something to hold your packer while swimming, check out our packing swimwear collection. 

The Cake Bandit Swim Jock will securely hold your packer at the beach.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY PACKER?

How to properly care for your packer depends on what material your packer is made of. If your packer is made from 100% silicone, you can wash it with soap and water, boil it, or even throw it in the top rack of your dishwasher. If your packer is made of TPR, you'll want wash it in warm water with a mild detergent. Cloth and foam packers can also be hand-washed and air-dried. A foam packer will eventually start to deteriorate, however, so you'll want to be gentle.

For more in depth info on how to care for your packer, check out this blog post: How to Care for Your Packer.

CAN CIS GUYS WEAR PACKERS?

Trans readers may be shocked to see this here, but it's actually a question we get all the time at Transguy Supply. The short answer is: yes of course.

There's actually a long history of cis men enhancing the appearance of their bulges. And by long, we mean long. Since ancient times, cis men have used various methods to make themselves appear larger in the nether regions.

For example, in fourteenth century Europe, codpieces were worn over men's hose in order to more fully cover their genitals. And while codpieces may have been originally created to conceal one's penis, it wasn't long before padding was added and guys were wearing codpieces to enhance and draw attention to their genitals. All across Europe, padded codpieces were in fashion, especially in the moneyed classes. In an article on the brief history of codpieces in New Yorker, King Henry the VIII's "bulbous" two and a half pound codpiece is still on display at the Tower of London.

Codpieces are still around today. They can be seen somewhat regularly in leather communities. They also had a moment of popularity in the 70s and 80s and could often be seen on Heavy Metal rock stars. More recently, codpieces have made appearances in the world of high fashion. Designers from Thom Brown to Versace have used them in recent runway shows.

So can cis guys pack? Absolutely. That said, for maximum comfort we recommend a foam packer like the EZ-Bulge. A TPR or silicone packer might be difficult to comfortably position next to your junk. However, the back of the EZ-Bulge is convex and can snugly cage your anatomy.

Did we miss anything? Drop a comment below if your question wasn't answered here!