TO PACK OR NOT TO PACK???

This might not be the answer you were looking for, but we may as well be upfront: we can't tell you whether or not packing is going to work for you. For some trans guys, packing is the thing that helps alleviate their dysphoria more than anything else. I know guys who have cried when they put on a new packer because they were so happy and finally felt like they were seeing the version of themselves they see in their hearts.

At the same time, other guys say packing makes their dysphoria worse. Or the worry that it might fall out cancels out anything good they get from it.  I know a transguy for whom the act of having to put on something extra every day reminded him of what he wanted but didn't have. Packing isn't for everyone. In fact, one of our most popular (and hilarious) blog posts is about a guy who discovers he absolutely hates packing. 

Of course, like everything in life, packing isn't black and white. Some guys like it some of the time, or in certain situations or on special occasions. Some guys have long phases where packing feels great and then overnight decide they're done with it. And there's a third camp of guys who in general just can't be bothered. In fact, for the good majority of the past 15 years, this was the camp that I belonged to. Packing felt completely unnecessary. I owned a packer, but there were full years where it just never occurred to me to wear it. Nowadays, I pack a couple days a week and that works just fine for me. 

We can't tell you which camp you're in. But if you're new to packing, or not sure it's for you, here are a few of the most common reasons people pack:

 

1. TO ALLEVIATE DYSPHORIA

We've already mentioned this one, but it's worth saying again as it tends to be the number one reason guys choose to pack. Not every transguy has bottom dysphoria, but for those that do, having a nice, realistic bulge in your pants can be like a deep sigh of relief. 

 

2. SAFETY

Unless your occupation is go-go boy, in 99% of your daily life, people are probably not staring at your crotch. Still, there are times when not having a bulge gets noticed. I know a guy who likes to go out dancing at gay bars and grind (consensually) on strangers. He's not necessarily looking to come out to every cute boy he twirls with, and so packing on these occasions means no awkward questions.

Of course, it's completely your right to choose when and to whom you want to out yourself. But there are also situations and environments where outing yourself as transgender is a potential safety issue. For those of you who live in parts of the world that are openly hostile to trans people, packing in any situation where you might be clocked (eg. stripping down to your underwear at the gym) can help you feel safer and more at ease. 

 

3. CONFIDENCE

For some guys, having a nice package just makes them feel more comfortable. They walk a little taller, with a little more swagger, and feel more confident at work, with their partners, or just going about their day. 

 

4. IT CAN BE A TURN ON

It's not uncommon to hear guys report that packing can be a turn on. Maybe it's the feeling of something pressing on your junk. Maybe it's the mental thrill of finally having the bulge you want. Either way, lots of guys get turned on when they pack. If this happens to you, you're completely normal and in good company. 

 

Think you're ready to try your first packer? Check out the extra small Mr. Limpy. It's a great starter packer.