What Are The Different Types Of Packers?
It's a big packing world out there. If you're new to packing, all the options can feel a little overwhelming. To make it simpler, we've broken down the basic types to help you choose which kind of packer is right for you. If you're a complete packer novice, you may want to check out our intro article: What is a Packer? first.
SOFT PACKERS
Soft packers are prosthetics used for the sole purpose of creating a bulge in your pants. They are not firm enough for any kind of penetration and without modification are not usable as a Stand-to-Pee device (STP).
Soft packers come in lots of varieties: different shapes, sizes, tones and degrees of detail. But in terms of material, there are generally only two types of soft packer: those made of elastomer/thermal gel and those made of silicone.
Companies that produce the first variety (elastomer/thermal gel) often have their own proprietary compounds and thus have their own trademarked brand names such as "Cyberskin," "Softskin," and "SuperSkin."
Because elastomer soft packers are generally made with some amount of mineral oil, we do not recommend wearing one for long stretches of time without a barrier between your skin and your packer. We love packing underwear, but there are also packing pouches that you can affix to any underwear.
Silicone packers are, by nature, firmer and less stretchy than their elastomer counterparts. That does change how a packer feels. On the plus side, silicone packers can be fully sterilized by boiling them or running them through your dishwasher, so they are much easier to keep clean. They are also much more durable. If cared for properly, a good silicone packer can last a lifetime and be a worthwhile long-term investment.
The silicone packers we carry on our site are made of premium platinum-based silicone that is hypoallergenic, non-toxic and free of phthalates. These are fully safe for long-term contact with your skin and therefore can be worn with a packing strap or any pouch-style underwear.
For those strapped for cash, or with a strong DIY ethic, making your own packer might be your best bet. Stuffing your underwear with socks is always an easy option. If you want a bulge that holds up to a squeeze, though, go the condom filled with hair gel or gak route. Here is our favorite video on DIY packing.
How you position a soft packer in your pants is entirely a question of personal preference. The first time I ever went to have a pair of suit pants tailored, my tailor asked me if I "dressed left or dressed right." I had no idea what he meant. Later I learned that cis men usually position the shaft of their junk on the same side every day. Traditional tailors add a bit of room in the crotch for whichever side that is. Smaller packers, such as the Mr. Limpy Small are compact enough to position straight down inside packing underwear.
STPS
For some transguys, not being able to pee standing up can be a huge dysphoria trigger. Honestly, men's restroom culture makes it very unlikely that the guy in the next stall is paying attention to your stance or the sound of your pee. Still, being able to "go" standing up can take a lot of the worry out of the bathroom.
An STP, or Stand-To-Pee device, is a packer whose primary function is to help you pee standing up. STPs are hollow and generally have a bowl at the base and a shaft through which your pee can flow. STP bowls often have a protective lip. This lip is to prevent your pee from splashing back out at the base (and all over you, your clothes, and the floor).
Though some trans guys successfully use STPs on their first try, most transguys report that using an STP generally takes a bit of practice. We recommend trying out your new STP in the shower, with the water off. That way you can tell for sure whether the liquid on the back of your legs is pee or shower water.
For me, it took several weeks of practice before I finally knew exactly how I needed to stand and position an STP against my body. I'll admit I jumped the gun. I tried to use my STP in my bathroom at home before I was fully ready and ended up with a LOT of pee all over the floor. More than once.
If, after several attempts, you still aren't having success with your STP, it's possible that the shape of the bowl just isn't right for the unique way your body is contoured. It's also possible that your flow is too strong for that STP's design, and you may want to try another one.
For more tips on how to successfully use an STP, check out our article 11 Essential STP Packer Tips.
If you suspect that you have a strong stream, we recommend starting with an STP that has a large bowl, such as the Emisil Compact STP, or one that has a wide hole in the shaft, such as New York Toy Collective's Sam STP.
PACK N PLAY'S / 2 IN 1'S / 3 IN 1'S
Pack N' Plays (also called 2 in 1's) and 3 in 1's are multifunctional packers. The "play" in a Pack N Play refers to using your packer for penetration. The "3" in 3 in 1, refers to the three P's: packing, peeing and playing.
Many Pack N' Plays have a bendable, semi-hard rod inside them that can be positioned up and out of the way when packing, and out and ready for action when playing.
Keep in mind that a packer built for both packing and play has to give a little on hardness and size. A large, hard packer in your pants all day long can be uncomfortable, not to mention really obvious. Because of this, packers meant for both activities are often smaller than the toys one normally uses for playing. Also, because they are a bit softer, we recommend using lots of lube during play time.
3 in 1s tend to be standard issue STPs with an additional insertable rod for play. Sam the STP is one of this variety. Like the Sam itself, the insert for Sam is made from 100% silicone.
Have a question about packers that we haven't answered here? Drop a note in the comments!