What are some good brands to purchase a packer/stp ? I’m 15yo and I’m sorta self conscious about starting to pack cause I’m scared others will find it odd and sex related. It’s sorta scary to change the physical part of me. I want it but I’m scared what others will think. Should I wait to be ok with the odd looks or do it to make me happy
Em
 
Hey Em,
thank you for trusting us with your question, it can be super hard to make ourselves vulnerable and ask specific questions about trans related stuff, so really thank you!
My name is June, I’m a non-binary trans-masculine person, so I do have some experience with packers and stand-to-pee! I really understand your worries about buying a packer! Cis people often see packers as  “sexual things” , but for trans folks, it is way more than that, it’s a gender affirming accessory that can alleviate so much gender dysphoria. When I got my first packer I would only wear it alone, then I slowly started to take pictures of myself and sending them to friends, eventually I was able to wear it outside and feel confident. I don’t wear my packer everyday, but when I feel like it. Every trans person has a different experience with gender affirming gear, if the idea of getting a packer makes you happy, get it ! There is not right way to use a packer, make it your own.
For brands and types of packers, I recommend looking around on this canadian online store (https://www.gendergear.ca/), their inventory is not as big as other American online stores, but the shipping will be way cheaper.
Some LGBTQ+ organizations offer free or financial support for gender affirming gear , here is a list of organizations in Ottawa who you could ask if they provide this kind of services :

• Affirm – Social transition clothing project of KindSpace organization
• SAEFTY Ottawa
• The Venus Envy shop, downtown Ottawa, offers a pay it forward  service for binder. You could ask if they offer that service for packer as well!

As a first packer, I got the Archer in small by New York Toy collective and I did like it! I think it is easier to get used to the feel of a packer when it is on the smaller size, so you feel that there’s something there, but it doesn’t make a bulge that is visible to others. But just like the wands in Harry Potter, it kinda chooses you, so explore different options! I linked some online store where some packers are super realistic and also super expensive. You shouldn’t pay 500$ for a packer, but it can be fun to look around and learn stuff about the different packers available!
For stand-to-pee, a good first choice is the Packer Gear ultra soft stp: it’s the cheapest stp available on the market that is easy to pee and pack with.
Packers are usually made out of soft plastic or soft silicone, materials that usually get sticky! When you get your packer, store it in a little pouch, and when you clean it, put some corn starch on it to get rid of the stickiness.
If you have any other questions about packers, or any other trans related stuff, don’t be shy reach out to us again !
June, for AlterHeros
Other websites :
https://newyorktoycollective.com/
https://www.ftmessentials.com/
https://hardlineprosthetics.com/
https://ftmpitstop.com/collections/all