The invention refers to a fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus (1) comprising at least one main vapor storage compartment (3) filled with an adsorbent material, at least one vapor inlet port (7), at least one atmospheric vent port (8) and at least one purge port (9), said vapor inlet port (7) being connectable to a fuel tank venting line and said purge port (9) being connectable to an engine air intake line, wherein said main vapor storage compartment (3) comprises a purge buffer zone (14) as well as first and second fuel vapor distribution chambers (10, 24) not filled with an adsorbent material. Said first fuel vapor distribution chamber is arranged upstream said purge buffer zone (14) and communicates with said fuel vapor inlet port (7). Said second fuel vapor distribution chamber (24) is arranged downstream said purge buffer zone and communicates with said purge port (9).