If you've spent any time in overlanding forums, you've seen the recurring discussion: are Wavian jerry cans actually worth the price premium over budget alternatives? Here's how they stack up against the alternatives.
What Makes a NATO-Spec Jerry Can
The original Wehrmacht Einheitskanister — the design all NATO cans are based on — was developed in Germany in the 1930s. The design priorities were: carry 20L (5.3 gal) of fuel, stackable without a rack, operable with one hand, robust enough to survive military logistics. The NATO spec is still active and specifies:
- Approximately 0.9mm (0.035 in) cold-rolled steel construction
- Three-handle configuration for one or two-person carry
- Lever-lock spout with integrated air vent
- Embossed X-brace panels for rigidity without weight
- Weld seam pressure tested
Budget steel cans often look similar but tend to cut corners — some use thinner, lighter-gauge steel with less robust seals and aren't pressure tested. Be wary of fakes: a can that feels suspiciously thin and flimsy, or oddly heavy, may not be built to genuine NATO spec. Plastic jerry cans are cheaper and lighter but permeate vapour, degrade under UV, and shouldn't be used for gasoline in a hot climate.
Wavian Quality in Practice
The Wavian 20L (5.3 gal) (made in Latvia, one of the established NATO-contract manufacturers) is built to hold up under demanding real-world conditions:
Seal integrity: The lever-lock cap and body seam are designed to stay leak-free over repeated use. The rubber seal is built to stay pliable even after repeated heat cycles in 40°C+ (104°F+) ambient temperatures, and to withstand being opened and resealed many times without seal degradation.
Structural integrity on corrugations: The can is built to handle long distances on rough, washboard backcountry roads when mounted on a rear bar carrier. The embossed braces resist deformation and dents, and the handles stay solid. Where a bracket contacts the body, expect minor cosmetic scratches and the possibility of a small surface rust spot over time.
The spout: The NATO flex spout is one of the best parts. It's a fixed flexible pour spout that reaches into a vehicle filler neck, with a built-in air vent that lets you pour a full 20L (5.3 gal) without tilting and without spillage. The spout locks onto the can securely and doesn't rattle loose on rough tracks.
Stacking: 20L (5.3 gal) cans can be stacked two-high and secured to a tray with a single strap, holding firm over rough tracks with minimal movement.
Criticisms
Weight: A full 20L Wavian weighs approximately 18.5kg (41 lb). That's manageable for most adults but awkward to handle solo in cramped conditions. The three-handle design helps, but it's still a heavy item at full capacity.
Price: Wavian commands a premium price — several times the cost of budget alternatives. If you're buying four cans for a large build, that's a significant outlay. The quality difference is real, but it requires upfront investment.
Colour-coding isn't universal: The NATO standard (red/gasoline, yellow/diesel, green/water) applies to military use. Civilian Wavian cans come in red regardless of intended fuel. Label your cans clearly.
Comparison to Alternatives
Scepter (Canadian military-spec): Similar quality, slightly different spout design. Marginally cheaper in some markets. Both are legitimate NATO-spec cans; it comes down to availability.
Budget steel cans: Budget cans cost far less, but use thinner steel and less robust seals. Fine for occasional use, not for repeated backcountry trips. Their seals are more prone to failing over time, even when stored correctly.
Plastic (Jerrican-style) cans: Don't use plastic for gasoline in hot climates. Vapour permeation, UV degradation, and seal quality are all significantly worse than steel for fuel storage above 30°C (86°F).
Verdict
The Wavian NATO Jerry Can 20L is one of the best jerry cans available for serious overlanding. If you're doing remote trips where fuel availability is uncertain, the quality of your fuel storage matters. The price premium over budget alternatives is justified by seal longevity, structural integrity, and the quality of the included spout.
For anyone doing more than occasional day trips, it's an easy can to recommend.
Buy genuine Wavian NATO jerry cans at RV Parts Giant.