Two vest styles currently available at Amboy this season.
The “NOMAD DOWN VEST COEXIST 2026AW” and the “KILTIC VEST.”
Both are black-based insulated vests, but the materials, insulation, details, and the situations they are best suited for are quite different.
The biggest difference is simple: the NOMAD uses 800FP down, while the KILTIC uses PRIMALOFT insulation.
Here, we take a closer look at each model and compare their individual characteristics.
NOMAD DOWN VEST COEXIST 2026AW
First is the “NOMAD DOWN VEST COEXIST 2026AW.”
The insulation is made from 95% down and 5% feather with 800FP fill power, while the outer shell uses COEXIST 3-layer fabric with water-repellent, waterproof, and breathable performance.
Combined with the high insulation performance of down, the outer material also offers strong protection against wind and changing weather conditions, making this a serious cold-weather vest.
One of its most distinctive features is the shirring construction around the sides.
Two rows of shirring are placed on both the outer and inner sides, improving the fit around the body and helping to block cold air from entering through the armholes.
Since cold air can easily enter through the open arm areas of a typical down vest, this construction provides an important extra layer of protection.
The contrasting fabric used around one of the pocket openings also adds a subtle visual accent to the otherwise clean design.
For those who want strong warmth from a vest, or who plan to wear a vest as a main outer layer even in colder weather, the NOMAD DOWN VEST is an excellent choice.
View the NOMAD DOWN VEST COEXIST 2026AW product page
KILTIC VEST
The “KILTIC VEST,” on the other hand, is based on the distinctive construction and details of the brand’s signature KILTIC PANTS, reworked into a vest.
The outer fabric is water-repellent nylon, while PRIMALOFT is used for the insulation.
It is not as heavily insulated as the NOMAD DOWN VEST, but it still offers more than enough warmth for everyday city use, while remaining noticeably lighter and easier to wear.
Another major feature of the KILTIC VEST is its impressive storage capacity.
Large pockets are placed on both sides of the front, each with additional mesh pockets inside.
The back also features similarly constructed large pockets, and there is a zippered pocket on the left chest as well.
For short trips, the storage capacity is generous enough that you may not even need to carry a bag.
The stand collar also contains a hidden hood.
At the hem, a unique adjustment system allows the side zippers to be slid and tightened in a way similar to a drawcord, letting you change the silhouette and fit.
It works well over shirts and sweatshirts in early autumn, as a layering piece under outerwear in winter, and even into early spring.
Its balance of light weight and warmth makes the KILTIC VEST easier to wear across a longer season than the NOMAD DOWN VEST.
View the KILTIC VEST product page
The same “Grid Black,” but a completely different look.
Both the NOMAD DOWN VEST COEXIST 2026AW and the KILTIC VEST are listed in the color “Grid Black.”
However, when the two fabrics are placed side by side, the difference is immediately noticeable.
The size of the grid pattern itself is different, so even though the color name is the same, the overall appearance is quite distinct.
The NOMAD DOWN VEST has a finer grid that gives it a calmer, more understated look, while the KILTIC VEST has a more visible pattern that gives the fabric a slightly more technical, outdoor-oriented character.
It is an interesting example of how the same color name can look completely different depending on the material and scale of the pattern.
NOMAD DOWN VEST is also available in Black and Alpha Blue.
Amboy also currently offers the NOMAD DOWN VEST COEXIST in solid Black and Alpha Blue.
Alpha Blue in particular has a distinctive slightly muted tone that sits somewhere apart from both bright blue and navy.
It works well as an accent color in autumn and winter, when darker outerwear tends to dominate, without becoming too bold.
The Black version is simpler and easier to coordinate with a wide range of styles.
It offers the same strong warmth and functionality of the NOMAD DOWN VEST, but with a different overall look from the current Grid Black version.
The price is also slightly lower than the current NOMAD DOWN VEST, so if the color and size work for you, it is well worth considering.
View the NOMAD DOWN VEST COEXIST product page
NOMAD or KILTIC?
To summarize the differences:
NOMAD DOWN VEST COEXIST
High warmth and wind protection thanks to 800FP down and a COEXIST 3-layer shell. A serious down vest that can be worn confidently through colder winter conditions.
KILTIC VEST
Lightweight PRIMALOFT insulation combined with excellent storage capacity. Easy to wear across a long season, from early autumn through early spring.
Although both are insulated vests, their individual characters are quite different when compared side by side.
The choice comes down to whether you prioritize warmth and weather protection, or lighter weight, storage, and a longer wearing season.
If you visit us in store, you can compare both models side by side and try them on to see the differences in fit and fabric for yourself.