Recording Controls Output Format, "FIT and GPX"

66i is device which works with FIT because garmin did decide to be so. Newe devices need to communicate in this format , use associated communication protocols and drop their data into the garmin space in this format.

BTW: last year it was still essential to login into the GaminConect (FIT system) first, before we were allowed to work with the garmin explore app at all. There was no way to sync our data directly with explore app as it is today. So close the device is to the FIT space.

The device needs to exchange information with other garmin devices and this is how it designed to work.

gpx is used only for cases where fit either is not understood or one needs it for cases where needed.

There are many ways to convert fit to gpx, it can be done also on the website for example.

But it is a secondary  format for navigational data only (!!) and is not able to carry other non navigational data. Therefore the expert can be only one way, regardless which conversion software or method you use.

Using such device within garmin space only, you do not need gpx as fit does provide not only all data garmin system is able to handle, but also takes care of information interchange between devices and servers.

So yes, you could do completely without gpx.

But there are users who want have gpx because they need it for some special external or legacy purposes or what ever.

Most users will be happy with fit only, they are happy when they can exchange data with their fancy wearables and can visit garmin connect to see and share their complete life with half of the world.

Some people want gpx text files for something special, ok it is provided here as secondary output and contains only copy of the geo data.

Some people even want have rinex data flow, then they can have it.

Garmin is kind of generous here, they could well stick to fit if they wanted.

So this is why we have here both file outputs for our convenience.

Like2Hike said:

I do know more about it than you do

it looks like you are the only one in this world who knows more, you seem to know more then garmin ?

Genius, this thread is not about FIT files, it's about outputs. I've told you this many times, but you're incapable of understanding.

And in regards to this issue, where Garmin told me the Activity files were unlimited in size, and I showed them they were wrong...the answer is yes..

output is FIT file on 66i

therefore it is about fit files which are the output

There are two Outputs. One is FIT and the other is FIT and GPX. 

FIT is common to both, so there is nothing unique about FIT either way.

In one case you get FIT and GPX sequentially, and in other case you get FIT and GPX contemporaneously (but you still have to move archived GPX).

I think I've already described why I think these two outputs exist, but I can't prove it.  No one else on this thread has explained it in any logical sense.

So the matter is closed.

Like2Hike said:

Your guess would be correct. Pushing a button on the device is much less laborious than booting a PC, opening software, plugging in a device and grabbing a file.

And most people don't bring their PC out on a hike in the backcountry. 

So, apparently, I do know more about it than you do.

Wrong again, you are describing and pushing your needs only. Tunnel vision again. Now there is nothing wrong with what you are doing on the trail because that's appropriate to your case and makes sense, so do the manual copy and that's great. Tick.

But funnily enough there actually are other people who exist and who have different needs, and the issue is you are not understanding, accepting or respecting that. Fail.

And there lies the answer to why the various options exist.

People have lots of needs.  But this is the Garmin Outdoor Recreation, 66i Forum.  

If you're using the 66i as a hammer, that's fine, but it is off topic to the forum.

Like2Hike said:

So the matter is closed.

Well you know all about Garmins future directions.
You are asking about file saving, but you know the question isn't really about files.
You know the experienced users are not so smart.
And you know that when they try to help you their comments really are "shocking" and "with zero explanatory value", "worthless" & "serve no purpose" and they are "incapable of understanding" and "can't explain it in any logical sense".
And you know you aren't Trolling because you know it doesn't makes sense.

So why don't you just answer your own questions?

I already said the matter is closed. 

Why do you keep asking questions?