What is the difference between Tracks and Routes (GPX files)?

Let me explain the difference using some simple terminology and examples:

Track Files

These are the simplest to use, as they contain no routing data (no navigation information) so they just overlay over the map and you can see where you are in relation to the track (GPX) file. These also cause less issues (especially with long distance paths, etc.) and can easily be hundreds of miles long and will work on almost any GPS device that supports GPX files. Think of it as being a breadcrumb trail (just like your Garmin device records when you use it to track you).

You can walk away form the track file (to go and look at some interesting item; flora, fauna, etc.) and it won't nag at you that you are off-route and how to get back on-route. You can simply see where you are in relation to the track overlaid on the map.

Route Files
These contain routing data (navigation information, turn left in 300m, take the next right, etc,) like a sat-nav. However, the main problem with these are that most Garmin devices have limited routing waypoint support (usually between 50 and 250 routing waypoints). This means that long or complicated routes will usually fail to function part way through when being used.

In practice this means that a route file will often fail to work after a while being used; such as within 10 miles/15KM of the start point, as it has exceeded the number of routable waypoints supported by the Garmin device. This often leaves you in the situation of having to work out where to go next and how to get there. This wouldn't happen with a Track file...

You can find out whether the GPX file is a Route or Track after you have loaded it on to the Garmin device, as on Handheld devices it will end up in the Track Manager (if it is a Track) or in the Route Manager (if it is a Route).

You can also use BaseCamp to see what the GPX contains (Route/Track, etc.) and even convert Route files to Track files via it.

Almost all experienced hikers, etc. use Tracks instead of Routes.

So now you know!

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