allterrain

All-terrain is a descriptor used for equipment and systems designed to operate across diverse ground conditions, including dirt, mud, snow, rock, and uneven surfaces. The term is usually hyphenated as all-terrain in formal writing, and may appear as allterrain or as part of brand names in marketing.

In vehicles, all-terrain commonly refers to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road vehicles built with features such as high ground clearance, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, robust suspension, and rugged tires. All-terrain tires provide traction on mixed surfaces and are designed for use both on-road and off-road in many regions.

In apparel and footwear, all-terrain gear combines durable materials, reinforced soles, and weather resistance to support movement over varied surfaces. Outdoor brands frequently label products as all-terrain to indicate versatility in hiking, snow, or trail environments.

The concept has historical roots in military and exploration equipment designed to cross rough terrain. Postwar consumer markets expanded the term to include civilian ATVs, four-by-four vehicles, and rugged outdoor gear. Actual performance depends on engineering choices such as traction control, suspension, and weight distribution rather than the label alone.

See also: all-terrain vehicle, four-wheel drive, off-road. Note that all-terrain is a general descriptor and is not a standardized performance rating.