A mountain climber's need for ENDURANCE, STAMINA, pitons, and ROPE is essential for a successful climb. ENDURANCE is the ability to sustain physical or mental effort over a long period of time. STAMINA is the ability to sustain physical or mental effort over a short period of time. Pitons are metal spikes that are driven into cracks in the rock face to provide an anchor point for the ROPE. ROPE is used to secure the climber and provide a safety line.