5 hikers rescued after frigid night on North Shore mountains

Five hikers are safe after spending a frigid night in the North Shore mountains.

The group of fivemen in their 20s became disoriented in bad weather on their way down from Lynn Peakin North Vancouveron Monday evening, according to North Shore Rescue.

"There was a fair amount of snow at that elevation and yet it was windy, cloudy and rainy, so visibility was extremely poor,"saidDave Barnett with North Shore Rescue.

Barnett said they received a call from the group around 7:30 p.m. PT, with crews reaching them a few hours later.

"They were right above a very steep cliffand right above them was very steep and slippery terrain," he said.

He says the group didn't have enough warm clothing and was unprepared for the weather andconditions.

"One of them seemed incoherent and that's a pretty good warning sign for us," Barnett said.

Two men were airlifted out due to the risk of hypothermia.

Crews helped three others warmup and provided them withbetter gear to hike out of the area to safety.

Everyone was safely out of the field by 4 a.m., according to North Shore Rescue. They were checked over by paramedics and later released.

Barnett said the group was thankful to be rescued. He cautioned others to be better prepared for the weather and conditionsbefore heading into the mountains.

The B.C. Search and Rescue Associationhas long advocated for carrying 10 essential items whenheading into the mountains fora hike, going camping or foroutdoor activities.

Items include a light, a signalling device, fire starter, warm clothes, a pocketknife, shelter, water and food, first-aid kit, a compass or GPS, and a cellphone.