I am planning to do a 2-3week hike in mid to late October. I plan to start just north of the Smokey Mountain park. I have stayed in my hammock down here in FL in mid to low 20's on the Suwannee river. I've even slept in it with my dog who was about 32lbs. back then. Those temps. were very cold even in a down bag with a prolite thermarest and lots of layers. What are the temps like on the NC/VA border in Oct.? From research, i've come up with an average of about 45. I dont know what altitude that is at tho so i cant be sure wut the temp on the trail will be. Would i be better off just bringing my tent? My dog will be with me but i plan on letting him sleep out. I put him in the hammock with me on the river cause he's gator bait. I'm not too worried about cougars on the AT.