I'm looking to do the Devils for the first time next spring and wanted some recommendations from those that have experienced it before ... gear to bring, not bring, ideal put-in/takeout, etc. The biggest thing I'm struggling with is do I risk damage to my own kayak or just rent there? I've read some horror stories ...

Interested to! Looks like a awesome trip! I've considered it myself!

Matty,

I just posted a review of our April trip to the Devils here.

I cannot stress this enough: Rent your boat!! You are going to be happy you did once you run / drag rapids and see rocks with streaks the same color as your yak littering the trail behind you ;-)

I am happy to answer questions and if you take a look @ the thread I posted there is a user named Brady S that has a lot of information on where to camp and the rules of the river.

Here is the packing list I used:

Personal Items
Sun block
Mosquito repellent
Deodorant
Phone charger
Camera + batteries & charger
Gopro + batteries & charger
Fishing license
BC powder

Tackle
Tackle boxes
Net
Rods
Extra line
Stringer

Clothes & other gear
Head lamp & extra batteries
Flashlights & extra batteries
Glasses & chums
Fillet knife
Leatherman
WD-40 Pen
Dive goggles
Waterproof matches
Solar panel
Solar panel switch
Velcro (sticky)
Anker charger

Clothing
Hats
Fishing shirts
Fishing Pants
Face masks
Extra shoes
Extra Socks
Extra Boxers
Sunglasses + strap

Kayak accessories
Crate
Anchor
Dry bags
Waterproof phone case
Ice chest
GPS unit
Extra GPS batteries
Pliers
Rope
Extra paddle
Repair kit
Duct tape
Marine Silicone
JB Weld
Sea Weld

Food & cooking
Ice (Both cubes and dry)
Freeze dried Food
Energy Drinks
Snacks
Power Bars
Coffee
Coffee press
Beer
Whisky
Jetboil & pan with stand
Jetboil fuel
Fry oil
Fish fry
Butter
Salt & pepper
Pancake mix & Syrup
Fork, knife, spoon and spatula
Drinking cup

Camping gear
Tent + Poles
Ground Pad
Pillow
Sleeping bag
Water filter & Backflow cleaner
Water storage bags
Nalgene bottles
WAG bags
Toilet paper
Waste storage container
Hand sanitizer
Shovel
Trash bags
First aid kit
Snake bite kit
Towel
Paper / shop towels