And spend enough to ensure that it will hold up to the stresses of wilderness camping and keep you completely dry through three solid days of rain. Folks always ask me how I dry my stuff on the trail. All of your gear, and I mean all of it, should be neatly stowed in proper Duluth style packs before you land at the portage. And you should take your lunch breaks on the water, or at a spot away from the portage, at all times. Every day people tell me that they'd like to plan a trip but can't find enough folks that are interested.
Next time try a smaller party.
Take a solo trip for an experience you will never forget. Or come with two, or at the most four, people next time. Your group will be less obtrusive, quieter, and have dramatically less impact on the wilderness environment. Make this part of your ritual. The rope, twist ties, candy wrappers, tent stakes, wet socks, and aluminum foil in the fire pit will be the things the next visitor will remember.