BillConner wrote on Jul 29^th, 2013 at 11:18am:

I carry a blue one from REI - I think 2 1/2 top 3 gallons - and primarily use it to bring water to camp.  I found when I started pumping - Katahdyn Hiker Pro - from the bucket I stopped replacing filters.  Just 5 minutes to let it settle.  Also useful for extra dish or rinse water, fire, and occasionally just rinsing gear off.

Great minds do think alike, or maybe we're just both lazy  ;D I am.
All joking aside, I did find it easier. I leave the pump out and primed near a nice sitting place. Just making sure to leave the clean end of the hose in the ditty bag for the pump.
The water does seem to settle out nicely in the bucket too, floating stuff floats and sinking stuff settles. I'm sure it helps the filter last longer too.

Handy for sorting things as I unload a blue barrel.

But I wouldn't try sitting on it.