beset and easiest way to get gear in (and keep it in) is to make friends with some of the security at your local venues. Security at most venues are people just like you and me and are there for the music and would love a copy. I know I have made a few of them happy over the years.
Just don't try to make friends with them BEFORE a show you're there to stealth. Do it afterwards if they looked like they had a good time...and to be on the safe side, hand your gear off to someone else prior to talking with security.